South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of external protection. If you’re involved in a crash, your immediate actions are critical, for your health and for any legal claim you may pursue.
Steps to take:

1. Call 911 and get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Move to safety, if possible, without aggravating any injuries.
3. Document the scene: take photos of the motorcycle, vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and anything that may have contributed to the accident.
4. Exchange information with all parties involved and gather contact details from witnesses.
5. Do not admit fault, and avoid making statements to insurance companies at the scene.
6. Seek medical attention and keep records of all treatment.
7. Contact a South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.

Liability in motorcycle accidents often goes beyond the other driver. Depending on the circumstances, several parties could share responsibility:

• The at-fault driver: for distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence.
• A commercial vehicle operator: if the crash involved a truck or delivery vehicle.
• The motorcycle manufacturer: in cases involving a mechanical defect or failure.
• A government entity: if poor road conditions, defective signage, or improper road design contributed to the crash.
• A bar or restaurant: under South Carolina’s dram shop laws, if they overserved an intoxicated driver who caused the accident.

An experienced lawyer will investigate thoroughly to identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from each.

Motorcycle accident victims in South Carolina are often left with severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens. You may be eligible for significant compensation depending on the details of your case.

Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses: hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, medications
• Future medical care: especially important for spinal, brain, or orthopedic injuries
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage: including the motorcycle, gear, and personal items
• Wrongful death damages, if the victim passed away due to the crash
• A seasoned motorcycle accident attorney will assess both current and long-term needs to ensure no losses are overlooked in your claim.

Mistakes after a motorcycle crash can weaken your claim or reduce your compensation. Here are key things to avoid:

• Delaying medical care or ignoring symptoms
• Posting on social media about the accident, injuries, or your recovery
• Speaking with the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation
• Accepting a quick settlement offer before knowing the full extent of your injuries
• Failing to document evidence, including witness statements or your recovery process
• Not wearing safety gear (it won’t bar your claim, but it may be used to reduce your damages)

The sooner you involve a qualified attorney, the better protected you are against mistakes that could cost you later.

In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However:

• If the accident involves a government vehicle or unsafe public road, different timelines and notice requirements may apply under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.
• Wrongful death claims must also be filed within three years of the date of death.
• For minor victims, the statute may be extended, but evidence can still fade, acting early is always best.

Waiting too long can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.

You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash, ideally before speaking to any insurance adjusters. Why?

• Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you.
• Key evidence like skid marks, surveillance footage, or crash debris can disappear quickly.
• Medical bills and lost wages accumulate fast: you need someone protecting your financial interests from day one.
• An experienced attorney will handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.
• At Bill Green Law Firm, we don’t charge a fee unless we win: and your initial consultation is always free.

South Carolina law requires helmets only for riders under 21. If you’re 21 or older and weren’t wearing a helmet, your claim is still valid, but insurers may argue it contributed to your injuries.

Yes. You may be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Your attorney can also investigate surveillance, witness reports, or vehicle debris to help identify the driver.

If poor road maintenance, potholes, or debris caused your accident, a government entity or contractor may be liable. These cases require quick action and legal notice, don’t delay.

No. Lane splitting is illegal in South Carolina. If you were lane splitting during the crash, it may reduce or eliminate your ability to recover damages due to shared fault.

Yes. Passengers have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver, whether that’s the motorcyclist, another driver, or a third party. They may also claim against the rider’s insurance.