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More than 80 percent of all reported
motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. On
average, approximately 2,000 motorcyclists are killed
and more than 50,000 are injured in traffic accidents
each year. Motorcyclists are about 16 times more likely
than those in passenger cars to die in a motor vehicle
crash, and they are about 3 times more likely to be
injured. Head injury is the leading cause of death and
serious injury in motorcycle crashes.
Approximately one-third of
multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents result from a
motorist turning into the path of the motorcycle.
Many
automobile and tractor trailer truck drivers fail to
look and see approaching motorcyclists. Some cases
involve obstructions of automobile and tractor trailer
truck driver’s view of motorcyclists. Utility
signs may obstruct a driver’s sight triangle blocking
the motorcycle from view. The Highway Department’s
(now officially known as the South Carolina Department
of Transportation, SCDOT) failure to cut weeds may also
cause these accidents. Utility companies and the
SCDOT may be liable in addition to the at fault driver.
Low road shoulders and road
construction (particularly uneven lanes) can also cause
motorcycle and automobile accidents. It is
important to take pictures of the scene, any pavement
edge drops, skid marks or other evidence at the scene as
soon as possible, if not immediately. Many times
the SCDOT will repair the defective road or shoulder
condition shortly after an accident. Pavement or
road shoulder edge drops should be measured and
photographed with a tape measure showing the
measurement.
Even if you practice motorcycle
safety, you may be involved in an accident because of
the negligence of another driver. If that's the case,
you'll need a lawyer who understands motorcycle
accidents, knows motorcycle law, and who is willing to
fight for your rights.
In any injury, early treatment and
legal consultation will preserve evidence and protect
your right to a fair recovery for personal injury,
property damage, lost wages, and medical bills.
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