Motorcycles don’t offer the same protections, so injuries resulting from a crash are often severe and can even lead to loss of life in the worst cases. You don’t have to deal with the fallout alone. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Columbia can help you file a claim for compensation.
If you were hurt in an accident due to someone else’s negligent behavior, finding a Columbia personal injury lawyer is essential to recovering from the accident. The legal team at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward is here to assist you in obtaining the highest settlement possible.
You can discuss your legal situation by calling or completing our online contact form.
What Compensation Can You Get After a Motorcycle Crash?
Motorcycle accident victims in South Carolina have the right to pursue both monetary and non-monetary damages. Commonly recoverable damages include:
Medical Expenses
Motorcycle crashes often lead to severe injuries, including road rash, spinal cord injuries (SCIs), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and injuries to internal organs. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you get funds to cover all current and future medical care.
Lost Wages
A personal injury attorney can help you secure compensation for your lost income and diminished earning potential. The Thumbs Up Guys know that you may face long-term impairment after a motorcycle crash, especially if you sustained catastrophic injuries.
Property Damage
Our team can help you seek funds to cover the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement through a motorcycle accident claim. We’ll include these losses as we calculate a fair settlement for your losses.
Non-Economic Losses
Your lawyer may focus on the emotional pain and mental anguish caused by your accident, factoring these expenses into your claim for compensation. Motorcycle drivers may also receive punitive damages in some situations.
Punitive damages act as a way to punish the negligent driver and do not apply in all cases. Your Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer can assess your situation and provide more information.
The best method to comprehend your legal entitlement to compensation is to have a consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can examine the particulars of your case.
How to Handle Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
The moments after a motorcycle wreck can be painful, confusing, and overwhelming. Many people wonder what they should do after a motorcycle accident. We recommend that you:
Use Caution When Speaking to Insurance Companies
The insurance adjuster handling your claim can work against you. The adjuster’s main objective is to ensure that the insurance company pays as little money as possible.
The insurance adjuster will try to convince you to admit fault to lower the value of your claim. The experts recommend allowing your lawyer to handle all legal communication.
Get Your Medical Records Organized
To receive compensation for your injuries, you must demonstrate their full extent. You will have to provide a variety of medical proof. Organize all paperwork about your treatment, and no matter what you do, always abide by your doctor’s orders!
Consult a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You should contact a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible following a crash. Motorcycle laws differ from those that apply to other types of vehicles, so it’s worth getting a lawyer experienced in motorcycle accidents to review your case.
How Will a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Investigate?
We collect evidence to demonstrate that the other party’s negligence caused your injury to strengthen your claim for compensation. We show that the collision directly caused your injuries.
Our team may:
- Interview all eyewitnesses for their statements
- Get documents from medical experts to confirm your injuries
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report
- Visit the scene of your collision
- Look for photos or videos that show the accident
We may investigate accidents involving drunk driving, distracted driving, and reckless driving. We can help you build a personal injury claim for maximum compensation by finding the at-fault party and working aggressively on your behalf.
We know how fault is proven after a motorcycle accident and can share the information with you.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Understanding some of the most typical reasons for motorcycle collisions might assist in identifying the responsible party and preventing future accidents. Here are some of the circumstances that cause motorbike accidents so frequently in Columbia:
Drunk Drivers
Due to their impairment, drunk drivers may not see motorcycles. Alcohol-impaired riders on motorcycles are also dangerous on the road.
Turning Left
Negligent drivers may not fully inspect their surroundings before turning to the left. Other drivers may miss motorcyclists if they’re not paying close attention because they are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road.
Tailgating
A motorcycle rider may be unable to stop fast if they follow another vehicle too closely. They can run into the car or lose control of their bike.
Splitting Lanes
Although it is against the law to split lanes in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 56-5-3640(c)), there are times when it may be necessary to do so to keep yourself and others safe.
If you can demonstrate that you were not the main cause of the accident and that you acted to prevent severe damage, you may still be eligible for compensation if you were involved in an accident while lane splitting.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving frequently causes motorbike collisions, and phone use while driving is a leading contributor to these collisions. We can investigate the other driver’s phone records to see if distracted driving contributed to the collision.
Numerous different scenarios can result in a motorcycle collision. It’s critical to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer for advice because deciding liability will significantly impact your ability to recover.
Why Pick Us After a Motorcycle Crash?
We are locally known as “The Thumbs Up Guys” around Columbia and the surrounding areas because we obtain favorable case results. We take pride in easing the burden of acquiring proof to support your case and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
Thanks to our legal background and experience, we have developed strong working relationships with judges and opposing counsel. We hope to earn your trust to represent your case.
We know how to handle settlement negotiations and aren’t afraid to help with a lawsuit in South Carolina. Our law firm believes in putting you first and holding the negligent party responsible for your economic and noneconomic losses.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Motorcycle operators are subject to a statute of limitations of three years from their accident to file a claim under S.C. Code § 15-3-530, so move swiftly. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can keep your claim moving and provide information about your specific deadline.
Take Charge With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Columbia
A motorcycle collision may result in significant property damage and life-altering injuries. If you are unsure what to do about your current predicament, contact us for a free case review. A Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer can answer all your questions.
The Thumbs Up Guys can answer your questions and take charge of all your legal needs.