Lexington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riders in Lexington, South Carolina, enjoy the freedom of the open road, but that freedom comes with risks. When accidents happen, motorcyclists often suffer severe, life-altering injuries. Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, riders have little protection from the impact of a collision, making even a minor crash devastating.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Lexington, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices are here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. 

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Motorcycle crashes are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents. The lack of a protective frame, seat belts, and airbags means motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, the highest number in decades. That means motorcycles accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

In South Carolina, the problem is especially concerning. South Carolina consistently ranks among the deadliest states for motorcyclists. Reports from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety show that hundreds of motorcyclists are injured or killed in crashes on our state’s roads every year.

Causes of Lexington Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes can happen in countless ways, but certain patterns appear again and again. Many of these accidents are directly tied to driver negligence.

Lane Change Crashes

Because motorcycles are small, they easily disappear into blind spots. A driver who fails to check before changing lanes on I-20 or Highway 378 can sideswipe a motorcyclist or cut them off entirely.

Fatigued Drivers

Tired drivers often drift, make sudden corrections, or fail to notice smaller vehicles like motorcycles. A momentary lapse is enough to cause a deadly collision.

Drunk or Drugged Driving

Driving under the influence is a major factor in Lexington crashes. Even if a driver avoids a DUI conviction, they can still be held civilly liable for the harm they caused.

Distracted Driving

Texting, adjusting a GPS, eating, or talking to passengers all divert attention. For motorcyclists, even a second of distraction can mean disaster.

Rear-End Collisions

A fender-bender between two cars may cause minor dents, but when a vehicle rear-ends a motorcycle at a stoplight, the rider may be thrown from the bike and suffer severe injuries.

Left- and Right-Turn Crashes

Intersections are among the most dangerous places for riders. A left-turn accident often happens when a driver misjudges the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. Right-turn accidents occur when a driver turns across or into the motorcyclist’s lane.

Other Causes

Not all motorcycle accidents involve another driver. In some cases, crashes happen because of:

• Defective motorcycle parts → leading to a possible product liability claim.
  
• Poor road maintenance → potholes, loose gravel, and broken pavement can throw a rider off balance.
  
• Hazardous weather → rain or fog can reduce traction and visibility, increasing crash risk.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because riders lack protection, injuries in Lexington motorcycle crashes are often catastrophic. Victims may face long recovery times and permanent disabilities.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Helmets reduce risk but cannot eliminate it. TBIs may cause memory loss, cognitive decline, or permanent disability.
  
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal injury may result in paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of mobility.
  
• Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Broken legs, arms, and ribs are common and often require surgery.
  
• Road Rash: Severe abrasions from sliding on pavement can cause infections or require skin grafts.
  
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage organs or cause internal bleeding.
  
• Amputations: In severe cases, crushed or mangled limbs may need to be amputated.

These injuries don’t just affect victims physically; they also lead to enormous medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

Important South Carolina Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

A few state rules affect liability, evidence, and helmet defenses in South Carolina:

• Helmet law (age-based): South Carolina requires operators and passengers under age 21 to wear a DPS-approved helmet (with chin strap and reflectors). Riders 21 and older are not required by statute to wear helmets, though wearing one is strongly recommended for safety.
  
• No lane-splitting: State law expressly forbids operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles (i.e., lane-splitting is illegal). At the same time, motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and may ride two-abreast under the statute’s rules. These provisions can affect fault and ticketing after an accident. 

Knowing how the law applies to helmets and lane conduct is important; helmet non-use (if the rider was under 21) or illegal lane splitting can be raised by defense lawyers to reduce a victim’s recovery under South Carolina’s comparative-fault rules.

What Compensation Can You Pursue After a Lexington Motorcycle Crash?

Victims (or families in wrongful-death cases) can seek a mix of economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future), like emergency care, surgeries, rehab, and assistive devices
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to prior work
• Property damage repair or the fair market value of the motorcycle and gear
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful-death damages (funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of consortium) where a fatality occurs

A local lawyer will calculate future needs (ongoing care, vocational rehab) so insurers can’t lowball settlement offers.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Lexington

The moments after a crash are overwhelming, but the steps you take can protect both your health and your claim:

• Seek medical care immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt. Some injuries are delayed.
• Call law enforcement to file a police report.
• Document the scene with photos and videos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
• Get witness information from anyone who saw the crash.
• Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid admitting fault.
• Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurers. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts.

Deadlines and Comparative Fault

Most personal injury claims in South Carolina must be filed within three years from the date of the crash, or you risk losing your right to sue. Missing this deadline can be fatal to a case, so prompt contact with a lawyer matters. (There are limited exceptions that may extend the period in special circumstances.)

Since South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you won’t be able to recover if you’re 51% or more at fault. That’s why preserving evidence immediately and having an attorney involved early on can make all the difference between full recovery and a reduced award.

How a Lexington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a serious motorcycle accident, you need more than medical care; you need strong legal representation to protect your future. Insurance companies often unfairly blame motorcyclists, but at Stewart Law Offices, our attorneys know how to fight back. We investigate crashes, work with reconstruction experts, gather medical records, and negotiate aggressively with insurers. 

FAQs About Lexington, SC Motorcycle Accidents