Thousands of road accidents occur in South Carolina every year, and many of these involve motorcycles. As a rider, you can do a lot to protect yourself and others, but you can’t prevent other motorists from being negligent.
If you survive a crash, you have a right to receive compensation so you can get your life back to normal. Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC, at Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, are ready to help you.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
After a motorcycle accident, the assistance of a lawyer can be a helpful step on the road to recovery. One reason is our lawyers have a thorough understanding of what items you can claim for compensation. You won’t lose time focusing on damages you can’t claim, and you’ll reduce the odds of missing out on what you deserve.
Our personal injury attorneys can also help you to determine which parties have liability and can assist in investigating the accident. This comprehensive knowledge of how the legal system and insurance companies operate could help you secure more compensation than you might alone.
Plus, you have to make sure you submit your claim within the statute of limitations. This can be difficult if you have to deal with an extensive recovery, but our motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC, at Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, can take that load off your shoulders.
What Types of Injuries Can Result From Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can cause many different types of injuries that merit compensation.
Physical
After surviving a motorcycle accident, you’ll likely first notice the physical injuries and pain. These wounds include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle damage
Of course, not all injuries are readily apparent after a crash. For example, bone fractures could initially be indiscernible but lead to long-lasting discomfort.
Organ damage, internal hemorrhaging, spinal cord injury or TBI could also take days to manifest. Immediate medical attention can help you find out what injuries you suffered from a motorcycle accident and what you deserve compensation for.
Worst of all, a loved one might die from a motorcycle collision. In such cases, family members can pursue justice in a wrongful death case for the damages the deceased suffered and the family’s expenses relating to the funeral and burial. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC, take such cases and offer compassionate assistance to grieving families who want justice.
Psychological
A motorcycle accident can also cause mental and emotional trauma that can change your life. Disfigurement or loss of a limb can be distressing and cause feelings of humiliation.
Also, if you lose the ability to work in the same field as you did before, you might feel a sense of loss and worthlessness that is hard to overcome. Anxiety, mood swings and confusion could also spring from the effects of head trauma. In a wrongful death case, the family must cope with the loss of companionship and love of the victim.
In such instances, the at-fault party has to compensate you for these non-economic damages. However, these expenses are more difficult to calculate, which is why the experience of our motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC, can be an invaluable aid.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident Injury?
Quick action after a motorcycle accident can help you recover rapidly and protect your claim.
Call first responders
If you’re able, call 911 to alert the police, medical professionals and fire department or ask someone else to do so.
Be careful not to admit fault for the accident. Just report the current circumstances and the condition of the involved parties.
Even if you feel relatively fine, get medical attention as soon as you can. An accurate assessment of your condition helps you pursue a full settlement with the help of your motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC, at Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP.
Exchange information with other parties
Try to get the insurance information and contact details of other people in the accident. You can also collect the contact information of any witnesses to the event.
Gather evidence
If you don’t have any severe injuries and can move about the scene safely, gather whatever evidence you can, including photos and pictures. You can also record statements of bystanders while getting their contact details.
Who Is Liable in a Motorcycle Accident in Camden, SC?
An individual or multiple parties might have liability in a motorcycle accident. In South Carolina, you can sue or bring a claim against anyone whose actions contributed to the accident as long as your own actions contributed less than 51% to the crash.
Liable entities could include:
- Other motorists or travelers
- Property owners
- Parts and vehicle manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Businesses or other organizations that employed a negligent driver
In most instances, you’ll likely have to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company for a settlement. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC, can help you do that, and if negotiations fail, we can take your case to trial.
Why Hire Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, as Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
The consequences of a motorcycle accident can last for years as they take a physical, emotional and financial toll. It takes dedicated work to ensure you or a loved one gets full compensation for the event, but we can help.
Contact our team at Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, to speak with our motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC. We bring the personal commitment, experience and resources you need to fight your case.
Motorcycle Accident Case FAQs
Why not simply accept the insurance settlement?
Insurance companies keep profits high by paying out as little as possible. Our attorneys can help you pursue all possible compensation and avoid actions or agreements that lower your claim’s value.
How long do you have to file a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident?
Accident survivors typically have three years from the date of the collision to bring a suit, but the deadline can be longer for minors. Also, you must file claims for damages against the government within two years. Talk to our motorcycle accident lawyers in Camden, SC, to find out the requirements for your case.