Recently on Columbia Highway North, a motorcyclist was killed at the scene when he ran into the side of a 2004 Saturn. The collision caused the motorcyclist to lose control of his bike and run off the side of the road. Due to the nice weather, there has been an increase of motorcycles on the road. With more people on the road, there are more opportunities for accidents to occur.
Accidents Involving Motorcycles
Through August of this year alone 572 people have died on South Carolina roads. That totals to close to 100 more accidents than last year. Many South Carolina residents are outraged by the spike in accidents and are calling for the legislature to take action and fix state highways. However, at this point there have been no actions taken to better these roads; thus it is imperative that motorcyclists stay as well informed as possible by taking safety classes as well as other precautions to help guarantee their safety. Since motorcyclists are more exposed, the risk of injury or death is naturally a lot higher.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Because of the increase in accidents, we have compiled a list of motorcycle safety tips. The most important thing a motorist can do is wearing a helmet. Although some states, including South Carolina, do not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, in many accidents this could mean the difference between life and death. Of every ten motorcyclists that were killed in traffic accidents, eight of them were not wearing helmets.
To ensure that people wear helmets, the legislature should consider adopting a mandatory motorcycle helmet law. Even though South Carolina now requires people to have more experience before getting a motorcycle license, if the person is not wearing a helmet and a driver hits them from behind, no amount of motorcyclist experience will be enough to prevent significant injury or death.
In addition to the lack of helmets, motorcyclists are subjected to South Carolina roads that are narrow and not properly lit. The South Carolina legislature continues to fail to update state highways. Motorcyclists are subjected to poor road conditions such as roads filled with potholes. One does not need to be an experienced motorcyclist to know that lack of helmet usage combined with poor road quality leads to a much higher probability of fatalities.
Recovering Compensation for Your Injuries
If you have been in a motorcycle accident caused by poor road conditions then you may have a claim for damages. These damages may cover medical expenses and compensation for missing work. This is why it is imperative that you speak with an attorney who specializes in traffic law and is knowledgeable about South Carolina.
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident, you deserve an attorney who legally knows the ways of the road and will help you receive the damages that you are entitled. Please do not hesitate to contact the Solomon Law Group to set up your initial consultation. We are available by phone at 803-219-8870.
