The Motorcycle Awareness Alliance (MAA) is calling for increased safety and awareness among motorists given the rising death toll of bikers this year. According to South Carolina Highway Patrol, motorcycle accident fatalities are significantly up this year, with at least 97 deaths reported. This same time last year, only 68 motorcycle crash fatalities had been logged.
This upstate alliance, with chapters in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Laurens and Oconee, is trying everything within their power to get these numbers down, and remind drivers with the message “Look Twice, Save a Life.” MAA President, Rick “Ponytail” Allison says he has lost too many friends to preventable accidents, which reverberate strongly throughout their tight-knit community.
“We’re a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a grandma or a grandpa. We all have family and one way or another it effects us all,” Allison told reporters at WSPA-TV.
“Look twice, save a life” banners posted
Yellow “Look Twice, Save a Life” banners are posted throughout South Carolina, which Allison and others hope will save lives. Posted on buildings, billboards and roadways, these signs may account for a lower motorcycle accident rate in Anderson, SC, according to Allison, though members are trying their best to put signs out whenever possible.
On September 13, the MAA and the Homeland Park fire department teamed up for a motorcycle awareness run and poker game, held at Anderson’s Sunset Grill. The event and others like it help raise money and awareness for the alliance and its cause. The funds raised from the MAA have been used to buy radio ads, TV commercials, banners, bumper stickers and signs.
The alliance hopes to reach out to local high schools soon, educating teenage drivers to be more aware of bikers on the streets.
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident
Though motorcyclists enjoy unique freedoms on the road, they are also at greater risk for serious injury. In fact, statistics show that bikers are 26 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a crash compared to individuals in a vehicle or SUV. Injuries are often life-threatening and may result in amputation, paralysis, traumatic brain injury or even death.
Similar to the majority of motor vehicle accident cases, motorcycle claims are generally determined by the legal theory of negligence. Motorists who fail to obey traffic laws or are otherwise negligent may be held legally responsible if their actions result in personal injury or death.
Examples of motorist negligence include:
- Improper passing
- Excessive speeding
- Left hand turn without looking
- Failure to yield right of way
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
However, bikers who are partially to blame for the accident may still have a valid claim for compensation, though the settlement or award may be reduced.
Motorcycle accident victims in SC have legal rights
If you or a loved one are in need of sound legal advice, and would like to partner with an experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer, call The Jeffcoat Firm for a free and confidential case review.
Known for his expert trial skills and significant settlements, The Jeffcoat Firm is available to answer all questions and won’t accept a dime until you are rightfully compensated for your injuries. Call (803) 200-2000 to schedule your case review today!
