How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in South Carolina?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities typically have shorter deadlines. You need to act quickly to ensure you don’t miss important legal deadlines. Acting sooner also helps your attorney preserve evidence.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the crash?

In South Carolina, helmets are only required for motorcycle riders younger than 21 years old. Even though a helmet isn’t required for riders over 21, it’s still a good idea to wear one. Helmets are lifesavers for riders of all ages. Insurance companies may try to suggest that not wearing a helmet weakens your claim, but don’t be misled. Whether or not you were wearing a helmet does NOT affect your ability to pursue a claim.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?

You may still have options, including uninsured motorist (UM) coverage under your own insurance policy. Our attorneys can explore your options and work to ensure you receive the compensation you need.

Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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Motorcycle on its side after being in an accident

Motorcyclists enjoying the scenic beauty of the Upstate share the roads with much larger vehicles, but drivers often fail to give them the respect and attention they deserve. Roads like I-85, Wade Hampton Boulevard, and Laurens Road see heavy traffic, and distracted or careless drivers put riders at risk.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. A Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer from Joye Law Firm can help you hold the responsible party accountable. Our attorneys advocate for injured motorcyclists and work hard to secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Unique Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident claims come with unique challenges that set them apart from car accident cases. Understanding these challenges can help you recognize the importance of hiring a lawyer who knows how to handle motorcycle cases.

Vulnerabilities of Motorcyclists

Motorcycles lack the protective frame of a car or truck, leaving riders exposed in a crash. Even with helmets and protective gear, motorcyclists face greater risks of severe or fatal injuries. When a car collides with a motorcycle, the motorcyclist often absorbs the full impact.

Common Misconceptions About Motorcycle Riders

Some people assume motorcyclists are reckless or irresponsible, which can unfairly influence an insurance adjuster’s or jury’s perception of an accident. Even if the motorcyclist followed all traffic laws, anti-biker bias can lead to wrongful blame. A lawyer who understands this bias can challenge unfair assumptions and fight for fair treatment.

Special Considerations in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident claims require a detailed analysis of liability, road conditions, and vehicle dynamics. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by arguing the motorcyclist contributed to the crash. A lawyer can counter these tactics with solid evidence.

Increased Severity of Injuries Compared to Car Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods. The long-term impact on a person’s ability to work and enjoy life makes securing full compensation even more important.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Greenville?

Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons, but most involve driver negligence. Greenville’s busy roads create hazards for motorcyclists, especially when drivers fail to pay attention.

Distracted Driving, Driver Negligence, and Failure to See Motorcycles

Many drivers fail to notice motorcycles because they aren’t as large as cars or trucks. A distracted driver who looks at a phone instead of the road may not see a motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash.

One study showed that many drivers have an “inattentional blindness” to motorcyclists, where they look but fail to see a biker in time to avoid a collision.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Drivers who fail to yield at intersections put motorcyclists at risk. A driver who ignores a stop sign and pulls out in front of a motorcyclist can cause a devastating crash.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorcycles can be hidden in a driver’s blind spot. When a driver changes lanes without checking carefully, they can sideswipe a motorcyclist.

Left-Turn Accidents

One of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists occurs when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. A driver making a left turn might misjudge a motorcyclist’s speed, causing a serious collision.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven pavement, and loose gravel create hazards for motorcyclists. Greenville’s older roads, especially in downtown areas, can be dangerous if they aren’t well-maintained.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Rain makes roads slippery, reducing a motorcycle’s traction. Drivers who fail to slow down in wet conditions increase the risk of hydroplaning into a motorcyclist.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Some of the most common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a crash. TBIs can cause memory loss, cognitive impairments, and long-term disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person’s ability to walk or use their limbs.
Road Rash and Burns: Falling onto the pavement can cause painful skin abrasions and burns that may lead to infections and permanent scarring.
Broken Bones: Fractures are common in motorcycle crashes, especially in the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbone. Some require surgery and long recovery periods.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from an accident can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.
Emotional Trauma: Many motorcycle accident victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a crash.

No matter how severe your injuries, you must always seek medical care and document your losses. Our attorneys can help ensure you get the treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.

How Joye Law Firm Can Help

Joye Law Firm fights for injured motorcyclists in the Upstate. We’re committed to helping you get the financial recovery you need. Our legal team handles every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.

Free Initial Consultation

You may have questions about your legal options, how to deal with the insurance company, and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to receive. We offer a free case evaluation to answer your questions and explain how we can help. There’s no obligation—just straightforward guidance on your next steps.

Thorough Accident Investigation

Determining what caused the accident is critical to proving liability. Our attorneys investigate the scene, review police reports, examine vehicle damage, and gather other evidence to build a strong case. We also consult accident reconstruction experts when needed to demonstrate how the crash happened and who should be held responsible.

Evidence Gathering and Preservation

Important evidence can disappear quickly after a motorcycle accident. Skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets erased, and witnesses’ memories fade. Our team moves fast to collect and preserve key evidence, including:

Witness statements
Traffic camera or dashcam footage
Vehicle damage reports
Cell phone records (in cases of suspected distracted driving)
Road conditions and weather reports

Expert Witness Coordination

Some cases require testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or economists to prove the full extent of your injuries and losses. We work with trusted experts who can provide clear and compelling testimony to support your claim.

Insurance Negotiation

Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts, especially in motorcycle accident claims where they may wrongly assume the rider was at fault. Our attorneys push back against unfair tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve. If the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are prepared to take the case to court.

Trial Representation If Necessary

While most injury cases settle through negotiations, some require litigation to secure the best outcome. If your case goes to trial, our experienced trial lawyers will present a compelling case to the jury and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Compensation We Can Help You Receive

If someone caused a motorcycle accident that left you or someone dear to you with life-altering injuries, financial hardships, and emotional distress, you have the right to seek compensation. Our attorneys at Joye Law Firm fight to secure full and fair compensation that includes:

Medical Expenses (Current and Future)

Medical bills after a motorcycle accident can add up quickly. Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment can leave you with significant debt. If your injuries require long-term care, future medical costs should also be included in your claim. We work with medical experts to calculate the total cost of your treatment, ensuring that any settlement or verdict reflects your needs.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. Severe injuries may also impact your ability to return to your previous job or earn the same wages in the future. Our attorneys work with financial and vocational experts to assess how your injuries affect your long-term earning potential.

Property Damage

A motorcycle crash can leave your bike severely damaged or totaled. The cost of repairs or replacement should be covered by the at-fault party’s insurance. If your gear, such as your helmet, jacket, or gloves, was damaged in the crash, that should also be included in your claim.

Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and emotional distress caused by a motorcycle wreck can significantly affect your quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering considers factors like the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and how your daily life has changed as a result of the accident.

Rehabilitation Costs

Many motorcycle accident victims require physical therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health counseling to recover. These expenses should be accounted for in your claim, especially if ongoing treatment is necessary to regain mobility, independence, or emotional well-being.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Severe injuries can prevent you from doing the things you once loved, whether it’s riding your motorcycle, participating in hobbies, or spending time with family. Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life acknowledges the ways your injuries have affected your ability to engage in everyday activities.

You can rely on our attorneys to carefully assess the full extent of your losses and work to secure the maximum compensation available.