Were you injured in a motorcycle or car accident here in Columbia, South Carolina? All motorcyclists share the road with cars and trucks and have the same rights as any other vehicle. People know motorcycle collisions are extremely dangerous, and many severely injure the rider. With very little to protect the motorcyclist from any ongoing vehicle, the motorcyclist is especially vulnerable to a potential head injury in the event of a collision. Contact a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer from Goings Law Firm, LLC at (803) 350-9230 to schedule a free consultation.
In addition to the enormous difference in size between a motorcycle and cars and trucks, the motorcycle exposes the driver to the elements, and there are few safety features. Although the motorcyclist may be wearing protective gear and a helmet, the driver still has very little to protect him/her from harm if involved in a crash with a larger vehicle. Motorcyclists are often exposed to severe or life-threatening risks when involved in an accident with another car or stationary object. Many fatalities in bike accidents are due to head and neck injuries or traumatic brain injury. Further, motorcyclists often deal with common injuries such as broken bones and leg, knee, foot, and arm trauma.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
South Carolina Department of Public Safety has some fascinating statistics regarding motorcycle accidents in the state:
- There were 2,032 crashes involving motorcycles statewide in one recent year, leading to 147 deaths and 367 serious injuries.
- While there is no city-specific data for motorcycle crashes, 67 motorcyclists died in accidents in Richland County. Another 142 motorcyclists sustained serious injuries.
- Of the 146 motorcyclists killed in crashes that year, 79 were not wearing a helmet.
- In multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles, 61 percent of the motorcycle riders did not contribute to the collision.
- Somewhat surprisingly, more than half of all motorcycle accidents that year (1,226) occurred in daytime with clear/cloudy weather.
- Coincidentally, motorcyclists accounted for about 8.5 percent of all traffic fatalities and 8.9 percent of all serious injuries that year.
What do these statistics mean for you? Riding a motorcycle in the United States can be a hazardous experience. Other cars and other vehicles are often unsure of how to treat motorcyclists and don’t treat them like they do other drivers.
This, combined with the vehicle’s small size and the lack of protection afforded motorcycle drivers by the structure of the motorcycle, means that motorcycle accidents are consistently on the rise, and the severity of accidents can be worse than other types of automotive accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Goings Law Firm, LLC, we’ve dedicated years to aiding injured individuals in Columbia. We stand firm in our promise to assist you and keep you informed. We understand you might have questions. Check out the FAQs below and call us at (803) 350-9230 for any other inquiries.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
Each case is different, and the length will depend on many factors, such as when you file your claim, the insurance company, the details of the accident, and how the other side wants to approach finding a resolution. If we can’t find a resolution, the case might go to trial, extending the process.
The team here at Goings Law Firm, LLC will fight for you every step of the way. We prioritize getting your compensation promptly to ensure you can pay the bills associated with your motorcycle accident and get back into your daily routine with minimal hassle. We can give you a better estimate of the potential length of your case once you get in touch with our team and we get the chance to discuss the particular details of your case.
How much compensation could I receive?
We can’t estimate your claim’s value without case details. Factors like liability, affected parties, accident cause, jurisdiction, and insurance policies influence compensation. Every case is unique. You need to examine your case’s facts to understand potential damages and recover compensation. Contacting a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer is a crucial first step.
Would it affect my case if I was not wearing a motorcycle helmet?
In South Carolina, drivers 21 and older don’t need to wear a helmet. But operators and passengers 20 and younger must wear one. It is still possible for a motorcycle accident attorney to get compensation for your accident and injuries. The common causes of motorcycle accidents – driver error, drunk driving, road defects, and motorcycle defects – still apply, and it is possible to prove fault in these cases. No matter what safety precautions you took before the accident, there are still ways to establish another party’s fault as long as you were complying with all applicable laws.
On top of everything, a lack of a helmet can cause worse injuries that may create larger medical bills from treatment – you shouldn’t have to shoulder this burden alone. With or without your helmet, you still deserve compensation for what was likely a traumatic accident. Let us help you hold the other driver or liable party responsible for their irresponsible actions on the road.
Why Choose the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers of Goings Law Firm, LLC?
Selecting the right attorney with the right experience may have a huge bearing on the outcome of your injury claim. The Goings Law Firm, LLC has dedicated its career to assisting injured individuals and their families in the Columbia community.
Our team has over 30 years of experience. We’ve helped many motorcycle accident victims, just like you, recover. After a serious motorcycle accident, you need a legal team familiar with South Carolina’s laws on motorcycle accidents. Goings Law Firm, LLC is uniquely qualified to assist you, as Robert F. Goings knows the values that are important to the people of Columbia. Growing up on his family’s farm in South Carolina, Mr. Goings learned that fairness, hard work, honesty, and service to others are essential, and his firm is centered on these values. We protect the interests of South Carolinians. The firm is dedicated to handling all matters related to your accident case, and we will fight for justice on your behalf.
We know the pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages that injuries to motorcycle operators bring. We are a top-rated litigation firm that values fairness, hard work, honesty, and service. Our number one priority is you. That means that we’ll keep you regularly updated about the status of your case. A motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience; we’ll handle your case with the care and compassion it deserves. The Goings Law Firm, LLC will advocate for your rights, fight for you, and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Types Of Motorcycle Cases We Handle
The Goings Law Firm, LLC knows that motorcycle accidents can cause different injuries and complications for those affected by motorcycle accident cases after the crash. Usually, a motorcycle accident caused by the following situation might require legal action:
- Drunk Driving Accident – If an intoxicated driver causes an accident, they are acting recklessly and negligently. They might be held responsible for injuries, medical costs, and other damages.
- Driver Error – Many drivers operate their vehicles while distracted by cell phones, stereo systems, and passengers. Distracted driving is a serious problem that often results in devastating injury accidents.
- Motorcycle Defects / Malfunction – Manufacturers have a responsibility to the consumer. They need to produce quality products that are free from defects and will function properly on the road, especially at high speeds. If a part fails, the rider may be severely injured or lose their life. If that happens, the manufacturer must take responsibility for their actions.
- Highway / Road Defects – Each municipality in Columbia needs to take proper care of the roads and highways on which drivers and motorcycle riders travel. The city might be liable if a road defect or hazard caused your accident.
The motorcycle accident victim should not be the one to shoulder the financial burden of accidents. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbia at (803) 350-9230 to get a free consultation and discuss your case with a team member.
Contact a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from Goings Law Firm, LLC
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, call (803) 350-9230 for a free consultation with a Columbia motorcycle accident attorney. Speak with our experienced legal team and find out how we can put our considerable experience to work fighting for you.
The attorneys at Goings Law Firm, LLC have committed their careers to helping injured people in Columbia and the surrounding areas. You are our friends, neighbors, and family; we know how hard you work for your paycheck. Our law firm understands how difficult it can be to recover on your own, and we know that these types of accidents can seriously impact both the victim and their family.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina, don’t wait to contact us at (803) 350-9230. A Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer from Goings Law Firm, LLC will get the best possible outcome for your case.
