Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Guiding Injured Motorcyclists Through Their Personal Injury Claims

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be one of the scariest experiences possible, as even relatively minor wrecks can result in painful injuries to motorcyclists. If you know this firsthand due to a devastating motorcycle crash, it’s time to seek legal advice from a Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer committed to helping accident victims collect compensation.

When you get legal representation from Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm, you can expect our caring lawyers to provide peace of mind throughout your motorcycle accident case. We understand you’ll have questions about your legal rights as a victim and the amount of financial compensation you’re entitled to, so we’ll be sure to offer the answers you need every step of the way. If you’re ready to learn how our motorcycle accident attorneys in Charleston, SC, can get you a fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company, call our law firm for a free consultation.

What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Charleston, SC?

Like car accidents in Charleston, motorcycle accidents often involve some degree of driver negligence, such as speeding, tailgating, or distracted driving. However, there’s the added issue of motor vehicle drivers finding it more difficult to see motorcycle riders than other vehicles on the road. For this reason, motor vehicle drivers are often at fault for motorcycle accidents, though motorcycle riders and other parties sometimes share the blame depending on the circumstances. This is one detail your Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate during your case, so don’t worry about uncovering the cause of your motorcycle crash on your own when you hire our team.

In general, most Charleston motorcycle accidents are caused by one or more of the following issues:

  • Drunk driving
  • Drugged driving
  • Distracted driving, such as texting or eating
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Fatigued driving
  • Failure to yield the right of way, especially when turning at intersections
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Poor road conditions, such as missing traffic signs and potholes
  • Inclement weather, such as snow, ice, or rain
  • Debris in the road
  • Opening a car door into the path of a motorcycle rider
  • Running stop signs and red lights
  • Defective brakes, tires, or other vehicle parts
  • Poor vehicle maintenance

As an injured motorcycle rider, you won’t be expected to know what exactly caused your motorcycle wreck. You can leave this up to the police, insurance adjusters, and any personal injury attorneys involved in the case. In fact, when you hire a Charleston motorcycle accident attorney, you won’t have to worry about any of the legal details, meaning you can focus on making a full recovery while your legal team works on getting you fair compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

When you hire our Charleston motorcycle accident attorneys for your case, we will get to work investigating who caused the crash, how it occurred, and how much your settlement should be to fully compensate you as the injured victim. If you’re ready to learn more about what to expect from your Charleston motorcycle accident claim, call our law office today to schedule a free consultation with caring attorneys.

Who May Be Liable for Your Charleston Motorcycle Crash?

If you have a good idea of what caused your motorcycle accident, you might think you know who should be liable for the damages. For example, if you saw evidence that the driver who struck you was asleep at the wheel or under the influence of alcohol, bringing a claim against their insurance company might make sense.

However, determining liability for a motorcycle wreck isn’t always straightforward, as there could be more than one at-fault party responsible for paying your claim. This is why you should seek legal help from a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Charleston, SC.

When you contact us for help with the legal process, our lawyers will carefully review the details of the crash by reading the motorcycle accident report, watching video footage from the accident scene, and talking to witnesses. Once we’ve determined who and what caused the motorcycle accident, we will decide if any third parties may also be liable for the wreck.

For instance, if the driver who struck you was driving for work, their employer’s insurance company could be partially liable for the crash. If the driver was impaired, the bar that overserved them could be partly liable, while their vehicle’s manufacturer could be at fault if the brakes on their new car failed and caused them to collide with you.

When you hire our team for your motorcycle accident claim, a Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer will closely examine the details of the crash to determine liability before moving forward with the process of pursuing compensation. Call us today to learn who may be liable for your crash and what to do next as you seek monetary damages.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Charleston Motorcycle Accidents?

Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers know that even a seemingly minor motorcycle crash can leave riders facing life-altering motorcycle accident injuries. Unlike occupants of passenger cars, motorcycle riders have limited protection from the force of impact, making them far more vulnerable in South Carolina motorcycle accidents.

Whether the wreck happens in heavy traffic, at an intersection, or due to distracted driving, motorcycle accident victims often suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and significant time away from work.

If you were hurt in a Charleston motorcycle accident, a skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help you file a motorcycle accident claim, gather crucial medical records, and pursue fair compensation from the insurance company or any other at-fault party. Below are some of the most common injuries reported in motorcycle accident cases, along with why they are so devastating for victims.

Road Rash

When motorcycle riders are thrown across pavement at the accident scene, they may suffer painful abrasions known as road rash. These wounds can result in infections, permanent scarring, and the need for skin grafts. Even when wearing appropriate safety gear, road rash can still occur, and it often leads to long-term emotional distress for victims.

Burns

Fuel leaks, explosions, or contact with hot motorcycle parts can leave riders with severe burns. Burn injuries require immediate medical attention and frequently involve surgeries or skin grafting. They also generate overwhelming medical bills and can serve as the basis for a personal injury claim against negligent drivers or manufacturers.

Broken Bones

Arms, legs, and pelvis fractures are extremely common after motorcycle collisions. These serious injuries can leave an injured rider with long-term mobility issues and the need for extensive medical treatment. In many cases, victims must pursue personal injury lawsuits to recover lost wages and medical expenses.

Organ Damage and Internal Injuries

The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause life-threatening internal bleeding or organ damage. These conditions may not be immediately obvious in the immediate aftermath of a wreck, making it essential to seek medical treatment right away and document the injuries in an accident report.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic outcomes of South Carolina motorcycle accidents. Victims may face paralysis, loss of sensation, or other permanent disabilities. The legal process for pursuing adequate compensation in such cases is complex, but an experienced attorney can help determine liability and advocate for a fair settlement.

