Motorcycle Accidents ▪ Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle Riders vs. Automobiles

Most riders are extremely cautious in operating their motorcycles.  Many motorcycle riders follow South Carolina’s laws requiring helmets and eye protection. Many wear special types of clothing and footwear that are much more protective than normal clothing. Also, most riders tend to be VERY DEFENSIVE DRIVERS. They make sure they are aware of what’s around them, but more importantly, they make sure that drivers around them are aware they are there. Motorcycle riders look and look again before maneuvering their bikes. When riding in groups, riders often ride in a staggered formation, looking out for each other. They follow general safety rules. They are keenly aware of their passengers and cargo. They pay more attention to road conditions such as uneven or slippery surfaces.

On the other hand, drivers of other vehicles have more of an “invincible” attitude. They change lanes with less regard than a rider. They text and drive, eat and drive, play with the radio and drive, or some combination thereof. Many drivers do not operate their vehicles with the care they should, knowing that motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are on and around the roads. As a result, accidents occur, and riders’ lives change.

Like all other automobile accident cases, injured riders look first to the at-fault driver’s insurance company for compensation. Minimum limits of coverage in South Carolina is $25,000 per person. Riders may elect to carry additional insurance because in many motorcycle accident cases, $25,000 is not even close enough to cover medical bills, much less lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability. However, oftentimes there is more than one policy that may provide coverage. Specifically, household members of the at-fault driver may have policies that apply, the injured rider’s own policies may provide additional coverage, or there may be applicable umbrella policies.  When selecting a motorcycle accident attorney in Charleston, it is important that the attorney be familiar with general insurance principals so that the attorney knows what to look for and how to look for it. In a case with serious injuries, applicable coverage should not be untapped.

Rules of the Road

Regarding our laws, or the “rules of the road,” for the most part, riders of motorcycles are required to follow the same driving laws as drivers of automobiles. There are few differences, such as those regarding safety equipment on the vehicle. However, handling a bike is different from driving a vehicle, including differences in acceleration, braking, shifting, steering, and turning. While there are no laws against riding on someone’s “blind spot,” it is much more difficult for a driver to see a motorcycle than it is to see a car or truck. However, it all comes down to whether the driver acted reasonably considering the circumstance and whether the rider did the same.