If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Myrtle Beach, SC, our motorcycle accident lawyers can fight to get you compensation. Call today to get started.
You cannot control a careless driver who fails to see you or pulls out in front of you at a Myrtle Beach intersection and causes your motorcycle crash. You can, however, control the steps you take to recover from your injuries.
You should seek the guidance of a trusted Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident lawyer. You need an attorney who takes a personal interest in you and your family and will fight for full compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Our accident attorneys and staff at Joye Law Firm understand that you are going through a difficult time after your motorcycle accident. We will treat you with compassion and respect — just as we would want our loved ones to be treated if they were seeking legal help after an injury.
We are committed to standing up for injured bikers and have teamed up with Paul Teutul, Sr. to be the voice for motorcyclists across South Carolina. Together, we send a clear message to insurers and negligent drivers: “Back off my bike!” We take pride in our partnership with the iconic Paul Teutul, Sr. to assure South Carolina motorcyclists that, after an accident, our dedicated attorneys have got your back.
Our accident attorneys, boasting more than 300 years of combined experience, offer a free, no-obligation consultation to answer your questions and explain your legal options.
What Makes Motorcycle Accident Cases Unique?
Motorcycle accident cases may involve biases that are not typically present in car accidents. Biases about motorcycle riders arise from a small number of bikers who ride recklessly or weave dangerously through traffic.
In our experience, most motorcyclists are safe riders who pay close attention to traffic safety laws. Sadly, they are often victims of other motorists’ violation of their right of way.
In dealing with insurance company adjusters, police investigators, and juries, motorcyclists and accident attorneys may have to overcome biases and misconceptions about riders. For example, a driver may have failed to see a motorcycle and then claimed the motorcyclist “came out of nowhere” and therefore must have been speeding.
Likewise, an insurance company may claim the motorcyclist was exceeding the speed limit because their policy holder misjudged the motorcycle’s approaching speed at an intersection and turned in front of the motorcycle, causing a collision.
It is important to work with an experienced lawyer who is sensitive to bias against motorcyclists. At Joye Law Firm, our motorcycle accident attorneys have successfully secured settlements and jury verdicts in numerous motorcycle accident cases. Our injury lawyers know how to gather and present factual information to help prove the motorcyclist was a victim of another driver’s negligence.
How Can a Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help Me?
A Myrtle Beach motorcycle wreck attorney at Joye Law Firm can help in several ways if you have been seriously injured in a crash, or your loved one has. We can:
- Investigate your motorcycle accident
- Locate witnesses and search for surveillance camera footage that may show how the crash actually occurred
- Determine who is liable for your injuries
- Identify applicable insurance policies that may cover you
- Help you obtain medical treatment
- Calculate your present and future losses related to your crash
- Send a demand letter to the insurance company
- Negotiate with the insurer for a just settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary
- Seek justice for you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
It all starts with a call or a click. When you contact us online or by phone for a free, no-obligation consultation, we will spend the time giving you a clear understanding of your legal options and the compensation that may be available through an injury claim.
Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident
Here’s a guide on what to do in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident:
- Prioritize Safety: If you’re able, move to a safe location away from oncoming traffic to prevent further harm. If you can’t move, try to signal to others to secure the area and protect you from oncoming traffic that may not see you.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause serious harm, and some injuries might not be immediately apparent, such as brain injuries and other internal injuries.
- Call 911: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s crucial to report it to the police. The responding officers will create an accident report, an important document for both your claim and insurance policy.
- Exchange Contact Information with the Other Driver: Be cautious about what you say during this exchange; avoid discussing fault or details of the accident until you can hire a lawyer.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of your motorcycle, all other vehicles involved, the overall accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
- Notify Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident. This is likely required under your policy, even if you aren’t sure whether you are going to file an injury claim. Provide the basic facts but refrain from making any admissions or detailed statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Before making any decisions or speaking further with insurance companies, consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. They can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Motorcycle Insurance Policies in South Carolina
In South Carolina, several types of insurance coverage are important for motorcyclists to consider:
- Liability Insurance: This is the most basic coverage required by South Carolina law. It covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to others in an accident. Liability insurance does not cover your own injuries or damages to your motorcycle.
- Collision Coverage: Collision insurance pays for repairs to your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is particularly important if you’ve invested significantly in your motorcycle, as it can help you get back on the road more quickly.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Also known as “other than collision” coverage, this insurance protects you against non-accident-related damage to your motorcycle, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Unfortunately, not all drivers carry adequate insurance. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance, while underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage steps in when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all your medical bills and other damages. In South Carolina, drivers must carry UM coverage, while UIM is optional. However, our attorneys would argue that UIM coverage should also be mandatory. We often find that, in many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is not sufficient for our client’s damages.
