Many injuries can occur from a motorcycle accident. Some are common, like road rash and broken bones. Other injuries can be more severe and life-altering or even fatal.
Suppose you have recently been injured on a motorcycle. In that case, you might need the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer to sort out how to cover the medical bills and damages resulting from your crash. An attorney who understands motorcycle accidents can help you build a strong motorcycle accident case.
Injuries Commonly Found Among Motorcycle Accident Victims
When you ride a motorcycle, you are vulnerable. If a negligent driver causes an accident, your injuries can be severe. According to the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Thoracic injuries
- Face or neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Upper and lower extremity injuries
These injuries may range from severe road rash, fractured ribs, or lacerations to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal cord damage.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 123 motorcycle fatalities occurred in South Carolina in 2019. If you want to avoid becoming part of this statistic, we encourage you to follow these safety tips.
Be Cautious at Intersections
When you approach an intersection, be especially mindful. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 70 percent of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Slow down, look both ways, and be aware of your surroundings; it could save your life.
Wear a Helmet and Other Protective Gear
Some of the most severe motorcycle accident injuries are head injuries. According to the NHTSA, wearing a proper helmet can greatly reduce the odds of suffering a life-threatening head injury.
Current South Carolina regulations (S.C. Ann. § 56-5-3660) require all motorcycle riders under 21 to wear helmets. Helmet use is optional for those over 21. However, it is highly recommended that all motorcycle riders wear them for safety reasons.
In addition to your head, the rest of your body is also vulnerable in a crash. Wearing protective clothing can help prevent some injuries. Reflective clothing can also help other drivers see you on the road better. A good pair of jeans or even chaps might prevent road rash. What you wear really matters!
Protect Your Eyes
When riding a motorcycle, you must protect your eyes from the wind, dirt, insects, debris, and rocks. You don’t want your vision to tear up and become blurry while on the road. When a vehicle passes you, anything can fly off the road and hit your eyes—so it is better to be safe.
If your helmet does not have a face shield, wear shatterproof goggles or glasses with a scratch-free coating and good ventilation to prevent fog build-up. Only wear clear lenses after dusk to ensure you can see well. Sunglasses are great for bright days, but wearing them at night can be harmful.
Schiller & Hamilton Has a Record of Success With Motorcycle Accident Victims
At Schiller & Hamilton, we take pride in helping our clients recover damages for their losses after motorcycle wrecks or other personal injury accidents. Some of our recent Google reviews reveal how our clients feel about our services:
- “I have used Schiller & Hamilton law firm multiple times over the last 15 years. Joel has done an incredible job at not only helping with my needs but going beyond in showing he cares about his clients. I have sent [too] many people to count to seek his [assistance] and they all explained how good he was [to] them. It is not just business but a lasting relationship/friendship. I would recommend Schiller & Hamilton to anybody over any other law firm.” – Freeman W.
- “I have been going to Joel for over ten years, and I have always had a great experience. The customer service is amazing, and his work ethic is unmatched. Joel is honest and goes out of his way to help his clients. I have comfort knowing that whenever I need help, Joel is just one phone call away.” – Jocelyn W.
- “Treated me like family. Professional and took all the worry and paperwork from me and let me just worry about getting better. Checked on me even after case was over. Joel and Dana were great. The whole staff was super friendly.” – Frank M.
Where Can I Go for Help If I’m in A Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can cause life-altering and sometimes fatal injuries. You might want to call a personal injury attorney if you have been injured in such an accident.
Our lawyers at Schiller & Hamilton have represented motorcycle accident victims in South Carolina for over 20 years. If you need help filing an insurance claim or taking a negligent driver to court, we are here for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discover what your case may be worth.