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Blythewood, SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
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    Blythewood, SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

    There are few joys like riding your motorcycle in Blythewood. But that joy can quickly turn into a nightmare when a rider is injured by the negligence of another driver.

    When the unthinkable happens, it is essential to get the help of a firm well-versed with the specific laws and regulations involved in motorcycle accidents. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and are not afraid to go to court to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Even if you think you partially caused your accident, we can review your case to determine what paths to recovery are available.

    Contact Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000 for a free case review with our Blythewood motorcycle accident lawyers.

    Important Motorcycle Laws in Blythewood, SC

    Motorcyclists in Blythewood must abide by a comprehensive set of laws that are put in place to ensure maximum safety on the roadways. These laws cover a wide range of aspects, including helmet usage, lane splitting, and other critical safety measures. They can also impact the compensation you receive. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand these laws and protect your rights. The following are some of the key motorcycle laws that riders must observe in Blythewood:

    Helmet Laws

    In Blythewood, as with the rest of South Carolina, all riders and passengers under the age of 21 are required by law to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 56‐5‐3660, helmets must have either a neck or chin strap and have reflectors on both sides. Additionally, riders under the age of 21 must also wear goggles or face shields.

    While motorcyclists over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet, the dangers of not doing so cannot be overstated. The chances of sustaining a severe brain or spinal injury greatly increase. Motorcycle accident fatalities are also much more likely to occur when the rider is helmetless.

    License Laws

    Individuals must be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle license. In addition to meeting the age requirement, there are several steps that one must take to become a licensed motorcycle operator under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-130. First, they must pass a vision screening test to ensure their eyesight meets the necessary standards for safe driving.

    Next, they must pass a knowledge test that includes questions on motorcycle operations. This test assesses the applicant’s understanding of the rules of the road and their knowledge of motorcycle-specific safety practices and techniques.

    Finally, applicants must pass an on-cycle skills test, which evaluates their ability to operate a motorcycle safely and confidently. This test is typically conducted in a controlled environment, such as a closed course. It involves a range of maneuvers that test the rider’s ability to handle the motorcycle in different scenarios and conditions.

    Insurance Rules

    All motorcyclists must carry insurance that meets certain minimum coverage limits. To register your motorcycle in Blythewood, your insurance policy must have the minimum coverage limits. These include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability or death of a person, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

    Moreover, the state law also requires riders to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you in case you are involved in an accident with another driver who does not have any insurance coverage. It provides financial support to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that you might suffer as a result of the accident.

    Lane-Splitting Laws

    According to S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3640(c), it is illegal for motorcyclists to engage in lane-splitting. Lane-splitting is the practice of driving between lanes of traffic and poses significant implications for personal injury cases.

    If a motorcyclist was lane-splitting at the time of an accident, it could potentially hurt their claim. This is because it can reduce the amount of compensation a motorcyclist might receive in a personal injury lawsuit.

    However, the law allows two motorcycles to ride side-by-side within the same lane.

    Contributory Negligence

    Contributory negligence is a legal concept that refers to a situation where an injured party’s own negligence contributed to their injury. It is important in motorcycle accident lawsuits because it could potentially bar the plaintiff from recovering some of their damages if they are found to be partially at fault. S.C. Code Ann. § 15-1-300 establishes a modified comparative negligence rule in the state.

    This means that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, but the amount of compensation they receive will be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. For instance, if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident and is found to be 30% at fault, they can still recover damages. However, their total compensation will be reduced by 30% to reflect their share of liability. If the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover any damages at all.

    What You Should Do Following a Motorcycle Accident in Blythewood, SC

    After a motorcycle accident, the first thing to do is to ensure your safety and that of others involved. Once everyone is safe, you should contact local law enforcement. Filing a police report is a critical step in documenting the incident. However, if law enforcement does not investigate the accident, you must submit a written report within 15 days of the accident if it involves injuries.

    Gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene if you can. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you sustained. It is also beneficial to talk to witnesses and get their contact information so they can help substantiate your claims later.

    Next, you should prioritize getting medical care. Not only will getting medical attention ensure that your injuries are not life-threatening, but it is also critical to recover compensation later. Without medical records, it will be difficult to prove the extent of your injuries and how you sustained them.

    Before contacting your insurance company, reach out to our firm. Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be complex and stressful. Our team can guide you through the process, representing your interests in negotiations with insurance companies and potentially filing a lawsuit if necessary.

    Our Blythewood, SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help Get Justice for Your Injuries

    For a free case assessment with our motorcycle accident attorneys, call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.

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    Results

    $6 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a failing component of a commercial motor vehicle that fell from the vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and operator of the tractor trailer as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle.
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a failing component of a commercial motor vehicle that fell from the vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and operator of the tractor trailer as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle.
    $4.1 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a refrigeration system that malfunctioned, spraying ammonia gas into the Plaintiff's face. As a result of this event, the Plaintiff sustained significant vision loss. The Plaintiff brought claims against his employer and the manufacturer of this system.
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a refrigeration system that malfunctioned, spraying ammonia gas into the Plaintiff's face. As a result of this event, the Plaintiff sustained significant vision loss. The Plaintiff brought claims against his employer and the manufacturer of this system.
    $2 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured while riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. This event occurred in the city of Columbia and the Plaintiff sustained significant bodily injury resulting in extensive medical expenses and permanent injury.
    The Plaintiff was injured while riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. This event occurred in the city of Columbia and the Plaintiff sustained significant bodily injury resulting in extensive medical expenses and permanent injury.
    $1.8 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer on Interstate 20. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and driver of the tractor trailer for his injuries relate to his lower back.
    The Plaintiff was injured when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer on Interstate 20. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and driver of the tractor trailer for his injuries relate to his lower back.
    $1.5 Million
    The Plaintiff sustained significant injury when she was attacked by a dog while performing repairs on a rental property. The Plaintiff was at the rental property as part of her employment with a rental management agency. She was attacked by the animal and sustained permanent nerve damage in her legs.
    The Plaintiff sustained significant injury when she was attacked by a dog while performing repairs on a rental property. The Plaintiff was at the rental property as part of her employment with a rental management agency. She was attacked by the animal and sustained permanent nerve damage in her legs.
    $1.3 Million
    The Plaintiff was killed as a result of a collision with a logging truck that had been improperly loaded by a timber harvester. The proceeds of the settlement were funded by both the timber harvester and the owner of the logging truck.
    The Plaintiff was killed as a result of a collision with a logging truck that had been improperly loaded by a timber harvester. The proceeds of the settlement were funded by both the timber harvester and the owner of the logging truck.
    $1.5 Million
    The Plaintiff underwent surgery to her neck as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck on the head by a piece of loading equipment at her job. The Plaintiff was employed by a national retailer and was engaged in stocking shelves when the piece of equipment failed. After settling her workers' compensation claim, the Plaintiff brought a claim against the manufacturer of this equipment.
    The Plaintiff underwent surgery to her neck as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck on the head by a piece of loading equipment at her job. The Plaintiff was employed by a national retailer and was engaged in stocking shelves when the piece of equipment failed. After settling her workers' compensation claim, the Plaintiff brought a claim against the manufacturer of this equipment.
    $1.1 Million
    The Plaintiff brought a claim against a local medical facility for a false positive HIV reading. As a result of this false positive, the Plaintiff lived for 4½ years believing that she had the virus which leads to what she feared was an eventual AIDS diagnosis.
    The Plaintiff brought a claim against a local medical facility for a false positive HIV reading. As a result of this false positive, the Plaintiff lived for 4½ years believing that she had the virus which leads to what she feared was an eventual AIDS diagnosis.
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