Columbia, SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Columbia, SC, your life can change in an instant. You might be facing expensive medical bills, time away from work, and a long road to recovery. You do not have to face the insurance companies alone.

At The Super Lawyer, we understand the unique challenges riders face. Insurance adjusters often try to blame the motorcyclist, even when the other driver was at fault. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Hire a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

After a crash, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will likely contact you quickly. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may try to use your words against you or offer a quick insurance settlement that is far less than what you need.

Hiring a skilled attorney levels the playing field. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing. We know how to:

• Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence.
• Interview witnesses and review police reports.
• Calculate your total damages, including future medical needs.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.
• Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident

The moments after a crash are chaotic, but the steps you take can impact your personal injury claim. If you are able, try to do the following:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel okay, you may have internal injuries. See a doctor right away. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the crash.
2. Call the Police: A police report is a vital piece of evidence for proving liability.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your bike, the other vehicle, and your injuries. Get names and contact info from witnesses.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Be polite, but do not apologize or say “I’m fine” to the other driver or insurance adjusters.
5. Contact a Lawyer: Speak to a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer before signing anything.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Columbia

Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road. In many cases, accidents happen because other drivers fail to see riders or fail to yield the right of way. Common causes of crashes in South Carolina include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting or eating behind the wheel.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Cars turning left in front of a motorcycle at an intersection.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers merging without checking their blind spots for riders.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Drivers ignoring traffic laws.
• Road Hazards: Potholes or debris that are dangerous for bikes but minor for cars.

Injuries Specific to Motorcycle Crashes

Because riders have little protection compared to car passengers, injuries are often severe. We help clients who have suffered:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Road rash and severe skin abrasions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage

In the most tragic cases, we also represent families in wrongful death claims when a loved one has passed away due to a crash.

South Carolina Motorcycle Laws and Helmet Requirements

Understanding local laws is critical for your case. A common question we get is about the motorcycle helmet law in South Carolina.

In South Carolina, all motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. If you are 21 or older, wearing a helmet is optional by law. However, insurance companies may still try to argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you were wearing one. An experienced lawyer knows how to counter these arguments to protect your compensation.

Determining Liability and Proving Negligence

To win a claim, we must prove negligence. This means showing that the other driver had a duty to drive safely, they breached that duty, and their actions caused your injury.

We use various methods to prove liability, including accident reconstruction experts, video footage, and witness testimony. We work hard to show exactly how the other party failed to share the road safely.

Comparative Negligence in South Carolina

South Carolina follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.

Compensation Available: What Can You Recover?

A motorcycle crash can be expensive. We fight to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical Bills: Current hospital stays, surgeries, and future rehabilitation costs.
• Lost Wages: Paychecks you missed while recovering.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If you cannot return to your old job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims in SC

You do not have unlimited time to take legal action. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.