Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near You

Joye Law Firm Case Study: Rock Hill Highway Collision, Lancaster County

Here is a real-life case that demonstrates the significant impact of strong representation from Joye Law Firm. In October, a 35-year-old motorcycle rider from Edgemoor was traveling west on Rock Hill Highway (SC-5), headed home after work. He stopped for groceries and stored them on his 2012 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. He always wore a full-face helmet, eye protection, and other gear. Despite these precautions, a Buick SUV turning onto SEC‑385 failed to yield, cutting into his path. The rider struck the SUV’s passenger side at around 45 mph. He was thrown about 20 yards and found by EMS bleeding and in severe pain.

He was so bad off that EMS airlifted him to a trauma center. He had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 9, signifying a traumatic brain injury and also suffered a fractured wrist, subdural hematoma, broken ribs, and spinal fractures. CT and MRI scans showed spinal canal stenosis and nerve compression. He underwent surgery and started inpatient rehab at Carolinas Rehabilitation. He needed 24/7 care for dressing, walking, speech, memory, and swallowing. It would be a long, hard road to recovery.

Facing medical bills exceeding $370,000 and sudden loss of income, the victim’s family knew they need help and contacted Joye Law Firm. Attorney Sydney Lynn and Case Manager Jamie Ross secured a $1.35 million settlement by asserting liability, proving damages, and negotiating with multiple insurers. Thankfully, the story has a happy ending. After a physical recovery that was nothing short of a medical miracle and a monetary recovery that secured his future, our client has since been able to return to riding.

How Our Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Build Strong Motorcycle Accident Cases

At Joye Law Firm, we take a careful, step‑by‑step approach when handling motorcycle accident cases.

1. Our team moves quickly to document the accident scene. We gather photos of damage, skid marks, vehicle positions, and road signs.
2. We interview drivers involved and witnesses, collect statements, and preserve any available surveillance or dashcam footage. Early action ensures that critical evidence remains intact.
3. We obtain detailed medical documentation by tracking injuries from motorcycle accidents.
4. We collect medical records, invoices, therapy notes, and opinions from medical professionals. These documents demonstrate the extent and impact of injuries, and they help calculate future care needs and expenses.
5. We then prepare a comprehensive damage summary. This includes past and projected medical costs, rehab, lost income and earning potential, repair or replacement of your motorcycle, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering.
6. To establish fault, we construct a liability case using witness testimony, police reports, reconstruction data, surveillance videos, and photographs.
7. We demonstrate how and when the accident occurred and how the negligent driver was responsible for it.
8. We handle insurance communications and negotiations. And then we prepare a strong personal injury claim that demands full coverage of medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and loss of life enjoyment.
9. If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. Our goal is always recovery for accident victims.

What Makes Motorcycle Accident Cases Unique in South Carolina

South Carolina was made for bikers. With our mild climate and picturesque highways, each corner of the Palmetto State begs for exploration. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents in Columbia often result in severe, life-altering injuries. Because motorcycles offer less protection, serious bodily injuries are common. These injuries usually require extensive medical treatment and lead to financial hardship from missed paychecks and mounting medical bills, including:

• Surgeries
• Hospital stays
• Rehabilitation
• Ongoing therapy

In many motorcycle wrecks, the fault lies with a negligent driver in a passenger vehicle who fails to yield, turns without warning, or drives while distracted. Distracted driving and reckless driving, especially near intersections, are leading causes of motorcycle crashes.

Despite being the victim, bikers often face an uphill battle in their fight for compensation. That’s because insurance companies have an anti-biker bias. They might attempt to place blame on you by questioning your helmet use or trying to say you were responsible for causing the wreck, even if that’s not true. That’s why an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is essential. Your lawyer will level the playing field, ensuring that your injuries and damages are taken seriously and by getting you fair compensation and justice.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Columbia

Knowing what to do after a crash protects both your health and your future claim. Follow these steps:

• Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Police will document the scene.
• Get Medical Treatment: Accept help from EMS or go to the hospital. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away and adrenaline can mask other injuries.
• Photograph the Scene: Take pictures of your bike, the other vehicle, your injuries, and road conditions.
• Collect Information: Get names, contact details, and insurance info from all drivers involved.
• Speak to Witnesses: Gather contact info from anyone who saw the crash.
• Keep All Records: Save medical bills, work absence notices, and any repair estimates for your motorcycle.
• Contact an Experienced Attorney: Speak to a Columbia motorcycle accident attorney before talking to the insurance adjuster.