Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Columbia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Deciding to purchase a motorcycle is an important decision because of the risk of being involved in an accident. While most motorcyclists take all precautions to avoid accidents, sometimes other drivers are negligent and fail to properly share the road. If this happens to you, you should consult with a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer to help you with your case and inform you of your options.

How Are Motorcycle Accidents Generally Caused?

There are several causes for motorcycle accidents; some involve collisions with other vehicles, while others do not involve another driver. While in many accidents, it is unclear who is at fault; a substantial amount occurs because of someone else’s negligence. The following list details some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

• Speeding: Speeding is one of the most common causes of automobile accidents. When a driver speeds, their reaction time decreases, but their likelihood of crashing into another vehicle increases. If a speeding driver strikes a motorcyclist, the result can be very harmful and even deadly.
• Unsafe lane changes: It is important for all drivers to check their blind spots and be aware of their surroundings. If a driver neglects to keep sight of their surroundings, they can change lanes without realizing a motorcycle is in their blind spot and cause a crash. Because motorcycles tend to be smaller and more slender, drivers must show extra caution.
• Inattentive or distracted drivers: Distracted driving causes a considerable amount of motor vehicle accidents owing to the usage of smartphones while driving in order to text, send emails, make phone calls, or scroll the Internet. When a driver is inattentive, they put others on the road at risk.
• Unsafe road conditions: Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to accidents caused by unsafe road conditions than other vehicles because of their size and lack of protection. If a motorcycle hits an uneven road, for example, they are more prone to losing control and being involved in an accident.
• Parked car accidents: Sometimes, a motorcycle is hit by the door of a parked car. As a result, the motorcyclist can fall off their bike and be seriously injured. This is why it is important for cars or trucks to ensure a safe distance between their vehicle and the motorcycle while parked.
• Impaired drivers: Impaired driving may involve driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication when not used as directed. Impaired driving is illegal in all 50 states and can result in harsh consequences. If an impaired driver crashes into a motorcyclist, the result can cause serious injury or even death.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Columbia?

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several steps that you should take. First, you should assess your injuries and ensure your safety. If possible, remove your motorcycle from the road to prevent further damage. Then, you should contact the police to file a police report. It is important not to place blame or make accusations at this point. You should stay calm and professional and stick to the facts of the accident.

If you are well enough, you may want to take photos of the accident and collect contact information from any eyewitnesses. This can be used as evidence if you choose to pursue legal action. If you are not well enough or are immobile, your lawyer can help you collect evidence. Next, you should seek immediate medical attention from emergency medical services (EMS). They can assess any critical injuries at the scene and suggest further medical treatment.

Your health and safety should be your number one concern, so once you are cleared medically, you should request a copy of the police report as well as obtain a collision report from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Finally, you should contact a skilled and experienced Columbia personal injury lawyer who is trained to handle motorcycle accidents. It is important to act fast when contacting a lawyer for your optimal chance of success.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident in Columbia, SC?

South Carolina is an at-fault state in terms of automobile accidents, which means whoever caused the accident is also responsible for compensating for damages. Therefore, it is important to be able to prove fault as a plaintiff in a motorcycle accident.

To determine fault, it is important to prove that someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Proving negligence requires four parts — a duty of care, a breach of said duty, the breach caused injury, and the injury caused damages. For example, if the defendant was speeding or unsafely changed lanes, that is negligence. If the defendant was impaired, that is negligence. Finally, if the roads were unsafe because the owner did not repair them, that is negligence.

In order to prove negligence, there must be evidence. Examples of clear and convincing evidence can be photos of the accident and any injuries, video camera footage if available, eyewitness testimony, expert opinion, and police reports. At the scene, the police will likely file a report, and you can file a collision report, which will also help for insurance purposes.

How Can a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Assist Me?

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and emotionally and physically painful. Unlike other motor vehicles, motorcycles do not offer the same protection, leaving them vulnerable to accidents. Additionally, many drivers do not understand the laws for sharing the road with motorcycles and may neglect to take the proper precautions to avoid colliding with them. In any event, the result for motorcyclists can cause life-long damage.

If you are in this situation, consulting with a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer may prove invaluable. A Columbia motorcycle accident attorney can help you reach a fair settlement after your accident. There are several stakeholders involved in these accidents, including the police, insurance companies, and the other driver’s lawyer. A skilled and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can confidently navigate all parties while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Your motorcycle accident attorney in Columbia, SC can negotiate with insurance companies or fight your case in court if it comes to it. Personal injury lawyers understand what a fair settlement is and can ensure you recover losses from medical bills, loss of income, damage to your motorcycle, or even pain and suffering. Although no amount of money can take away your injuries or emotional pain, compensation for your damages can help you get your life back on track.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Motorcycle Accident Laws

Q: How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

A: How much you receive in a motorcycle accident settlement depends on several factors. Among other things, your lawyer’s skill and experience, the extent of your injuries and your healing time, financial losses from replacing your motorcycle or income loss, and the amount of your medical expenses may all be considered. A skilled lawyer may be able to help you understand how much you are able to recover following your accident.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

A: Yes, you should get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident. South Carolina has its own motorcycle accident reporting laws, and your lawyer likely knows these laws inside and out. Your lawyer can also help you collect evidence, walk you through the insurance claim process, and represent you in court if needed.

Q: How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?

A: The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident varies by case. Some cases take longer to settle, while others are settled more quickly. There are several factors that are taken into consideration when determining the length of the case, such as how long it takes to make an insurance claim, the severity and complexity of the case, and your lawyer’s skill and experience, among other factors.

Q: What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

A: If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should not do is discuss fault with anyone following the accident. Blaming someone else immediately after the accident may hamper your case, so it is better to discuss these things with a lawyer first. Instead, what you should do is assess your own injuries, make a police report, and seek medical attention immediately.

Q: What Type of Lawyers Handle Motorcycle Accidents?

A: The lawyers who handle motorcycle accidents are called personal injury lawyers. Personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience needed to litigate cases that involve one party being harmed or injured because of another party’s negligence. They know how to navigate the legal system as well as communicate with all stakeholders involved including insurance companies, the judge, witnesses, etc.

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers at Your Service

We understand that accidents happen, but that doesn’t take away from the pain and suffering our clients may experience after being involved in a motorcycle accident. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you deserve to reach a settlement that can help you get your life back on track. At Deas Law Firm, we are here to stand by you and walk you through the legal process for recovering damages. Contact our firm today for a free consultation; we are at your service.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.