Our experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers can get you the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and pay for the damages sustained to you or your property during your motorcycle accident. A motorbike accident attorney can walk you step by step through the process of pursuing a claim. While you focus on recovery and healing, we’ll review your case, add up the total cost of your damages and expenses, and fight back if the at-fault party tries to blame you for your accident. If you’re unsure if we’re a good fit for you and your needs, contact one of our professional South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers for a free case evaluation.

Unfortunately for motorcyclists, the parties responsible for an accident often try to oppose a motorcycle accident claim. But you don’t have to fight them or their insurance companies alone. Get an experienced motorcycle accident attorney from The Clardy Law Firm on your side. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle accidents aren’t just caused by driver error. Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to hazards from poorly maintained roads, such as uneven pavements or potholes. If a road hazard is to blame for your motorcycle crash, you may be able to hold a government road agency responsible.

In other cases, an auto defect may be to blame. If one of the vehicles involved in your crash suffered a blown tire or brake failure, and this contributed to the accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the manufacturer.

Shortly after your motorcycle accident, you’ll likely get a call from an insurance adjuster appointed by the other party’s insurance company. They will come across as empathetic and concerned about your injuries, but it’s crucial to remember who they’re working for.

Anything you say to the insurance adjuster may be used against you to reduce the other party’s liability and, therefore, how much your claim is worth. In some cases, it can impact whether you can recover compensation at all.

Fortunately, you’re under no obligation to speak to an adjuster. One of the many benefits of hiring a South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer is that they will handle all communication with insurance companies for you. If you intend to hire a lawyer but haven’t sought counsel before an adjuster gets in touch, you must state politely but firmly that you are appointing an attorney, and all communication should go through them.

If you decide to speak to an adjuster, stick to the facts, such as when and where the accident happened. Avoid talking about the extent of your injuries, as an adjuster may rely on these statements to reduce how much they should pay you, even if your injuries worsen later.

Not all motorcycle accidents are purely another person or party’s fault, so where do you stand in terms of recovering compensation if you contributed to the crash?

Every state has negligence laws that determine whether or not you can claim if you’re partly responsible for an accident. Some states bar you from recovering compensation if you’re just 1% liable. Fortunately, South Carolina isn’t one of them.

South Carolina has moderate comparative negligence laws. In essence, this means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% responsible for your accident. Your level of fault will reduce the compensation you deserve.

For example, if another motorist is intoxicated and suddenly swerves and hits you, but you were following too closely, you may be partly liable. However, the other driver’s fault far exceeds your own, allowing you to claim compensation. If your level of fault is 20% and you suffer $100,000 in damages, you will receive the difference (80%).

Speaking to a personal injury lawyer is vital if you’re at fault for your motorcycle accident. You may still be able to claim, and our South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys can fight to recover a fair payout.

What you do immediately after your motorcycle accident can hugely impact your claim’s success.

The first step you should always take is to seek medical attention — even if you initially feel fine. Your health should always be the priority; a check-up can diagnose and treat hidden injuries. Seeing a doctor also allows you to document your injuries, providing vital proof for your motorcycle accident claim.

Keep all bills and receipts to make sure you recover the full cost of your medical treatment.

You should also stay away from social media. While it can be tempting to let your friends and loved ones know you’re okay, know that the insurance adjuster appointed to your case will be checking up on you. Even an innocent statement saying you’re okay can be twisted and used against you, so it’s wise to avoid talking about your accident until your claim is settled. If social media is your primary or only way of communicating with loved ones, consider sending multiple private messages instead of making a blanket statement anyone can see.

Of course, you should also seek advice from a motorcycle accident attorney. Our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyers can determine if you have a claim and explore all avenues of recovering compensation.