Riders will tell you there’s no experience quite like being on a motorcycle.
One major downside to motorcycle riding is that it can be dangerous. Motorcycles are small and sometimes drivers on the road don’t pay enough attention and may cause serious accidents and injuries.
Other cars and riders have a duty to keep you safe. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s bad behavior on the road, you may deserve compensation. Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers serve Blythewood & all of South Carolina and they stand ready to help you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accident
There are many reasons why a motorcycle accident may occur. Here are some of the most common.
Following too Closely: Drivers should leave extra room when driving behind motorcyclists.
Falling into Blind Spots: Because bikes are small, it’s easy for them to fall into the driver’s blind spot if they are not paying attention. If a car tries to turn or get over without seeing a bike, they could end up sideswiping the motorcycle or run them off the road.
Debris in the Road: Debris in the road is dangerous for any driver but can be even more so for motorcycles. The small tires and light weight of the bike makes it more sensitive to bumps. If a bike runs into debris, it may overturn and throw the rider into the road.
Illegal Driving Behavior: When cars speed, fail to use turn signals, or do not obey traffic signs they can put a motorcyclist at risk. When drivers are drunk, fatigued or distracted they also could present very real dangers to motorcycle riders.
What are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can be quite severe. Here are some injuries that may be sustained.
Road Burn: After a motorcyclist is hit, he or she may drag along the road producing road burn. Road burn can cause infection, tissue damage, and scarring.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A motorcycle crash can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) like a concussion that causes ongoing cognitive issues. Even if you do wear a helmet, you may sustain severe injuries to head.
Broken Bones: It is common for motorcyclists to break bones when they are in an accident. Broken bones may require surgery and cause ongoing pain.
Amputations: If injuries to a limb are bad enough, amputation may be necessary.
Spinal Cord Injuries: A motorcycle accident can result in a spinal cord injury that leads to nerve damage. It may also leave riders paralyzed and unable to walk or move.
Internal Organ Damage: If internal organs are injured during an accident, it could result in a fatality.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to receive compensation for the following damages:
Lost Wages: Motorcycle accident injuries can keep you from returning to work. You may be forced to take a lower paying position if you are no longer able to perform the duties of your current job. At fault parties should have to compensate you for any wages lost due to your injuries.
Medical Expenses: Medical expenses include those incurred just after the accident as well as ongoing expenses to cover things like in home nursing, prosthetics, wheelchair ramps, medication, and more.
Emotional and Physical Pain and Suffering: Accident injuries can reduce your quality of life.
Punitive Damages: If the accident happened due to a drivers very reckless actions, punitive damages may be awarded. This is compensation that is given to the injured rider. Punitive damages can serve as a penalty to the reckless driver meant to discourage them and others from acting that way again.
Wrongful Death: If injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident end up being fatal, the defendant may be responsible for compensating the victim’s family for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income due to the decedent no longer being able to contribute to the family financially, and emotional suffering.
Why Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers may be the very Best Choice for Your South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
A motorcycle accident can result in extensive damages. It’s important to have a lawyer representing you so that the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers has a Blythewood, South Carolina office and has a team of personal injury lawyers that are ready to help with your motorcycle accident case.
Don’t let a driver’s carelessness rob you of your ability to enjoy life. Contact Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to get your life back.
If you are considering getting a motorcycle, be sure to read up on the South Carolina motorcycle license requirements before making a decision.
