Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Damages in South Carolina

Riding a motorcycle through South Carolina’s scenic routes can be exhilarating, but it also comes with significant risks. Motorcycle accidents often result in far more severe consequences compared to auto crashes due to the lack of physical barriers protecting the rider.

Understanding common injuries and the damages one might suffer is vital to winning maximum compensation.  Consult a qualified attorney to help you uncover unforeseen losses that could increase your case’s worth.

If you are about to file a personal injury lawsuit, here are common injuries and damages you might claim in a motorcycle accident.

Physical Injuries

Motorcycle crashes frequently result in a variety of physical injuries due to the rider’s exposure. Common afflictions include road rash, severe lacerations, or even traumatic brain injuries especially if  helmets are not worn. 

Broken bones and spinal injuries are also prevalent, often leading to extended medical treatment or permanent disability. The full impact of these injuries can be extensive, affecting not just physical health but also one’s ability to work and enjoy life as before.

Lost Wages

Severe injuries from a motorcycle accident can prevent you that keep  from working for an extended period. This results in lost wages, impacting your financial stability and ability to cover everyday expenses. 

If you are self-employed or on hourly wages, this loss is particularly harsh as it directly affects your earning potential without any sick leave benefits to cushion the blow.

Medical Expenses

Injuries from motorcycle accidents usually rack up significant medical bills, from emergency care right after the accident to prolonged treatments like surgeries and physiotherapy. Additionally, serious injuries might require costly medication, assistive devices, or modifications to your home. 

These expenses can quickly become overwhelming, especially since they often extend well into the future, far beyond the initial recovery period.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering encompass the physical discomfort and emotional distress following a motorcycle accident. This is not just about immediate injuries; it’s also the prolonged impact on your daily life, like chronic pain or anxiety, that might emerge from the trauma of the event. 

Injuries resulting in pain and suffering fall under non-economic damages.  They can be complex as they are subjective, but they are crucial in recognizing the full extent of what you endured post-accident.

Property Damage

Motorcycle accidents can  cause significant damage to your bike and other personal belongings, such as gear and gadgets. Fixing or replacing a motorcycle can be costly, especially if you have customized equipment. 

If you lost or destroyed any belongings in a motorcycle crash, filing for property damages might help replace them. This protects you from out-of-pocket expenses for a fault that was not yours.

Wrongful Death

In tragic cases, motorcycle accidents can result in loss of life. If you have lost a loved one due to another motorist’s negligence, you may pursue a wrongful death claim. 

A wrongful death case seeks compensation for both economic losses like funeral expenses and lost future earnings and emotional damages like loss of companionship. 

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages in motorcycle accidents are not about reimbursement but rather punishment. They are awarded when the at-fault party’s behavior was especially harmful or reckless—think DUI or aggressive road rage. 

The idea is not just to punish the wrongdoer but also to send a message, discouraging such negligence in the future. While not common, these damages make a claim more substantial and highlight the seriousness of irresponsible behavior on roads.

Seeking Justice Through Motorcycle Injury Lawsuits

“If you have taken a hit from a motorcycle accident in South Carolina, do not just brush it off. Navigating the aftermath alone can be tricky. However, hooking up with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can be a game-changer,” says personal injury lawyer Charles W. Whetstone, Jr.

These personal injury attorneys understand the ins and outs of local laws and will fight tooth and nail to ensure justice is not just a word but something real for you. They will help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and ensure every damage is accounted for.