Remember, the right insurance policy can make a significant difference in your ability to recover financially after an accident. An experienced Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney, like those at Joye Law Firm, can help you understand how your insurance policy and those of the other driver apply to your specific case, and we can assist in navigating the claims process.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries, given the lack of protective barriers between you and the road. Here’s a brief overview of typical injuries you may experience in a crash, and their impacts:
- Road Rash: Severe skin abrasions can occur when riders slide across the pavement. This can lead to infections, nerve damage, and potentially permanent scarring.
- Fractures: Arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs are commonly broken in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation, sometimes leading to lasting discomfort or mobility issues which can make it difficult to return to work.
- Head Injuries: Helmets reduce but don’t eliminate the risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Effects can range from temporary confusion to long-term cognitive and physical impairments that can dramatically impact victims’ day-to-day lives.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim’s life and often necessitating lifelong care.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt trauma may cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which are sometimes not immediately evident but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
The long-term impacts of these injuries include ongoing medical treatment, emotional distress, and financial strain due to medical bills and potential loss of income. At Joye Law Firm, we understand these challenges, and strive to help victims secure necessary compensation for recovery and adaptation.
What Compensation Can Be Awarded for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
You may seek compensation by filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit for the following types of losses:
- Doctor bills and hospital bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Permanent disability and disfiguring scars
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earnings from missed work
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver or by dangerous road conditions, you should consult with a knowledgeable Myrtle Beach injury lawyer about your legal options for getting compensation.
Trying to deal with the other driver’s insurance company on your own can be extremely frustrating. The insurance adjuster may be biased against riders and contend the accident was your fault.
Alternatively, the insurer may minimize your injuries and offer you far less than the actual cost of the medical bills to treat your motorcycle accident injuries.
Being unfairly blamed for causing a motorcycle accident can cost you thousands of dollars in an insurance settlement. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, you may be uncertain what a reasonable settlement should be for your injuries, or you may get pushed into accepting an outcome you know isn’t fair.
The factors that will affect the compensation available after a collision involving a motorcycle include the extent of the motorcyclist’s injuries, whether more than one party contributed to the accident, and the insurance policies available to provide compensation.
You do not need the stress of dealing with insurance companies while recovering from serious motorcycle crash injuries or caring for someone who has been seriously injured.
You need a Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney who knows South Carolina’s personal injury laws inside and out and can advocate for a full settlement for you. Call for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer at Joye Law Firm.
Am I Eligible to Seek Compensation If My Loved One Was Killed in a Motorcycle Crash?
If your spouse or other immediate family member died in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s carelessness or intentional misconduct, you will need compassionate and trusted guidance to help get you through the coming days. You may have a right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in order to hold the at-fault parties accountable for your losses, including any medical bills already incurred and the pain of your loss.
South Carolina law allows a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed on behalf of the deceased motorcyclist by their spouse or children. If the rider did not have a spouse or children, the lawsuit may be brought on the deceased’s behalf by the parents or next closest relative.
The lawsuit is brought by, or in the name of, the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased individual, under South Carolina law. While no amount of money will replace your loved one, compensation can help a bereaved family achieve financial stability after the loss of a loved one who helped support the household.
The types of damages that may be sought in a wrongful death lawsuit after a motorcycle crash are the financial losses and other losses suffered by the survivors. They may include:
- Medical expenses for the deceased motorcyclist’s treatment
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of household financial support provided by the deceased
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, in special circumstances, to punish the at-fault party for extreme negligence
Our attorneys at Joye Law Firm can review the specific details of your loved one’s fatal motorcycle accident and offer guidance based on our years of experience about the appropriate legal steps available for you and your family.
Get Help from a Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Myrtle Beach
A serious motorcycle crash accident can create chaos in your life and cause tremendous financial stress. Having the counsel of an experienced motorcycle wreck lawyer can reduce the stress you feel, so you can instead relax and focus on your recovery.
A simple step that you can take to gain control of the situation is to contact a knowledgeable and compassionate motorcycle lawyer at Joye Law Firm.
Our Myrtle Beach accident lawyers can listen to your concerns, address your questions, and outline your legal options.
Having a clear understanding of your legal options can help you make well-informed decisions about your physical and financial recovery. We want to help you put your injuries behind you and move forward with your life.
Joye Law Firm Myrtle Beach Office Location
2050 Corporate Centre Dr Suite 140,
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 285-6010
