Motorcycles provide the freedom and excitement that few other vehicles can offer. Unfortunately, accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries or even death.
Because motorcycle accidents can be so dangerous, it is vital to speak with a lawyer about your injuries and suffering, especially if someone else was at fault. Your Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get compensated when you are hurt and suffering. When you are ready to talk, the Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm are here to listen.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Be Serious
If you are a motorcyclist in Myrtle Beach and you have had an accident, you may find your injuries are devastating even if you wore a helmet. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road without airbags or seat belts to protect them. Because of this, your injuries may be more severe.
Below are some common injuries seen in Myrtle Beach motorcycle accidents:
- Traumatic head injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Friction burns, or “road rash”
Insurers May Be Unfair to Motorcyclists
Insurance companies are notorious for not offering thorough, comprehensive settlements to motorcyclists after a serious accident. That is because these companies are for-profit businesses and motorcycle accidents are severe. Your damages may be costly, and the insurance company may be unwilling to pay.
If you suspect an insurance company is being unfair or acting in bad faith, you have options for action. The South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm understand how difficult negotiations with insurance companies can be and are ready to represent you in the courtroom. If those negotiations fail, your lawyer will be by your side in the courtroom.
Liability for Your Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident
Before you file a Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident lawsuit, you need to pinpoint the party responsible for your injuries. This can be complex because it is not always the other driver—while they may have caused the accident, someone else may be responsible for their actions if they were on the clock for work, for example.
In other cases, you may have been injured after losing control in a single-vehicle accident. Your lawyer can determine whether your accident was caused by a malfunction with your bike, which may be a manufacturing issue, or by a pothole or other road defect. Road defects should be fixed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and when they fail to fix potholes, the department can be held liable for those damages.
Comparative Negligence Laws for Motorcyclists
After your accident, you may be concerned that you were partly at fault for the accident. While this does not automatically bar you from compensation, it can limit the amount of compensation you receive for your case.
Say another driver caused the accident, but you were speeding. Because you were unable to stop in time, you may be held partially liable for your injuries. Your claim may be reduced by a certain percentage, and your overall compensation will be reduced by this amount.
While you will still be able to recover compensation, your lawyer will work hard to get you the complete compensation you are due. That means gathering evidence to defend you, representing you in the courtroom, and seeking out the maximum compensation for you.
Time Limits for a Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Claim
After a Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident, the timer on your claim begins ticking down. State law sets a three-year time limit on motorcycle accident claims. If you do not act in time, your claim may be dismissed, which bars you from compensation.
Unfortunately, acting within that time limit can be difficult if you are hurt and struggling to get the help you need to recover your health.
Here is the good news—your lawyer is prepared to work within those time limits. They have the tools to act fast, preserve evidence, and get your paperwork filed on time.
Compensation Due for a Motorcycle Accident in Myrtle Beach
The key to your Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident claim is compensation. Without funds for the expenses, losses, and suffering you have experienced (damages), recovery can be difficult or impossible. Your lawyer can help you navigate the types and values of your damages.
Your economic damages cover all the expenses, both current and future, that you have suffered because of the accident. Non-economic damages cover the pain and suffering you have experienced or other intangible experiences that you may need compensation for. You may also receive punitive damages in severe cases, which are not meant to compensate but instead to penalize the at-fault party for being grossly negligent or for intentionally trying to harm you.
Below are some common examples of damages you may receive:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
Affording a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach
One of the biggest concerns many people have before filing a claim with a Myrtle Beach motorcycle injury attorney is the cost. Many people hear horror stories about how expensive lawyers are and worry they cannot afford one themselves.
Our attorneys work on contingency fees. That means they only get paid if your claim is successful. If your claim is a success and you receive compensation, your lawyer is paid a portion of that compensation that you and your attorney agree on before you sign anything.
We want our clients to feel confident they are getting fair, compassionate support.
Reach Out to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Myrtle Beach
After a serious Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident, your journey to recovery may be long. Your injuries may be severe, and worse, the at-fault party may be using your vehicle of choice against you to protect their own pockets.
You do not have to accept that without taking action. Talk to the lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, who are here to help you get compensated for your injuries and overcome the suffering you have experienced. We offer free consultations to those seeking help.
Ready to speak with a Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney? Give us a call or fill out our online contact form.
