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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Greenville, SC
Motorcycles are said to make up only 3% of all motor vehicles registered in the United States. Yet, motorcycles are usually overrepresented in the number of serious and fatal accidents every year. In 2021, motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, a sharp increase from previous years. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Armada Law discuss the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in South Carolina and explain how an injured motorcyclist may recover compensation for a crash caused by a negligent driver.
How Many Serious and Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Are There in South Carolina Every Year?
South Carolina’s beautiful landscapes and mild weather make it a popular state for motorcycle enthusiasts. There are about 150,000 motorcycles registered in the state, and many more belonging to out-of-state motorcyclists.
Unfortunately, the Palmetto State has also seen a record year for the number of motorcycle deaths since the pandemic years. With more people getting outside and enjoying the outdoors after pandemic restrictions were lifted, the number of motorcycle fatalities sharply increased in 2021. There were as many as 154 motorcycle fatalities in 2021, which is the highest rate since the South Carolina Department of Public Safety began collecting motorcycle accident data in 1980. As many as 16 of those deaths occurred in Greenville County, which is the most populated of South Carolina’s 46 counties.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina?
South Carolina motorcycle accidents follow a national trend in terms of factors that may have contributed to the crashes. Excessive speed, distracted drivers, collisions with another vehicle, alcohol impairment, and helmet use are all common causes of serious motorcycle accidents.
Excessive speed contributes to many fatal accidents. Motorcyclists who are speeding can easily lose control of their motorbike and collide with another vehicle or with an obstacle on the road. Likewise, larger vehicles that are moving too fast require longer braking distances and may be unable to avoid a collision. The same is true for distracted driving – motorists who do not have their full attention on the road ahead may end up not seeing a motorcycle when, for example, preparing to make a left turn.
Impaired driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in South Carolina and nationwide. At least 28% of all fatal accidents involve an impaired driver. Alcohol, drugs, and even some prescription medications may impair a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Because motorcycles are smaller vehicles, an impaired driver may not be able to spot them or avoid a collision. Finally, helmet use plays a role in preventing a significant percentage of motorcyclist deaths. While helmet use cannot prevent all fatal accidents, it can still save many lives. It is estimated that almost 38% of all fatal accidents involved a motorcyclist without a helmet.
What Are the Most Frequent Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcyclists have limited protection, and the impact of an accident can be devastating. Head and brain injuries are some of the most common and serious types of motorcycle accident injuries. When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle or an obstacle, the motorcyclist’s head is exposed to potential impact, especially when the motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet. This can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and brain damage.
Neck and spinal cord injuries can also be severe consequences of motorcycle accidents. The force of the accident can cause the motorcyclist’s head to snap forward or backward, leading to spinal cord injuries and even paralysis. Road rash is another common type of motorcycle accident injury. When a motorcycle rider is involved in an accident, their skin can come in contact with the road, resulting in severe abrasions and lacerations. Road rash injuries are not usually fatal but can be extremely painful, cause disfigurement and scars, and may require medical attention to prevent infections. Broken bones are also a possibility, such as fractured arms, wrists, hands, legs, ankles, and feet. These injuries may require surgeries, casts, or physical therapy to heal properly.
Injuries to internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver, spleen, and lungs, can also occur in motorcycle accidents, as the impact and force of the accidents can cause these organs to rupture, bleed, or cause severe internal damage. Internal organ injuries can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical attention.
How Can I Recover Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, it is extremely important to seek medical attention right away. You will also want to write down the contact information and insurance information of the at-fault driver and contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can assist you with the process of filing an insurance claim to recover compensation for your damages, such as medical bills, damaged motorcycle, pain, and suffering. In many cases, filing an insurance claim is the most straightforward path to recovering damages, but in some instances, you may find yourself dealing with an insurance company that is unwilling to pay you what you deserve or a driver who does not carry sufficient coverage. In these situations, your attorney can advise you on whether you should consider taking your case to the courtroom and initiating a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your accident.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Armada Law have successfully represented countless injured motorcyclists and helped them recover maximum compensation for their injuries. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact Armada Law at (864) 633-3739.
