Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

From a ride on the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway to a leisurely cruise down Main Street, Spartanburg has many roads for motorcyclists to explore throughout the city and surrounding area. Riding a motorcycle is usually an exhilarating experience, but the enjoyment can quickly disappear when a motorcyclist is involved in a crash.

Motorcyclists do not have the same levels of protection that are afforded the occupants of automobiles. This means that the potential injuries resulting from these motorcycle crashes can often be catastrophic. Motorcycle accident injuries may result in not only overwhelming medical bills but also a significant reduction in income if you are unable to return to work.

If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident in Spartanburg; you need to get help from an attorney as soon as possible to have the best chance of recovering all of the compensation you are entitled to.

Contact Stewart Law Offices to speak with an experienced Spartanburg motorcycle accident lawyer who handles motorcycle accident claims carefully and fight for the victims’ compensation. Do this before you speak to an insurance company.

Why Motorcyclists Face Greater Risks in Spartanburg

Motorcycle accidents in Spartanburg and across South Carolina result in disproportionately severe injuries compared to other vehicle collisions. Motorcyclists lack the protection of enclosed vehicles, making them more vulnerable to catastrophic harm even in lower-speed crashes.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s 2023 Traffic Collision Fact Book, there were 128 motorcyclist fatalities statewide in 2023 (down from 147 in 2022). Motorcycle collisions also contributed to thousands of injuries annually, with motorcyclists representing a significant portion of serious and fatal outcomes relative to their small share of total traffic.

The unique risks motorcyclists face include:

• Lack of physical protection: Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles have no frame, airbags, seat belts, or crumple zones to absorb impact.
• Size and visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and harder for other drivers to see, especially in blind spots, adverse weather, or low-light conditions.
• Instability: Two-wheeled vehicles are inherently less stable and more prone to loss of control on slick roads, gravel, potholes, or poor pavement.
• Ejection risk: In a collision, motorcyclists are often thrown from the bike, leading to severe injuries from striking the pavement, other vehicles, or roadside objects.

Even experienced riders who follow all safety laws (including helmet use, where required) can suffer life-altering or fatal injuries when negligent drivers fail to yield, change lanes unsafely, or otherwise exercise proper caution.

Causes of Motorcycle Traffic Collisions in Spartanburg

Many serious motorcycle accidents involve other motor vehicles. The causes of these types of collisions are often driver negligence. Some of the most common causes of crashes include:

• Left or Right Turn Accidents: The most dangerous scenario for motorcyclists occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn across a motorcycle’s path at an intersection. Drivers often misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or fail to see the rider altogether, especially at busy intersections along East Main Street, Pine Street, Church Street, or near WestGate Mall.
• Rear-End Accidents: Following too closely behind a motorcycle is extremely dangerous. When a car rear-ends a motorcycle, the rider has nowhere to go and often suffers severe injuries from being crushed between vehicles or thrown into traffic.
• Lane Change Accidents: Motorcycles frequently occupy drivers’ blind spots, leading to dangerous side-swipe collisions when vehicles change lanes on I-85, I-26, or busy city streets without properly checking mirrors or signaling.
• Intersection Collisions: Spartanburg intersections experience high volumes of traffic, and drivers rushing through yellow lights or rolling through stop signs pose serious risks to motorcyclists who have the right of way.
• Driver Fatigue:  Tired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced awareness, making them more likely to overlook motorcycles on the road.
• Drunk or Drugged Driving Accidents: Impaired drivers pose an extreme danger to all motorists, but especially to vulnerable motorcyclists who require other drivers to be alert and attentive.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: Texting, phone calls, eating, adjusting GPS systems, or other distractions take drivers’ eyes off the road at critical moments when they should be watching for motorcycles.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time and increases the severity of impacts. Speed-related crashes on highways like I-85 and I-26 or on winding rural routes like SC-295 and SC-9 can be particularly deadly for motorcyclists.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers simply don’t respect a motorcyclist’s legal right to occupy a lane or proceed through an intersection.
• Door Crashes (Dooring): In downtown Spartanburg areas with parallel parking, motorcyclists can be struck by vehicle doors suddenly opening into their path.
• Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Some drivers become frustrated with motorcycles and engage in dangerous, aggressive behaviors like tailgating, brake-checking, or intentionally cutting off riders.

While other drivers cause many motorcycle accidents, some crashes involve only the motorcycle. These types of accidents are not always the fault of the rider. Mechanical issues are to blame for some crashes.

If a motorcycle part malfunctioned because it was defective, the manufacturer of that part could be liable. A motorcycle that was unsafe by design could also result in a product liability claim against the manufacturer. A maintenance company could also be responsible when a motorcycle accident is caused by an improperly repaired motorcycle.

Road Hazards Particularly Dangerous to Motorcycles

Motorcycles are highly susceptible to road hazards that four-wheeled vehicles often handle with ease. Conditions that might only be minor inconveniences for a car can be catastrophic, leading a motorcyclist to lose control, slide, or crash.

