As a motorcyclist, you understand the thrill and freedom that comes with riding on the open road. However, you also know the risks involved, especially when other drivers fail to respect your rights on the road. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a dedicated Spartanburg motorcycle accident lawyer to help you secure fair compensation.
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our experienced Spartanburg personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to bringing you results that matter.
Our trusted Thumbs Up Guys provide a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case so that you’ll know beforehand the value of your claim and what to expect throughout the legal process.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Spartanburg
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, take the right steps to protect your rights.
- First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
- Next, if possible, gather evidence at the scene. This can include taking photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. Also, get contact information from any witnesses.
- Finally, contact a Spartanburg catastrophic injury lawyer immediately if your injuries are so severe that you’ll need assistance gathering evidence. In general, the sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
The Distinct Obstacles of Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accidents often involve unique factors that aren’t present in other types of vehicle accidents. These can include issues related to lane splitting, helmet laws, and the inherent vulnerability of motorcyclists. Our Spartanburg auto accident lawyers have distinct knowledge to handle these unique aspects of your case, including the following complexities:
Severity of Injuries for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcyclists lack the protective shell that cars provide, making them more susceptible to severe injuries in the event of an accident. These injuries can range from fractures and road rash to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. The severity of these injuries often leads to extensive medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, and, sometimes, permanent disability.
Bias Against Motorcyclists
Unfortunately, there is often a bias against motorcyclists, with many people perceiving them as reckless or risk-takers. This bias can influence insurance adjusters, jurors, and even law enforcement, potentially impacting the outcome of your case. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can counteract this bias, presenting clear evidence to demonstrate the other party’s fault.
Various Degrees of Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be challenging. In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault, including other drivers, manufacturers of faulty motorcycle parts, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Our Spartanburg motorcycle accident attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation with an accident reconstructionist to hold all liable parties accountable.
The High Settlement Value of a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Case
As previously mentioned, motorcyclists have a higher risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries in an accident. While there is no dollar amount assigned to each injury type, severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment usually lead to a larger payout. With the help of a motorcycle collision attorney in Spartanburg, you’ll get an accurate assessment of your claim value.
Generally, the following injuries are present in a motorcycle accident:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the impact of a collision can cause severe brain injuries, leading to long-term cognitive issues or even permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting your quality of life.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a motorcycle accident often results in fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Road Rash: This occurs when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement, causing severe skin abrasions that can lead to infections and scarring.
- Internal Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs, which can be life-threatening.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of a motorcycle accident can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
As a result, the following factors are typically included in a motorcycle accident settlement:
- Medical Expenses: This includes both current and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and the resulting injuries.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing the motorcycle and any other damaged property is typically included in the settlement.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant as precedence.
Every case is unique, and the specific factors included in a settlement can vary.
Don’t Let the Filing Deadline Expire – Contact a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now
In South Carolina, motorcycle accident victims only have a limited window of time to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is typically three years from the date of the incident, meaning if you don’t pursue legal action quickly, you could lose your right to recover a settlement.
While you are recovering from your wreck, see why we are called the Thumbs Up Guys and let our Spartanburg motorcycle accident lawyers manage your claim. We provide thorough legal support, compassionate and professional case management, and transparent communication for the duration of your case. Contact us today and begin with a free case review.