Sumter Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Sumter Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Sumter’s scenic views attract recreational and commuting motorcyclists along our city’s roads and highways. Most drivers are careful about sharing the road with two-wheel riders, but negligence or misconduct by a car or truck driver can lead to an accident and the need for a Sumter motorcycle accident lawyer.

With the help of a Sumter personal injury lawyer, you can hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. Through a settlement or jury award, you can receive financial compensation for your injuries and any other costs that you incurred as the result of the vehicle collision.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders are some of the safest drivers on the road. They are well aware that the slightest loss of focus could spell disaster. As cautious as they are, any driver on the road could collide with a motorcyclist or force the bike off the road. The same general causes of car accidents can lead to a motorcycle collision.

Distracted driving is a significant factor in many accidents. When a driver loses focus on driving, they place themselves and others in grave danger. Smartphones are a leading cause of distracted driving these days. Texting, emailing, or messaging on a phone could lead a driver to hit a nearby motorcyclist or force them off the road. Motorcycle riders can receive catastrophic injuries like broken ribs, neck injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Excessive speed is another factor that can cause a motorcycle accident. Speed increases the chances of an accident for multiple reasons. Vehicles are less stable at high speeds, and speed reduces the time someone has to make quick adjustments to avoid objects on the road or changing traffic patterns.

The combination of distracted driving and speeding can prove even more dangerous for motorcyclists. A driver who takes their eyes off the road even for a few seconds travels hundreds of feet while effectively blind.

Impairment can also cause a motorcycle accident. Using drugs or alcohol while driving can dramatically affect your ability to drive safely. Even a driver on prescription drugs might become impaired while driving. The driver under the influence could face both criminal and civil consequences for their actions.

No matter how or why someone causes a motorcycle accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for the damage and bodily harm they cause.

What Do I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The immediate aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming and unpredictable. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle collision caused by another driver, take immediate steps to ensure your safety.

Move to a safe location away from any ongoing traffic hazards, then call 911. Allow emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to thoroughly evaluate you for any potential bodily injuries, as prompt medical attention may be necessary. When you are in shock, you may not be able to tell that you are injured. The medics who evaluate you may recommend that you go directly to a hospital.

Once your health is no longer a concern, request a copy of the police report detailing the incident. This report can provide crucial documentation for insurance purposes and legal proceedings. You have the right to request a more comprehensive collision report from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, which can offer further insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Then, find a seasoned personal injury attorney who is experienced with motorcycle accidents. You can ask your friends, family, and colleagues for personal recommendations or look online for a well-rated attorney. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of filing insurance claims and, if necessary, represent your interests in court.

An experienced lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. Taking proactive steps early on can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the support you need during this challenging time.

How Is Fault Determined?

Following a motorcycle accident in Sumter, South Carolina, there are multiple parties who have an interest in determining who is at fault for causing the accident. The insurance companies involved may conduct their own investigation and inquiry into the matter. Any attorney representing a party tied to the accident also has an interest in defending their client by investigating the circumstances that led to an accident.

The police who respond to the scene of the accident will issue some type of report that may describe who they believe is likely at fault for causing the accident. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles may also issue a collision report.

When it comes to determining the outcomes of a personal injury lawsuit, the job of a motorcycle accident lawyer is to show the court that it is more likely than not that the defendant is at fault. An attorney can use many forms of evidence (photos, witness testimony, police reports) to make their legal arguments.

What Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

An attorney can perform many important tasks while you recover from your injuries. One of the first forms of compensation often comes from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Drivers are required to maintain automobile insurance, and any at-fault driver is financially liable for any bodily injury and physical damage they cause.

Negotiating with an insurance company may sound straightforward, but insurance companies often try to avoid taking responsibility for their policy holder’s actions. Your attorney can gather evidence to make sure it is clear who is at fault. Your lawyer also brings experience in calculating what a fair settlement looks like.

Compensation for your injuries should cover your medical bills, lost wages while you recover, and other forms of financial loss. Sometimes, a lawyer is able to help their client receive compensation for emotional injuries they received as a result of an accident.

There are times when car insurance settlements do not cover all of the costs that result from an automobile collision. Or the misconduct on the part of the driver may be so egregious that further legal action is called for. Your lawyer can review the facts of your case to see if they warrant filing a lawsuit.

The majority of civil lawsuits end through settlement. When both parties cannot come to an agreement over how to settle the case, that leaves the option of taking the matter before a jury or judge during a trial.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

A: Motorcycle accident settlements, like other personal injury cases, are based largely on the extent of the victim’s injuries, which can be both physical and emotional. Medical bills are often a significant factor when determining what a fair settlement offer would be. Your attorney can calculate an appropriate figure based on the specifics of your motorcycle accident.

Q: Should I Negotiate Directly With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company?

A: Insurance companies are in the game of making profits. They do not often have your interests at heart. If you decide to communicate with the other driver’s insurance company, you risk being tricked into settling for less than you are owed. Information you give the insurance company could be used to make it look like you are at fault for causing the accident. A skilled personal injury lawyer like Attorney Garryl L. Deas has years of experience working with insurance companies.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in SC?

A: Every motorcycle accident case is unique. While there is no straightforward way to determine an average settlement in South Carolina, minor injuries and vehicle damage typically lead to lower settlements, while serious bodily injury or wrongful death claims result in higher settlements due to extensive medical costs and emotional distress. Various factors influence the final settlement amount, including injury severity and property damage.

Q: How Long Will My Case Take to Settle?

A: On the shorter end of any potential timeline, your personal injury case could settle relatively quickly if the defendant offers a fair settlement offer early on in the negotiation process or in response to your lawyer’s demand letter. If the defendant refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, the court case could take several months or potentially even years to settle.

Q: What Do I Do If There Is a Motorcycle Accident?

A: After any vehicle accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. Once you can safely do so, call 911 and wait for police and EMS to arrive. Collect contact information from everyone involved in the accident and request a copy of the police report. As soon as you are able, meet with an attorney to see if you have a strong case against the at-fault driver.

Schedule Your Sumter Motorcycle Accident Consultation Today

Motorcycle accidents can have life-changing consequences for the injured parties. South Carolina’s laws require the at-fault party to take financial responsibility for their negligence. Receiving compensation from insurance companies can be challenging without the help of a personal injury lawyer.

If further legal action is warranted, your attorney can look into filing a personal injury lawsuit. The attorneys at Deas Law Firm can help you receive the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

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.