We Help Motorcycle Accident Victims and Families in South Carolina Fight for What is Right
When you are dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, one of the first—and most important—steps you need to take is to talk to someone who can help. Whether you suffered serious injuries in the accident or you tragically lost a loved one, you need someone you can trust, and you need to feel confident that you are making smart decisions with your long-term best interests in mind.
Motorcycle accident attorney Luke Paulick has extensive experience representing riders and their families after serious and fatal accidents in South Carolina. He handles motorcycle accident cases in Beaufort County, Jasper County, Colleton County, and Hampton County, working closely with his clients to help them protect and assert their legal rights. If you have questions, Luke can explain everything you need to know, and he can guide you through the recovery process step by step.
What to Know About the Motorcycle Accident Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina’s motorcycle accident laws protect riders and their families in many ways. For example, they make clear that negligent drivers can be held fully accountable when they cause serious and fatal accidents. Despite common misconceptions about motorcycle riders, most motorcycle accidents result from driver negligence, with the most common causes of motorcycle accidents including things like:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Changing lanes or merging without looking for motorcycles
- Turning in front of approaching motorcycles
- Tailgating, speeding, running red lights and stop signs, and other all-too-common driving mistakes
All drivers are required to carry liability insurance under South Carolina law. As a result, if you or your loved one got hit by a negligent driver, the driver should have coverage. South Carolina law requires drivers and motorcycle riders to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as well, and this coverage can prove critical when seeking to recover the costs of a motorcycle accident. Some other important motorcycle accident laws in South Carolina include:
- Motorcycle riders have all of the same rights as drivers on South Carolina’s roads.
- Motorcycle riders over age 21 are not required to wear a helmet in South Carolina.
- Even if a motorcycle rider was partially at fault in an accident, the rider (or the rider’s family) can still seek financial compensation as long as the rider was not primarily responsible for causing the collision.
Once you get in touch, South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney Luke Paulick can take all of the steps necessary to identify the cause of your (or your loved one’s) accident and determine what insurance coverage is available. If you and your family are entitled to just compensation, he can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. He can also determine if you have a claim outside of auto insurance (such as a claim against a rideshare company or a negligent driver’s employer), and he can pursue any additional claims on your behalf as well.
How Luke Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina
Protecting your legal rights after a motorcycle accident involves much more than just filing a claim (or claims) for just compensation. When you work with Luke, you can expect him to do everything in his power to help you. This includes (but is not limited to):
1. Helping You Understanding Your Legal Rights
Understanding your legal rights in South Carolina is complicated. That’s the simple truth. But, understanding your legal rights is also extremely important. The insurance companies aren’t going to help you; and, if you don’t know what you need to do to protect yourself, you can easily make mistakes that have long-term consequences for you and your family. As an experienced and compassionate South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney, Luke can give you the information you need to move forward with confidence.
2. Helping You Protect Your Legal Rights
Protecting your legal rights after a motorcycle accident in South Carolina is a multi-step process. From investigating the cause of the accident to determining how much you and your family need to recover, there is a lot you need to do before you run out of time to do so. You also need to be able to deal with the insurance companies effectively, and you need to be prepared to go to court if necessary. Luke is a relentless advocate for his clients, and he will do what it takes to help you protect your legal rights.
3. Making Sure You Make Informed Decisions
The decisions you make when dealing with the aftermath of a serious or fatal motorcycle accident can impact the rest of your life. As a result, you need to be absolutely certain that you are making the right decisions for you and your family. From deciding whether to seriously consider a settlement offer to deciding whether (and when) to take your case to court, Luke can guide you forward while giving you much-needed peace of mind.
FAQs: What You Should Know After a Serious or Fatal Motorcycle Accident
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Collision?
After a motorcycle collision in South Carolina, the most important thing you can do is seek help. Seeing a doctor should be your first priority, and then you should make arrangements to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How Long After a Motorcycle Accident Can I Claim an Injury?
In South Carolina, you have up to three years to file an injury claim after a motorcycle accident. However, waiting longer than necessary can make it more difficult to assert your legal rights, so it is best if you speak with a South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer about filing a claim as soon as possible.
Can I File a Claim for a Motorcycle Accident if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Yes, you can file a claim for a motorcycle accident if you weren’t wearing a helmet. Whether you were wearing a helmet has no bearing on who caused the accident, and motorcycle helmets are only effective for preventing certain types of injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation with South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Luke Paulick
If you need to know more about protecting your legal rights after a motorcycle accident in South Carolina, we invite you to get in touch. Please call 843-379-3285 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.