The Jeffcoat Firm fully understands how serious a motorcycle accident can be. Riders and passengers have nothing to protect them from getting hurt. Some riders get thrown from the bike, while others get dragged for hundreds of feet or get pinned between vehicles or other objects. These catastrophic injuries can leave people permanently disabled and unable to work and support themselves. The emotional and psychological toll can be severe as well.
For those in South Carolina who seek compensation to help them to recover from their motorcycle injuries, The Jeffcoat firm is here to help. With decades of experience, we know what it takes to make careless drivers and their insurance companies pay. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
While there are practically limitless ways people can be injured in a motorcycle wreck, these are among the most common ones that we see in Columbia, Lexington and surrounding areas in South Carolina:
Head and Brain Injuries
South Carolina Helmet law allows adult riders and passengers to choose whether to wear a helmet, while those under 21 must do so at all times. Still, it is always a good idea to wear a helmet. Head injuries are some of the most common causes of fatalities for motorcyclists. Yet, even when you wear a helmet, you can still suffer severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) such as a concussion or worse.
Broken Bones
Given the lack of structural protection that motorcycle riders and passengers have, it doesn’t take much of an impact for them to suffer broken bones and complex fractures in a collision. These injuries are especially common in cases where riders are pinned, or when they must lay down their bikes. Ankle and foot fractures are common as are hand, wrist and shoulder fractures.
Loss of Limbs
Amputations of toes, feet and fingers frequently result from motorcycle wrecks. These injuries often happen when extremities are torn, broken or smashed by the motorcycle or by the other vehicle involved. For this reason, riders should always wear supportive and protective boots. They should never wear flip flops. Sturdy gloves are a good idea, too.
Burns and Road Rash
When a rider lays down the bike, it can lead to an unbelievably painful injury. The motorcycle may be traveling at highway speeds. So, once the rider is knocked off the bike, he or she is going to continue traveling at a high rate of speed and skid along the pavement, leaving terrible burns all over the body. These injuries can leave permanent scars.
Neck Injuries
The impact of hitting the pavement or a solid object like a car or sign can also cause serious injuries to the cervical spine. A neck injury can be as simple as a minor strain and sprain. It can also be something more serious like a disc herniation or even permanent damage to the vertebrae. The injury may require a multi-level cervical disc fusion, discectomy or other complex and expensive surgical procedure.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage is one of the most severe injuries a person can suffer. Unfortunately, it is a highly common injury in motorcycle accidents. A spinal cord injury can leave a person with paralysis at and below the point of damage. Some victims are left paralyzed and wheelchair-bound for life, while many require assistance with breathing and performing basic activities of daily living. These types of injuries can have a widespread impact on an entire family.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Due to road rash, fractures, amputations and similar permanent injuries, some motorcycle riders and passengers are left with lifelong scars. South Carolina law allows you to be compensated for disfigurement and scarring.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In addition to physical wounds, some people suffer from psychological scars, too, in motorcycle crashes. Many riders and passengers are unable to return to riding due to PTSD and other related disorders.
Preventing Motorcycle Accident-Related Injuries
As a rider, you can only do so much to prevent crashes. You certainly cannot control negligent drivers on the road who fail to see you or entirely disregard your rights. Still, here are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of being seriously hurt in a crash:
- Slow down. The faster you travel, the harder it is to stop or react to a sudden and unexpected action by another driver.
- Get training. Even the most experienced riders can benefit from regular training. It is a good idea to take a refresher course at least every five to seven years, as it can serve as a reminder about good safety practices. When we ride, we tend to get comfortable and forget our training.
- Stay sober. Never ride intoxicated. It slows your response and reaction time, impairs your judgment and exponentially increases your risk of being killed in a crash.
- Wear the right gear. Don’t wear polyester and other synthetic materials that can melt to your skin. Wear natural fibers like leather, jeans or rugged and durable materials that will hold your joints intact and not shred upon contact with pavement. Wear a helmet and make sure your bike is legal.
In order to stay safe on the road, we also recommend being familiar with South Carolina motorcycle license laws.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash in South Carolina, The Jeffcoat Firm will seek maximum compensation for your injuries, including:
- Lost income and wages
- Costly medical care
- Future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress.
We will work hard to identify all negligent parties, their insurance companies and any umbrella or commercial coverage that may apply. In some cases, a defective helmet or a motorcycle or automotive defect like bad brakes may have played a role in causing the crash. Whatever the case may be, our team of devoted and experienced legal professionals will tirelessly pursue your claim.
Get Help from Our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you recently suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash in South Carolina, The Jeffcoat Firm can meet with you to discuss your case free of charge. If you cannot travel to meet with us, we are available for home, hospital, evening and weekend appointments. Contact us today to learn more about how our motorcycle accident lawyers near you can help you.
