Columbia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

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Motorcycle on its side after being in an accident

Experienced bikers are well aware of the dangers they can encounter on the road. Luke always practiced defensive driving and wore adequate safety gear, but even the most conscientious biker is no match for a negligent driver in a 2-ton vehicle. As Luke cruised down Rock Hill Highway in Lancaster County on his way home from work one evening, an oncoming SUV suddenly turned in front of him. Luke had no time to react, and his bike slammed into the side of the car, throwing him 20 yards away. When Luke awoke in the ICU, he was informed that he was hemorrhaging in his brain, and he had multiple broken bones.

Distraught, Luke’s family called the Joye Law Firm, and Attorney Sydney Lynn of our Columbia office took on the case. Ultimately, Attorney Lynn secured a $1.35 million settlement for Luke, allowing him to focus on his recovery without worrying about his massive hospital and rehabilitation bills.

Read the full case study here

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in the Midlands, caused by another driver’s negligence, our Columbia motorcycle accident lawyers want to help you. At Joye Law Firm, we recognize that you are going through a tough time. You may be facing a lengthy recovery, and are worried about how to pay substantial medical bills. You need answers to your questions and a clear understanding of your legal options to pursue compensation.

Our attorneys will treat you with compassion and respect. We will review how your injury occurred and discuss whether you have a valid motorcycle accident case.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Why Choose Joye Law Firm for Your Motorcycle Accident Case

When you’re dealing with a motorcycle accident, you need more than just legal representation; you need a Columbia motorcycle accident attorney who truly understands and cares. Here’s why Joye Law Firm stands out:

Unparalleled Experience: With nearly 300 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge to your case. Several of our lawyers have been recognized as South Carolina Super Lawyers, and our firm holds a prestigious AV rating in the Martindale-Hubbell legal directory.
Client-Centered Approach: We believe in treating every client with compassion, respect, and courtesy. Our commitment to clear communication means we listen attentively, inform you about your case, and promptly return your calls and messages.
Dedication to Optimal Outcomes: We work hard to find the best possible outcome for each client. Our goal is to help you get back to what matters – your life.
Trust and Integrity: Building trust with our clients is at the core of our practice. We understand the importance of this trust in handling the legal process together.
Highly Skilled: Our extensive experience informs our decision-making process. We know when to negotiate a settlement and when to take a case to trial, always with your best interests in mind.

We encourage you to choose us for representation that combines legal knowledge with genuine care and dedication to your well-being.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Columbia

Take the proper steps for your safety, health, and potential legal case. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Safety: If possible, move to a safe area and turn on hazard lights.
Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor.
Seek Medical Attention: Allow paramedics to examine you. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to shock or adrenaline.
Document the Scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all involved parties. Get contact information from any witnesses.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful what you say to other parties or the police. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or apologizing.
Report to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident, but only give detailed statements once you consult a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer.
Preserve Evidence: Keep your damaged clothing and gear. Wait to repair your motorcycle until it has been documented for your case.
Follow-up on Medical Care: Attend all follow-up medical appointments and keep records of all treatments and expenses.
Contact a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Joye Law Firm as soon as possible. We can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Make your health and safety your primary concern. Once you’re safe, these steps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen any potential compensation claim.

How are Damages Calculated for a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Columbia?

After a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, you are entitled to claim compensation for your losses including:

Doctor bills and hospital bills
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Prescription medications and medical devices
Motorcycle damage or replacement
Permanent disability and disfiguring scars
Pain and suffering
Lost earnings from missed work

To determine your monetary damages, our Columbia motorcycle accident attorneys gather receipts for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and proof of your lost income. We also assess whether you will need ongoing medical care or physical therapy. If so, we will work with medical experts to estimate your future medical costs and living assistance related to your injury.

South Carolina personal injury law recognizes that motorcycle accident victims may claim compensation for non-economic damages such as physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, anxiety, fear, and depression caused by the accident. Non-economic damages may be calculated as a multiple of your economic damages. The factors that will affect the calculation of damages include the seriousness of your injuries, their effect on your daily life, the length of time needed to recover, and the percentage of fault that can be attributed to the other driver in the accident.

In certain situations, we can pursue punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish a driver or third party for reckless or dangerous behavior and to deter such actions in the future. For instance, we may seek punitive damages in cases involving a drunk driver or when a manufacturer knowingly releases a defective vehicle part.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident are often severe because riders have little protection in a crash other than a helmet and protective clothing. The most common motorcycle injuries include:

Leg and foot fractures: A rider’s leg may be trapped underneath a motorcycle when it falls over after colliding with another vehicle or a stationary object.
Head and traumatic brain injuries: Head injuries are the leading cause of disabilities and fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents.
Chest and shoulder injuries: The impact of a motorcycle collision can throw a rider over the handlebars, causing a broken collarbone or shoulder, crushed sternum, or other serious injuries.
Arms and hand fractures: A motorcyclist may sustain broken bones in the arms and hands while reacting to a crash and trying to break a fall.
Pelvis and hip fractures: Pelvic fractures may be caused by the violent force of a motorcycle crash. The injured rider may require surgery to reconstruct the pelvis and stabilize the ring of bones at the base of the spine.
Cuts and bruises: sometimes called “road rash”. This occurs when the rider’s skin scrapes against the pavement, causing painful abrasions. This injury can range from mild to severe depending on the protective gear worn at the time of the crash.

If you or a loved one has sustained any type of significant injury in a motorcycle accident caused by another motorist, you may be facing months of rehabilitation. If you’re unable to work, you should not have to worry about how to pay your bills. The motorist who caused your injuries and their insurance provider should be responsible. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient coverage, we can file a claim against your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy. While you might think an attorney isn’t necessary for this type of claim, insurance companies often refuse to pay out these policies, even when justified.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm can deal with the insurance companies and the legal issues, while you focus on your health and recovery. We will handle your motorcycle injury claim on a contingency fee basis so you can have experienced legal representation without any upfront cost to you. The Joye Law Firm’s “No Fee Guarantee” allows you to get representation without any financial risk. We do not receive a legal fee unless we obtain compensation for you.