You can’t change some of the factors that make riding a motorcycle dangerous, but there are certain precautions you can take to make it safer.
We have listed below some tips for safer motorcycling in South Carolina.
Regardless of how cautious you are, motorcycle wrecks can still happen because of other motorists’ negligence, road defects or defective products.
When such unfortunate events take place, you need a strong voice to speak up for your legal rights.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Our South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help you through the confusion and strain that follow a serious motorcycle accident. Respect and compassion are what you will get from our lawyers and staff from your first call until your case is resolved. It is one of our law firm’s client commitments that we return all phone calls within 24 hours or one business day.
Since 1968 we have helped injured people like you recover not just the money and benefits they deserve, but also their lives. Let us help you, too. Call Joye Law Firm. You can reach us at (888) 324-3100 or fill out an online form for a free case review.
Joye Law Firm has offices in Myrtle Beach, Clinton and Charleston, but our motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to handle your case anywhere in South Carolina. We represent clients all over our state, including Florence, Richland County, Orangeburg, Columbia, Horry County (including Conway and North Myrtle Beach), North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville.
Experience Counts
Our personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm are committed to our clients. With nearly 250 years of combined litigation experience, our South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm have received an AV rating from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell, and several have been recognized as Super Lawyers.
Results achieved for previous clients include a $5.9 million settlement for a client who suffered brain injuries in an auto wreck, a $1.15 million settlement for the family of a man killed in a car accident and a $500,000 verdict for a man whose back was injured in a collision.
While every case is different, and past results are in no way intended to guarantee that a similar result can be obtained in another case, past results obtained by a law firm are an indication of the firm’s experience when it comes to serious injury and wrongful death cases. For more details about the results obtained for previous Joye Law Firm clients, please click on the Results tab on our home page.
Tips for Staying Safe On Your Motorcycle in South Carolina
Here are some actions you can take to reduce your odds of being seriously injured in a South Carolina motorcycle accident:
- Wear a helmet. Even though South Carolina law does not require motorcyclists age 21 or older to wear one, numerous independent studies confirm that a helmet can significantly reduce the odds of receiving a serious head injury in a motorcycle accident. If a biker wasn’t wearing a helmet in a crash, insurance companies will sometimes try to blame the motorcyclist for the wreck, and juries may reduce awards even though they are not supposed to consider helmet evidence.
- Ride defensively. Some old pro motorcyclists advise riders to operate their motorcycles as if they were invisible, expecting other motorists to do the unexpected. Always keep in mind that other drivers might not see you or not realize you are there until it’s too late. Intersections are particularly dangerous, especially when other vehicles attempt left turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Riders also need to be very careful in residential areas where vehicles frequently back out of driveways and buildings, signs and vegetation can obstruct vision.
- Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists because riding a motorcycle requires a better sense of balance and agility than driving a car or truck. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures show that 29 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit of 0.08 percent, while the same statistic for car and light truck drivers was 23 percent.
- Select the right clothes. Since a motorcycle lacks a protective cage like a car or truck, the only thing between you and the pavement is what you have on. It’s important to select the right gear before getting on your bike. In addition to a helmet and eye protection, you should also wear clothes made of a durable material like leather or certain synthetics. Long pants are a good idea, but they should not be loose-fitting. Heavy-duty footwear like boots are recommended, as are durable, non-slip gloves. To increase your visibility, wear a vest or jacket with reflective stripes and brightly colored clothes. Make sure your passenger is dressed right, too, and has proper seating and footrests.
- Keep attuned to road and weather conditions. Road hazards like potholes, debris, grooves, uneven pavement, oil slicks and water are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Stay on the lookout for them and know how to take appropriate evasive action. It’s best to avoid riding in the rain, but if you must proceed, you should use caution and adjust following distances. Some riders advise following in the tracks of another vehicle since there will be less water buildup on the pavement. Also remember that roads are often the most slippery when it first starts raining because the water has not yet washed away oil and other fluids dropped by vehicles.
- Don’t tailgate. Following too closely is dangerous because you may not be able to stop in time if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly. You will also have reduced time to react to a road hazard. You shouldn’t let other vehicles tailgate you. If another motorist is following you too closely, let it pass, even if you have to change lanes or pull off the road.
- Brake properly. To ensure a safe and controlled stop, use both front and rear brakes together and apply them firmly and progressively. If your motorcycle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, familiarize yourself with how to use them correctly. Also keep in mind that wet brakes can affect stopping distances. Apply light pressure to dry the brake after passing through a puddle.
Contact Our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been seriously injured in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, you can trust our attorneys to work to get you the money and benefits you are entitled to.
Call Joye Law Firm at (888) 324-3100 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.