Key Road Hazards for Motorcyclists:

• Potholes and Pavement Defects
• Gravel, Sand, or Road Debris
• Oil Slicks or Fluid Spills
• Uneven Pavement or Edge Drop-offs
• Railroad Tracks and Metal Grates
• Grass Clippings
• Storm Debris, Fallen Branches, or Standing Water

Injuries from Spartanburg Motorcycle Accidents

Very few people who are involved in motorcycle accidents walk away unscathed. Many motorcycle crashes cause severe injuries, and some injuries can be fatal.

Even when a motorcyclist does survive their injuries, they can still face a lifetime of recovery and rehabilitation. Some of the injuries motorcycle riders and passengers may sustain include:

When a motorcyclist dies from their crash injuries, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party.

Spartanburg  Motorcycle Laws

South Carolina state law requires all operators of motorcycles under 21 years of age to wear helmets, goggles, and face shields. The goggle and face shield requirements do not apply to bikes with windscreens meeting South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) specifications.

A person who has not previously held a driver’s license needs to obtain a motorcycle beginner’s permit before they can receive a Class M motorcycle driver’s license. If a person fails the Class M road test three times, they must complete and pass a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)-approved motorcycle safety course to receive a motorcycle license.

South Carolina’s motorcycle laws prioritize rider safety. Lane splitting is illegal, and riders must always use headlights and wear eye protection unless a windscreen is present. Passenger bikes need proper footrests and seats, and all motorcycles must meet equipment standards for brakes, tires, and mirrors. While riders 21 and older aren’t required to wear a helmet, doing so significantly lowers injury risk.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book from the SCDPS, there were 148 fatalities in 139 fatal collisions involving motorcycles in a single recent year. Motorcycles were involved in 1,786 injury collisions and 470 property damage-only (PDO) collisions, resulting in 2,077 people injured.

According to SCDPS, motorcyclists not wearing helmets accounted for 68% of all motorcycle fatalities and 59% of all other injuries.  The majority of those escaping injury altogether in an incident were those who wore helmets.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents in Spartanburg

Victims in motorcycle accident cases may be entitled to damages that cover all of the expenses they have incurred and will incur due to the crash. In most cases, the settlements that are negotiated with insurance companies are intended to provide for the full lifetime of care a victim will require.

When a settlement is not possible, a victim may file a lawsuit to pursue their case in court. If successful, they may be awarded compensatory damages, which are usually a combination of economic damages and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages are the costs that can be readily calculated and proven, such as lost wages, medical bills, and property damage. Pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress are typical examples of the types of more subjective awards that constitute noneconomic damages.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident

When you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, your first step should be to seek medical attention. Even if you do not think at first that you were hurt, still go to a hospital to make sure that you did not suffer an injury that might involve delayed symptoms. Many serious injuries do not show immediate symptoms.

If it is possible, you should try to take pictures of the crash scene. Get photographs of everything relating to the accident. Ask a friend or family member to do this for you if you are unable because of your need for medical care.

If people saw your accident, get their names and phone numbers. Make sure law enforcement is contacted, and a police report is completed.

What NOT to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, there are several mistakes that can seriously harm your case. Never leave the scene, as it is illegal and damages your claim. Avoid admitting fault; let investigators determine what happened. Don’t downplay your injuries or delay medical treatment, since gaps suggest they aren’t serious. Never give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice, accept early settlement offers, or sign documents without attorney review. Don’t repair or dispose of your motorcycle until it has been properly photographed and inspected.

Why You Need a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accident cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge:

Insurance Company Bias

Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face unfair bias from insurance adjusters, who may assume riders are reckless, minimize the seriousness of injuries, offer quick, lowball settlements, or rely on comparative negligence laws to reduce payouts. Our attorneys fight these tactics by building strong cases that clearly establish fault and thoroughly document the full extent of your damages, ensuring you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Complex Legal Issues

Motorcycle accident claims are complex due to several factors: multiple liable parties, potential product defects, road condition issues involving governmental immunity, insurance complications, and South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rules, which can reduce a rider’s compensation if they are partly at fault. Experienced legal guidance is essential for fair recovery.

Maximizing Your Recovery

Accident victims with experienced attorneys consistently recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims alone. At Stewart Law Offices, we maximize your recovery by calculating all current and future damages, identifying every compensation source, using expert witnesses, negotiating firmly with insurers, and preparing for trial if necessary. This thorough approach ensures the strongest possible claim.

No Upfront Costs

At Stewart Law Offices, motorcycle accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront to begin your claim. We cover all costs of investigating and building your case, and you owe no fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing, ensuring that pursuing justice carries no financial risk.

How Our Firm Can Help After a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The Spartanburg motorcycle accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices aggressively represent people who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents. We also help the families of those who were killed in motorcycle collisions seek justice on behalf of their loved ones. We have an office location in Spartanburg and represent residents of, as well as visitors to, the city and other surrounding areas.

Our firm will fight for every last dollar you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. We are here to help you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable member of our team today by calling us or by reaching out to us online.