Nerve Damage

When nerves are damaged during a motorcycle crash, victims may face chronic pain, weakness, or permanent numbness. These more severe injuries can affect a rider’s ability to work or perform daily tasks, leading to additional claims for lost income and long-term medical care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even with helmets, motorcycle riders are at high risk for head injuries, including TBIs. These more serious injuries can cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and long-term disability. Under South Carolina motorcycle laws, helmets may reduce severity but cannot eliminate the risk. Proving a TBI often requires medical professionals, expert testimony, and detailed medical records in court proceedings.

Paralysis and Amputations

Some motorcycle accident cases result in partial or total paralysis, or limb amputations. These devastating outcomes not only generate overwhelming medical expenses but also permanent lifestyle changes. Victims may require adaptive equipment, lifelong therapy, and legal claims for non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment of life.

Facial and Eye Injuries

Debris, broken glass, or car doors opening into a rider’s path often cause facial trauma, broken noses, or damage to the eyes. These injuries sustained can leave permanent disfigurement, requiring surgeries and reconstructive procedures.

If you’ve suffered any of these motorcycle accident injuries due to negligent driving or someone else’s negligence, you should not face the financial and emotional burden alone. An experienced Charleston motorcycle accident attorney can provide the legal representation you need to pursue compensation, ensure that insurance adjusters take your injury claim seriously, and help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. Call our law firm today for a free legal consultation with our dedicated legal professionals serving Charleston and throughout South Carolina.

What Compensation Can You Recover When You File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

As you recover from your motorcycle accident in Charleston, SC, you might worry about the financial consequences of the crash. This is especially the case as you start to see your bills pile up while you’re out of work and dealing with lost wages due to your serious injuries. If you’re tired of wondering how you’ll be able to afford your medical bills, motorcycle repairs, and regular household bills when you’re unable to work, you should contact us for help with your motorcycle accident lawsuit.

Skilled motorcycle lawyers can get you the maximum compensation for your claim, typically through a combination of economic and non-economic damages. Your total settlement check will depend on the impact the motorcycle accident has had on your life, but it’s helpful to know that most motorcycle accident cases include the following damages:

  • Medical treatment following the accident, such as the ambulance ride, emergency surgery, medical tests, and pain medication
  • Future medical expenses that might include surgery, rehabilitation, assistive medical devices, and home health care
  • Lost wages to make up for the income you missed out on earning while recovering from your injuries
  • Loss of future earning capacity if you have more severe injuries that prohibit you from earning sufficient income in the future
  • Property damage, allowing you to afford the costs of fixing or replacing your motorcycle, helmet and other motorcycle gear, cell phone, and any other property that was damaged in the crash
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Your lawyer will consider the details of your motorcycle collision, including the severity of your injuries and the cost of the associated bills, before calculating fair compensation for your personal injury lawsuit. In general, you should get enough compensation to pay for all expenses, as well as make up for the inconvenience and emotional pain that comes with being injured in a motorcycle accident.

If you lost a close family member in a deadly motorcycle accident in Charleston, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our legal team can assist with this process, making sure you’re compensated for the economic and non-economic damages of a fatal accident. These usually include funeral and burial expenses, hospital bills, property damage, lost wages, loss of companionship, and more.

At our Charleston, SC, law firm, we believe families should have the chance to focus on grieving their lost loved one, not worrying about how to pay the bills associated with their sudden loss. Call us to initiate your lawsuit against the liable insurance company.

What Should You Know Before You File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Charleston?

If this is the first personal injury lawsuit in Charleston you’ve considered filing, it’s vital to understand this state’s laws when it comes to motorcycle accident claims.

First, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury, with some exceptions. For example, if you bring a claim against a government agency, you only have two years to initiate legal action. Of course, the sooner you take the first steps toward a claim, the better, since witness testimony and other evidence can be harder to access after several months have passed. This is why you should contact an attorney as soon as you can, preferably right after you seek medical attention for your injuries.

Another essential piece of information to know about claims in Charleston, SC, is that you can typically still collect compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the motorcycle accident. This is because the state uses the modified comparative fault system, which states that you can pursue damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by the amount of fault you’re considered to have. So, if the insurance company finds that you’re 30% to blame for the accident, you’ll get 70% of the compensation you’re entitled to.

Your Charleston, SC, lawyer will answer any questions you have about what to expect from your motorcycle accident lawsuit, including what deadlines may be involved in your case and how much compensation you’re likely to collect. Call our law office today for a free consultation with our caring attorneys if you’re ready to get started on the legal process with our help.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Charleston Help You?

When you hire Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm for your Charleston motorcycle accident claim, you can count on our team to guide you through every step of pursuing a fair settlement from the insurance company. We’ll consider all the evidence – from photos and videos to witness testimony and medical records – before establishing liability and adding up your rightful compensation.

Whether a Charleston motorcycle accident caused painful head injuries for you or took the life of a loved one, you should not be responsible for the devastating aftermath of a crash you did not cause.

Our lawyers understand the importance of making sure you get every penny you deserve from the insurance company so you’re not in debt as you recover. That’s why you can rest assured we’ll work hard on your behalf as we negotiate the total settlement you can expect at the end of your case.

We want you to have the chance to follow your long-term medical treatment plan or heal at home rather than focus on evidence and other legal details that could affect your claim. If you’re ready to leave the complexities of your case to compassionate, skilled motorcycle accident lawyers, call 803-770-0769 to schedule a free consultation with our Charleston, SC, legal team.