Fatal motorcycle crashes in South Carolina saw a dramatic increase in 2021 compared to prior years. The numbers were much higher than they have been in decades. South Carolina police say distracted driving and people spending more time traveling after the pandemic were two reasons this uptick happened.
The ability for motorcyclists to maneuver their bikes in places where passenger vehicles cannot, and the urge to go fast on a motorcycle also add to the increase. The generally good weather of cities in South Carolina also adds to the year-round use of motorcycles, meaning more instances of accidents.
Similarly, riders of motorcycles occasionally have a larger capacity for achieving faster speeds in congested regions. Passenger car drivers might not be paying enough attention to motorcycle riders, which might lead to more accidents and injuries.
In the Moments Following an Accident
After a motorbike collision, the most important thing to do is to have a personal examination or inspection to ensure no one is hurt. If there are any injured people, first responders must be called to the crash scene. It is important you seek medical help before following any of the following steps.
Keeping Track of the Accident
If possible, without placing yourself at further risk of harm, you should get the contact details of any eyewitnesses. To best support their claim for damages, you as the injured person, should record the collision by taking photos of the site and the people and vehicles involved, attempting to recall and recollect as many details, events, and occasions that led to the accident.
Fatal motorcycle crashes in South Carolina saw a dramatic increase in 2021 compared to prior years. The numbers were much higher than they have been in decades. South Carolina police say distracted driving, reckless driving and people spending more time traveling after the pandemic were two reasons this uptick happened.
Handling Insurance Firms
Motorcycle riders in South Carolina must have insurance. Individuals should get in touch with their insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim and have any property loss or an initial inquiry done.
They ought to hold off getting in touch with them until they are confident that they’ve got the strength—physical, emotional, and psychological—to proceed. It is recommended they can get assistance from a lawyer in this procedure.
It is important to seek advice from a motorcycle accident lawyer before communicating with the guilty party’s insurance. The insurance provider frequently requests that the victim give an audio or video statement. These recorded remarks are intended to accurately reflect the facts so that the insurance provider will benefit more.
Additionally, the correspondents who are in contact with the insurers will attempt to convince them to accept a sum that is significantly less than their claim's worth.
Absence of Insurance
The absence of insurance may significantly impact a motorbike injury claim in Columbia. According to South Carolina law, the individual must be personally liable for the accident to be entitled to non-economic losses. Non-economic losses describe the psychological suffering a person experiences after an accident. This could involve discomfort, mental distress, and diminished quality of life.
This means that if someone is driving a motorbike without coverage and is involved in a crash, they are only eligible to get compensation for economic losses—not non-economic ones.
Speak With A Motorcycle Collision Lawyer
If you believe the accident was the other driver's fault, it's a good idea to find an experienced Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer, if your accident happened in Columbia, SC. If it happened in Charleston, then find a reputable advocate there. Always seek the help of a personal injury attorney in the area your accident took place.
South Carolina personal injury lawyers are trained, informed, and skilled in how to proceed after a motorcycle crash, including gathering contact details and comments from witnesses, going through the initial steps to obtain any accident report that might have been compiled by any security agencies, taking the right pictures, and conducting the right background checks.
A good lawyer can help you claim the maximum compensation for your injuries without you having to handle it yourself. This way, you can rest assured knowing you'll get as much as you are entitled to, while you take the time to focus on healing.
Conclusion
Following these steps after a motorcycle accident will provide you with the best chance of making yourself whole, both physically and financially. Be sure to always seek medical help first before pursuing any kind of damages.
An attorney, who is knowledgeable about the strategies and tactics employed by insurance providers, could fight for the rights of an injured biker. A lawyer is also aware of the potential value of a client’s situation because of their education, practice, and experience. As a result, an insurance provider won’t be able to persuade them to accept less money than is due. A lawyer can start working on a case after being informed of a collision.
