Aiken Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Were you or a loved one involved in a motorcycle accident in Aiken, SC? If you’re looking for legal advice, you’re in the right place. An experienced Aiken motorcycle accident lawyer at Hawk Law Group can help you fight to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. 

We have over three decades of experience handling personal injury cases. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims like you. 

We’re here to help you hold the people responsible for your injuries accountable. Call our law offices in Aiken, South Carolina at 803) 226-9089 to schedule a free consultation today.

How Hawk Law Group Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Aiken

How Hawk Law Group Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Aiken

Hawk Law Group has been fighting for motorcycle accident victims for decades. We know that a serious injury can take a dramatic toll on your life. We also know that your costs can add up quickly–and that it can be hard to protect your legal rights when you’re struggling with physical trauma.

Our team is prepared to take on the insurance company and fight for every dollar you deserve. Collectively, our Aiken personal injury lawyers have over 71 years of experience. We’ve recovered some of the largest personal injury verdicts in the area and have the resources to fight for you.

Our lawyers have received recognition as “Super Lawyers”, “Rising Stars” and “Top Lawyers”, among other top legal directories such as Justia, and more.

We’ll use those resources to:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation into your accident
  • Determine who was responsible for causing the crash
  • Locate the evidence to support your claim
  • Hire experts in medicine, finance, accident reconstruction, and other specialties
  • Handle all insurance communications and negotiations

We’re prepared to do whatever is needed to maximize your financial compensation award. Our Aiken personal injury attorneys have a reputation for winning fair settlements for our clients–and the insurance companies know we aren’t afraid to take your case to trial. 

To get started, call for a free consultation today.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Aiken?

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety publishes reports on motor vehicle accidents each year. 

According to the SCDPS reports, there were 2,098 motorcycles involved in traffic accidents across the state in 2019. Unfortunately, motorcycle wrecks can be much more serious than your typical car accident.

Out of all motorcycle accidents reported in 2019, 1,577 caused some type of injury. Additionally, 125 people were killed in fatal motorcycle accidents that year. Unfortunately, over half of all motorcyclists involved in crashes weren’t wearing a helmet.

What is My Aiken Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

Injured clients often start with two key questions:

  • How much is my personal injury claim worth?
  • How long will it take for my case to settle?

Unfortunately, neither question is simple to answer. Often, the overall value of your case will impact how long it takes to settle. To calculate how much your personal injury case is worth, your lawyer will have to evaluate the facts carefully.

Factors that play a significant role in assessing your case value include:

  • The type and severity of your injuries
  • The cost of your medical treatment and out-of-pocket financial costs
  • Whether you’re expected to suffer a permanent disability
  • Your emotional trauma and suffering
  • How the injury is expected to impact your lifestyle, career prospects, and quality of life

There’s no easy way to put a dollar value on your injuries. Our lawyers don’t try to cut corners. We’ll hire experts and specialists when we need someone to help us understand the more complex aspects of your injuries. That means we’ll have the strongest possible evidence and arguments to back up your insurance demand. 

What Types of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?

After a motorcycle accident, victims can seek compensation from those responsible for the accident. Compensation is divided into two basic groups: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are verifiable financial expenses. You’re also entitled to recover the anticipated future costs associated with the accident and injuries. 

Some examples of economic losses include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and income
  • Diminished future earning potential
  • Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any specialized care
  • Property damage
  • Any other out-of-pocket costs

Non-economic damages are non-financial losses. Common examples include:

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Physical disfigurement and scarring
  • Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  • Loss of consortium

You won’t have a receipt to prove the value of your pain and suffering damages. The value of your non-economic damages award is often tied to the financial losses you’ve suffered.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?

Bikers often get a bad reputation when it comes to accidents. Many people believe that the motorcyclist is usually at fault in a crash. In reality, that’s not the case.

The SCDPS evaluated all motorcycle wrecks in 2019. They found that in multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, the motorcycle driver contributed to the accident only 38% of the time. In 62% of cases, someone else was responsible.

Those statistics won’t stop the insurance company from blaming you for the accident. However, you may still be entitled to damages under South Carolina law even if you’re partly responsible. South Carolina has modified comparative negligence laws. Victims can recover compensation if they’re less than 51% at fault for an accident. 

So, your “percentage of fault” can make a huge difference in your case. If you’re found to be 50% at fault, you can recover 50% of your damages–but if your percentage of fault is 51% or more, you’ll be prohibited from seeking compensation.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries

According to NHTSA research, motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in an accident. Sadly, that statistic makes sense. Bikers don’t have the protection of a metal vehicle, airbags, or seat belts in a crash. 

Under South Carolina helmet laws, motorcyclists under age 21 must wear a helmet. Other riders can choose whether to use a helmet. While helmets do save lives, they can’t protect against all injuries.

Some of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:

Obviously, some of these injuries can be devastating. It can be difficult to imagine taking legal action while you’re struggling to recover. Let our legal team at Hawk Law Group help. We’ll do everything possible to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Aiken, South Carolina?

Motorcycle accidents often happen because another driver doesn’t see the motorcycle. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Aiken include:

  • Speeding 
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way 
  • Tailgating 
  • Speeding
  • Aggressive driving
  • Unsafe passing and dangerous lane changes
  • Unsafe turns
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Drunk driving
  • Hazardous road conditions
  • Defective equipment or vehicles

Bad weather, poor visibility, and other dangerous road conditions can also contribute to an accident. To recover fair compensation, you must identify every factor that played a role in your crash.

Our experienced Aiken motorcycle accident attorneys will invest the time and resources to find out what happened. All you have to do is call for a free case review to get started. We serve clients in Aiken and across western South Carolina

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina? 

South Carolina is a fault-based insurance state. Nearly all injured riders have to prove that someone else was at fault to recover compensation. In other words, recovering fair compensation requires proof of negligence.

Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances. To prove negligence, your lawyer will work to establish the four elements of a successful claim, including:

  • A legal duty of care
  • Breach of duty
  • Causation
  • Damages 

Many different types of evidence can be used to prove negligence. Our lawyers have the resources to locate valuable proof in your case, such as:

  • Witness statements
  • Police reports
  • Toxicology reports
  • Video surveillance footage
  • Dash cam footage

Physical evidence from the accident scene can help prove what happened. In some cases, we’ll even consult accident reconstruction specialists who can offer expert witness testimony about the cause of your crash.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations in personal injury cases is three years. Most motorcycle accident victims have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait any longer, you’ll lose your right to sue for damages. 

Contact an Aiken Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who you can trust. At Hawk Law Group, we have a proven track record of helping accident victims recover the fair compensation they deserve. Call an experienced Aiken motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation today to learn more about an attorney-client relationship.

Our Aiken, SC personal injury law office also provides: