Rock Hill Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Rock Hill, SC

A Rock Hill motorcycle accident lawyer can help guide you through the legal process after a crash has left you with serious injuries and unexpected financial burdens. Motorcycle accidents can have lifelong repercussions because motorcyclists are much more exposed on the road than passenger vehicle occupants.

It is important to understand your legal rights and the options available to you under South Carolina law so that you can move forward with greater peace of mind. Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, advocates for injured clients and aggressively pursues fair compensation on behalf of individuals who have been injured by another party’s negligence.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Since 2006, Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, has provided legal representation for clients in the areas of personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and immigration. The firm is committed to offering responsive, individualized legal representation and guiding clients through often complex legal issues with confidence.

Our attorneys have decades of collective legal experience and are dedicated to protecting their clients’ interests and advocating for fair results.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in Rock Hill?

Motorcycle accidents in Rock Hill can have devastating consequences for crash victims. Injured riders may be eligible for compensation depending on the circumstances of the crash. Depending on the individual case, a victim may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment and rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and damages to their motorcycle and other personal property.

Injured riders may also be able to claim damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. Every case is different. The available compensation can depend on the extent of your injuries, the evidence available, and the losses you have suffered.

Common Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident claims are often different and more complex than other motor vehicle cases. An insurance company may challenge the severity of a rider’s injuries or attempt to assign an unfair percentage of fault to the motorcycle operator.

In South Carolina, 368 motorcycle collisions involving serious injury occurred in 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 46% of fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in 2023 involved the other vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking.

These types of crashes frequently result in serious injuries and large amounts of damage, so liability and compensation are often heavily disputed. If a settlement cannot be reached, a claim would generally be filed in the York County Court of Common Pleas.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Motorcycle Crash?

More than one party can be held legally responsible for a motorcycle accident. A negligent driver who was distracted, speeding, impaired, or who failed to follow traffic laws may be liable for the resulting injuries.

South Carolina drivers are required to follow right-of-way rules in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2330, and a violation of those rules could be used to establish negligence in some cases. The liable party could also be an employer, a government entity with knowledge of an unsafe roadway condition, or a manufacturer of a defective motorcycle or motorcycle part, depending on the circumstances.

Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident in Rock Hill

What you do after a motorcycle accident can impact your health and your legal claim. It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor, because some injuries may not produce symptoms for hours or even days.

Notify the Rock Hill Police Department or other law enforcement agency of the collision, and ask for a copy of the accident report when it is available. If you’re able, take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage, and get the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance company, it may be wise to discuss your legal options with an attorney.

FAQs

What if the Driver Who Hit Me Left the Scene?

You may still be able to seek compensation even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified. Even if the driver responsible for the accident isn’t found, you might still be able to get compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other policies. Notify the police of the crash as soon as possible and keep any evidence of the accident that might help identify the driver, such as security camera footage or witness statements.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in South Carolina?

The general statute of limitations in South Carolina is three years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury claim, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530. If the applicable statute of limitations passes, you may be forever barred from recovering compensation for your losses.

Although limited exceptions to the statute of limitations may apply in some circumstances, it is prudent to contact an attorney promptly following a motorcycle accident.

Should You Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

It is generally not advisable to accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer. The first offer from the responsible party is not likely to equal the full value of your damages. If you are still undergoing treatment or have an uncertain prognosis, your losses may not yet be fully known.

Consider your medical costs, lost income, and other losses before agreeing to a settlement. In most cases, you cannot ask for more money after you accept a settlement.

Can a Motorcycle Passenger File an Injury Claim?

A passenger who is hurt in a motorcycle crash may be entitled to seek damages from the party or parties at fault for the accident. The liable party may be the driver of a car, the motorcycle driver, or more than one at-fault driver. Since passengers are typically not responsible for a crash, they usually have a valid basis for filing a claim for their injuries.

Contact a Rock Hill Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accident recovery is physically, emotionally, and financially draining, but you do not have to go through the process alone. Understanding your legal options is an important first step after a serious motorcycle accident. Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, offers focused representation for injured riders and is ready to advocate for you. Schedule a consultation today to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.