When a ride on your motorcycle ends in an accident, you should not have to handle the situation by yourself. You need a Sumter motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your options. If you suffered an injury or if the driver blames you for the accident, call McCall Law. Our injury lawyer serving Sumter can help you navigate the situation.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Sumter
Many people assume that an accident happens because you made a mistake on your bike. However, a Sumter motorcycle accident lawyer knows that several factors cause motorcycle crashes, and these are often out of your control.
Failure to yield
When you approach an intersection, there could be a stop sign or a yield sign. While you may follow the rules of the road, some drivers might disregard them. A driver might fail to stop and hit your motorcycle as you pass through the intersection. Someone could also ignore the yield sign and enter your lane, colliding with your bike or pushing you off the road.
Blind spots
Motorists have a responsibility to look for other vehicles before merging into a lane or pulling out of a parking lot. Many cars have blind spots, and drivers may have decreased visibility. Because your bike is smaller than a car, drivers might not see you when they look for vehicles. A Sumter motorcycle accident attorney knows that drivers still need to be accountable for these situations.
Distracted drivers
Motorists face an increasing number of distractions. They may check their email, send text messages and make phone calls as they drive. People may look at objects outside their vehicle, and parents could look away from the road to care for their children. The following scenarios can also take a driver’s attention away from the road:
- Programming the GPS
- Changing the radio station
- Eating food
- Putting on makeup
- Speaking to a passenger
All these distractions keep people from paying attention to their surroundings. When this happens, it is more likely that they will collide with your motorcycle.
Drunk driving
When motorists drink alcohol before driving, they can easily cause an accident. These drivers experience impaired thinking, as well as decreased hand-eye coordination. Drunk drivers also react more slowly to potential hazards.
Failure to signal
Motorists need to use their turn signals and hazard lights so you know what they plan to do. If a driver merges into your lane without signaling or stops suddenly, you may not be able to react in time.
A Sumter motorcycle accident attorney can help make sure that you do not receive blame for a crash that wasn’t your fault.
Common Injuries Motorcyclists Suffer
A motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries. While a driver has the protection of seat belts and airbags, you only have your helmet and biking gear. A motorist can easily walk away without harm, while you may need to recover from several wounds. A Sumter motorcycle accident lawyer knows that injuries can have a deep impact on your life.
Traumatic brain injury
One of the most serious wounds you can receive is a brain injury. Even seemingly minor wounds, such as a concussion, can result in long-lasting side effects. Severe brain injuries might affect your ability to speak and process information, and you could also have decreased mobility. Our attorneys know that a traumatic brain injury has the potential to affect your health for the rest of your life.
Road rash
If a collision knocks you off your bike, your body could skid across the road. This impact can cause abrasions on your skin. Some of these may be mild, but others might cause severe damage to your skin.
Whiplash
During the accident, your head could jerk back and forth, resulting in whiplash. Such an injury can cause damage to your neck muscles, as well as to your ligaments and spinal disks. You might need immediate treatment to ensure this damage does not permanently affect your health.
Motorcycle accidents can also cause the following injuries:
- Severe fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
Even when you wear protective gear, you may still receive serious wounds.
Without the help of our attorneys, a driver might insist that the crash did not cause your injuries. Additionally, they could say that your actions resulted in these wounds. By working with a Sumter motorcycle accident attorney, you can show that your injuries are not your fault.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Sumter
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. While you heal from your injuries, you may also need to work with your insurance company. Insurers usually want to see documentation about the collision, such as the following:
- The police report
- Photos from the crash scene
- Witness statements
Even with this evidence, your insurance company may still refuse to pay for your medical expenses and the repairs to your motorcycle. A Sumter motorcycle accident lawyer can help negotiate with your insurer, so you receive the compensation you need.
Sometimes, other drivers might not have insurance. This could make it even more difficult to work with your insurance company. Our team can help you work through the complexities of this situation so you do not need to navigate it by yourself.
If you decide to seek damages from the driver who caused the collision, you might face significant obstacles. A driver may not take responsibility for the accident. Additionally, you typically need to demonstrate that the driver’s actions caused the crash. A Sumter motorcycle accident attorney can help you gather the evidence you need.
Call a Sumter Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At McCall Law, we know that a motorcycle accident can change your life, and you should not be alone as you handle the aftermath. We can answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to get through this difficult time. Contact our team online or by phone at 843-279-8148 to schedule a free consultation. We can take care of the legal matters so you can focus on your healing. Call McCall and don’t let a claim keep you in pain.