Left Turn Collisions

Many drivers fail to notice motorcycles because they are not paying attention for any of various reasons, including intoxication, fatigue, or distracted driving practices like texting behind the wheel. Based on these realities, it is unsurprising that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to lose their lives in a collision than other motorists and five times more likely to suffer injuries. Half of all accidents involving a motorcyclist are the result of another driver violating the rider’s right-of-way, such as turning left in front of a motorcycle’s path. Greenville and Spartanburg motorcycle accident lawyer Patrick E. Knie has provided experienced and knowledgeable legal guidance to riders throughout South Carolina. He is ready to help you seek the compensation that you deserve.

According to South Carolina law, each of us owes everyone else on the road a duty to drive with the same prudence and care that a reasonable motorist would use in a similar situation. This standard takes into account the weather, traffic, and roadway conditions present at the time of the accident. A motorist who fails to act according to this standard likely will be deemed negligent. Also, if the plaintiff can prove that the defendant violated a traffic law at the time of the crash, he or she will be entitled to a rebuttable presumption that the defendant was negligent. For example, South Carolina law requires drivers to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic before making a left turn in many situations.

After establishing that the defendant failed to act with the appropriate care, you must establish that this breach was the direct cause of your injuries. Unlike cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles that provide protection from external forces, motorcycles expose their riders to numerous hazards. As a result, they often experience some of the most severe injuries, including brain trauma, broken bones, amputations, and spinal cord injuries. Many types of damages thus may be available, ranging from lost income and future earning capacity, medical bills, and the costs of future treatment to pain and suffering and reduced enjoyment of life.

If you have tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, South Carolina law allows you to bring a wrongful death claim. Through this legal action, relatives of a victim can potentially recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses in addition to compensation for the loss of their loved one’s companionship, love, and support.

Since motorcycle accidents happen so quickly, it can be difficult to remember the events leading up to the collision. The first thing you should do after a crash is seek medical attention. Also, you should try to record any memories you have about the sequence of events leading up to the accident and obtain the contact information for any witnesses who may have seen the collision.

If you have been struck while riding a motorcycle, you may be entitled to compensation. Spartanburg and Greenville motorcycle accident attorney Patrick E. Knie has represented many injured individuals throughout Cherokee, Unions, Laurens, Greenville, and Spartanburg Counties. Call us at (864) 582-5118 or contact us online to set up a free appointment with a motor vehicle collision attorney.