Florence, SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Traveling by motorcycle in Florence can be a delightful experience, but it is not without risk. Careless drivers can cause severe injuries in motorcycle accidents, leading to devastating consequences.
However, if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to receive compensation. Motorcycle accident lawsuits can be complex and challenging to pursue, with many riders unfairly blamed for causing accidents. Our team understands that most accidents occur due to the other driver’s recklessness and can help you prove it. As a driver, you have the right to be safe and deserve compensation if injured by another party.
Call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers today at (803) 451-4000 for a free case review with our motorcycle accident lawyers.
Parties That Could Be Sued for a Motorcycle Accident in Florence, SC
The level of complexity in a lawsuit regarding a motorcycle accident depends on who is responsible for the injury. Our proficient lawyers specializing in motorcycle accidents can determine the individuals or parties accountable for your case. The following parties are usually named in motorcycle accident lawsuits in Florence:
Other Drivers
Motorcycle accidents in Florence can often result in injuries for the rider due to the negligence of other drivers on the road. These drivers might fail to notice the presence of motorcycles, either due to a lack of concentration or carelessness. However, not seeing the rider ahead of time cannot be used as a valid excuse in any legal proceedings resulting from the accident.
In the case of a motorcycle accident involving multiple drivers, each driver can be held accountable for the damages they caused. For example, if one driver was speeding and collided with another vehicle that had made an illegal lane change, resulting in damage to your motorcycle, both drivers would be responsible for compensating you for the damages related to their actions.
Commercial Drivers and Employers
If a motorcycle accident occurs due to an employee’s negligence while working, both the driver and their employer might be held accountable. If you were hurt while a driver was transporting goods for a company, their negligence could make the employer responsible. This legal principle is known as respondeat superior, and it can lead to legal repercussions for both the driver and their employer.
Manufacturers and Designers
In the event that your motorcycle caused an accident due to a defective part, regardless of whether it was imported, you might have the option to file a claim against the manufacturer or designer. The manufacturer might be accountable for not guaranteeing the safety of the motorcycle’s design or neglecting to inform users of any potential risks associated with the product.
Evidence Commonly Used to Prove Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Florence, SC
If you are looking to get compensation for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to gather evidence that proves the other party is responsible for the damages. This evidence can come from many different sources, and your own efforts could be essential in building a solid case. In Florence, some commonly used types of evidence in motorcycle accident lawsuits include the following:
Police Reports
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and are considering a lawsuit, the first step is to obtain a police accident report. The officer in charge will investigate the scene and record all relevant information in the report. This might include details about the vehicles involved, any damage sustained, driver contact and insurance information, and other important information. The report might also contain witness statements, which can help identify any discrepancies between what the driver said and what happened.
Medical Records
Following an accident, medical records play a crucial role in revealing the severity of an individual’s injuries and the required treatment. These records can help determine whether the person needs ongoing care or if their injuries will affect their future job prospects and overall well-being. Furthermore, medical records often include the doctor’s findings on what caused the injuries.
Photographs and Video
It is also helpful to take pictures of the surrounding area. This can assist in displaying the extent of the damage and identifying any potential factors that might have contributed to the collision. By taking photos, you might be able to determine the location of skid marks on the road or the distance between your bike and the point of impact. Using your smartphone, you can capture images of broken glass, vehicles with dents, or any other evidence that could support your compensation claim. Since many physical signs might be removed from the scene, taking pictures is the most effective way to preserve evidence for future use.
Damages That Can Be Claimed in a Florence, SC Motorcycle Accident Case
If you were in a motorcycle accident in Florence, you might be dealing with financial difficulties and emotional strain due to your injuries. The amount of compensation that victims receive is dependent on the severity of the accident and the long-term effects of their injuries. Individuals who have been hurt while riding can seek compensation for both tangible losses, such as expenses, and intangible losses, such as emotional distress and physical suffering.
Medical Bills
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the responsible party is legally obliged to cover all your medical expenses, including any future treatments that might be needed. This includes doctor visits, chiropractic or physical therapy sessions, and other necessary healthcare services. Additionally, you might be entitled to reimbursement for medication, hospitalization, ambulance transportation, and surgical procedures if required. It is important to remember that if you have a long-term disability, you should also consider the costs of future medical care when seeking compensation.
Lost Wages
In the event of a motorcycle accident that leaves you with injuries preventing you from resuming work or pursuing your previous career, you have the right to request compensation for lost wages and future earnings. If your injury is severe enough to render you unable to work completely, you can apply for permanent disability based on the projected duration of your inability to work.
Pain and Suffering
It is common for people who have been involved in a motorcycle accident to pursue compensation for both physical pain and emotional distress. Lawsuits might seek damages for the loss of consortium, which means being unable to enjoy life with a partner due to injuries from the accident. Loss of enjoyment might also be sought, as it can result from being unable to participate in hobbies or activities that were previously enjoyed.
Property Damage
If your motorcycle or personal property has been damaged due to someone’s negligence, you have the legal right to recover expenses. This includes compensation for damage caused to your motorcycle, as well as any other personal property like clothing and equipment. You can provide estimates, receipts, and repair bills as evidence to prove the damages.
Our Florence, SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free case evaluation with our motorcycle accident attorneys, call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.