In a little over a month, lines of motorcycles will roar into Myrtle Beach for the city’s two annual bike rallies.
The Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally 2018 will happen May 11-20 this year, and the Atlantic Beach Bikefest 2018, also known as Black Bike Week, is happening from May 25-28.
Bike Week’s motto is “Let the Good Rides & Times Roll,” and there is no doubt that thousands of bikers from all over the nation will have a good time cruising in the Southern spring weather. But it’s just as certain that some of them will have an accident and get hurt – or worse.
When motorcycles are involved in accidents with other vehicles, it’s usually the other driver’s fault. The at-fault driver may have failed to yield the right-of-way, run a stop sign, or changed lanes without seeing you on your motorcycle. They may have been sending a text message while driving, or they may have been speeding.
These are all examples of negligent driving, and if another driver’s negligence causes you to get hurt on your motorcycle, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to make the other driver pay for the damage that they caused.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get After a Motorcycle Crash?
Under SC law, you can file a lawsuit to recover damages from a negligent driver who injures you – they must compensate you for the money that you had to pay because of the accident (or the bills that are piling up that need to be paid), and the pain that you suffered because of the accident. Compensatory damages may include:
- Immediate and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages from your job;
- Property damage; and
- Pain and suffering.
Can I Get Punitive Damages in SC?
If the other driver’s behavior rises to the level of gross negligence, as in the case of a DUI, or an intentional act, you may also be able to collect punitive damages.
Punitive damages are not designed to cover your costs, but to punish the at-fault driver. To collect punitive damages, you must prove that the at-fault driver’s behavior was willful, wanton, or reckless.
What if a Motorcycle Wreck was Caused by Road Conditions?
Sometimes a third-party may be liable for your motorcycle accident.
For example, a biker who crashed during last year’s Bike Week has filed a lawsuit against Horry County and two state agencies. The motorcyclist claims that he was following signs to stay on the approved route when the road conditions suddenly became hazardous and caused his motorcycle to crash.
SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Charleston, and Columbia
Motorcycle crashes are going to happen during this year’s bike rallies – be safe and don’t be a casualty. If you are in an accident, get a Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney on your case quickly to gather the evidence that you will need and to negotiate with the insurance company.
Call Coastal Law now at (843) 488-5000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
