The proven South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help you through the confusion and strain that follow a serious motorcycle accident. Respect and compassion are what you will get from our lawyers and staff. Since 1968 we have helped injured people like you recover not just the money and benefits they deserve, but also their lives.
Let us help you, too. Just Call Joye. You can reach us at (888) 324-3100 or fill out an online form for a free case review.
Experience Counts
The proven personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm are committed to our clients. With more than 110 years of combined litigation experience, the South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm have received an AV rating from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell, and several have been recognized as Super Lawyers.
Our personal injury lawyers have a track record of getting results for our clients, including a $5.9 million settlement for a client who suffered brain injuries in an auto wreck, a $1.15 million settlement for the family of a man killed in a car accident and a $500,000 verdict for a man whose back was injured in a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Carolina Motorcycle Accidents
How popular are motorcycles as a mode of transportation?
In 2009, there were approximately 7.1 million registered motorcycles in the United States, according to federal data. And that number is growing. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that motorcycles are becoming more prevalent on the roads because they are cheaper to buy, provide recreational pleasure and, for some models, offer better fuel efficiency. As gas prices rise, more people are opting to use their motorcycles for transportation, even in the colder winter months. Those factors, combined with ever-increasing amounts of traffic on the roads, increase the likelihood of serious motorcycle accidents.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to many of the same dangers faced by other motorists, such as drunk or distracted drivers. The South Carolina Highway Patrol notes that many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, particularly in cases where the other vehicle is making a left-hand turn. In those cases, the at-fault driver may fail to see the motorcycle or misjudge its speed. Accidents also happen when drivers do not check their “blind spot” or when visibility is blocked by obstacles such as road signs, construction or other vehicles. Defective motorcycle equipment or road conditions may also contribute to serious or deadly crashes.
Are serious injuries more common in motorcycle accidents than in auto crashes?
Yes. The number of motorcycle crash-related fatalities has more than doubled during the past 10 years, according to a 2010 NHTSA study. Motorcycles provide little physical protection from harm when collisions occur, making riders and passengers more prone to head trauma, back and neck injuries, burns and other serious injuries.
Does South Carolina have a helmet law?
Yes. South Carolina law requires persons who are under the age of 21 to wear motorcycle helmets and protective eyewear, and the helmet must have reflectors on both sides. But sadly, not everyone follows the law. In 2009, 108 people were killed in motorcycle crashes in South Carolina. Of that number, the majority – 82 people – were not wearing helmets.
I was in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina and I’m under 21, but I was not wearing a helmet. Can I still file a legal claim?
Yes. Just because you did not follow the state’s helmet law doesn’t mean you won’t be able to recover damages for your injuries. However, not wearing the helmet may affect the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive. Speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney like the ones at the Joye Law Firm can help answer your questions about potential recoveries.
Can I still sue if I am partially at fault for my motorcycle accident?
Yes. South Carolina law operates under a modified comparative fault system, which means that you can still collect damages from another at-fault party, as long as you were less than 51 percent to blame.
More Questions? Contact Joye’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been seriously injured in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, you can count on the committed attorneys at the Joye Law Firm to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Just call Joye at (888) 324-3100 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.
The Joye Law Firm has offices in Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Our lawyers can handle cases across South Carolina, including Florence, Richland County, Orangeburg, Columbia, Horry County (including Conway and North Myrtle Beach), North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville.
