Orangeburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The team at Peake & Fowler has handled many motorcycle accident cases, so we know very well how one driver’s misjudgment can cause catastrophic injuries for motorcycle riders. We’ve also seen how poorly motorcycle riders are treated after an accident—they are very often assumed to be the at-fault party, regardless of what the evidence says.
That’s why we’ve committed ourselves to helping bikers get you to get a fair shot at full compensation after an accident. If your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t be left footing the bill. We’ll help you fight for what’s right. Call Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370 to get started.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
If you know what caused your accident, you’re halfway to figuring out who is liable for the crash and your injuries. Some of the most commonly reported causes of collisions include:
- Unsafe lane changes: When drivers change lanes, they’re used to looking for larger vehicles. A motorcycle may not catch their attention, causing an unsafe lane change.
- Sudden stops: Sudden stops in front of a car are annoying and can cause rear-end accidents, which can cause mild to moderate bodily harm and property damage. However, stopping too suddenly in front of a motorcycle rider can cause them to be thrown from their bike and suffer severe injuries.
- Following too closely: Even drivers who leave plenty of space for other cars may not do the same for motorcycles. Motorcycles need more space than cars, and drivers simply do not respect that. This puts motorcyclists at greater risk of accidents.
- Malicious driving: Some drivers genuinely believe that they shouldn’t have to share the road with bikers. They may antagonize, frighten, or otherwise drive aggressively near motorcycle riders.
- Misjudging speed or distance: When drivers misjudge a biker’s distance or traveling speed, they may take unnecessary risks. Consider a driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. If they misjudge how fast the rider is going, they may hit the motorcycle head-on.
- Opening doors: When parked drivers fail to check before opening their doors, they may hit motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians. This can lead to motorcycle riders being thrown off their bikes.
Steps to Take After an Accident
You must protect yourself and your personal injury claim after an accident. We recommend following these steps:
- Calling the police: Report the accident, regardless of what the other party says. You need to have the accident documented if you plan on seeking fair compensation.
- Checking yourself for injuries: Check yourself for injuries. If you think you may be seriously injured, keep your protective gear on until emergency services personnel arrive. They can check you over and make sure it’s safe to take off your protective gear.
- Telling your side to the police: Ensure that your side of the story is included in the police report. Do not let the other driver control the narrative.
- Taking photos and video footage: The crash scene will be gone by the time you are able to return to it. Take photos and videos from multiple angles and distances—doing so could strengthen your personal injury claim.
- Getting checked by a doctor: Head to a facility like Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, RMC Express Care, or Jamison Express Care. You must get checked for injuries.
- Contacting an Orangeburg motorcycle accident lawyer: If the accident is someone else’s fault, you will need to pursue compensation via a personal injury claim. An attorney can help you prove your case and fight for what you deserve.
Motorcycle Laws in South Carolina
Motorcycle laws may influence the outcome of your case, so it’s important to know what your rights and obligations are as a rider. Relevant South Carolina laws include:
- Lane sharing is legal in South Carolina, but lane splitting is illegal.
- Riders below the age of 21 must wear an approved helmet and either goggles or a face shield.
- Motorcycles have all of the same rights on the road as drivers, and no one should infringe upon those rights or block them from traveling.
How the Team at Peake & Fowler Can Help
You’ve been injured—what happens now? It’s time to reach out to the team at Peake & Fowler. Our extensive experience in Orangeburg motorcycle accident cases gives us the insight needed to handle your claim.
We know that insurance companies will do a lot to pin accidents on motorcycle riders, even when it’s clear that the other driver is to blame. Unfortunately, many bikers don’t know what it takes to push back against this bias and advocate for themselves.
That’s where we step in. Over the years, we’ve negotiated with every major insurance company on behalf of our clients. We’re well-versed in the techniques they use to intimidate victims and prevent them from seeking the fair compensation they deserve. By taking over communication with the insurance company from the very beginning, we protect you from making statements that put your claim in danger.
Over the course of your claim, we will investigate your accident, figure out what caused your accident, and pinpoint the liable party. Our goal is to make the strongest case possible so that the insurance company is forced to offer you fair and full compensation.
While most motorcycle accident claims settle outside the court system, there is always a possibility that we will have to take your case to court. Should that happen, feel confident that we will fight aggressively for everything you deserve.
For too long, motorcycle riders have just had to accept whatever they are offered after an accident. Don’t let yourself fall victim to unethical insurance companies. Let us help instead.
Start Your Claim Today—Call Peake & Fowler
The sooner you reach out to the team at Peake & Fowler, the sooner we can begin figuring out what caused your accident and how we can pursue full compensation for you. Schedule a consultation now. Just call us at 803-788-4370 or contact us online to have a team member reach out to you.
