Just this October, James Miller, who was a 72-year-old man, died in a motorcycle crash in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This happened around five in the afternoon along Intracoastal Way Drive and River Oaks Drive.
Miller was on his Harley-Davidson motorbike while traveling through Carolina Forest’s River Oaks Drive. A Chevy pickup truck suddenly turned west from a private road onto River Oaks and collided with Miller’s motorcycle, which resulted in his death.
Miller is just one of the 20,175 people who were killed in road accidents in South Carolina this year. However, this could have been you or your loved one. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the increase in casualties from road accidents is because more people are now going out.
Moreover, certain annual events, such as the 2022 Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally, which happened from May 13 to 22, and the Fall Rally, which happened from September 26 to October 2, also increase the chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week is the country’s largest and most popular motorcycle rally, which draws bikers from all over the world to Myrtle Beach. The week-long event includes a bike show, bikers’ hang-outs, and drag races.
The event began celebrating the anniversary of Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States. From there, it has grown into one of the most popular events on the East Coast. Since these rallies are open to everyone, they significantly contribute to the rise in accidents, citation tickets, and even crime.
Whether a motorcycle accident happens on a regular day or during Bike Week, you should know your rights in case of an accident. Get in touch with The Personal Injury Center or legal advice and assistance navigating the legal system. We can even refer you to a seasoned Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation.Â
What Can You Do if You Get Caught in a Motorcycle Accident in Myrtle Beach
No one wants to be involved in a motorcycle or car accident. Aside from your injuries, you would be dealing with staggering medical expenses and property damage. However, even if motorists are diligent and cautious, there are times when one can’t get away from a road accident. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for such events.
Since accidents are generally unexpected, losing focus and getting confused is easy. While safety should be your primary concern, you shouldn’t leave the scene without collecting evidence from a car or motorcycle wreck.
Remember that once the dust settles and you’re safe, you must claim compensation for your injuries. You could do this only if you collected evidence after the accident, demonstrating that the other party was at fault.
Consider the following tips if you’re unsure what to do after a motorcycle crash in the Myrtle Beach area:
Seek medical attention immediately
After a motorcycle accident, you need to assess your injuries. If you’ve been injured, it’s essential to know how severe your injuries are and if they require immediate medical care.
You may not need urgent medical attention if you have no serious injuries. However, if you have difficulty moving or can’t feel parts of your body after the accident, you should get help immediately.
If you think your injuries are life-threatening, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room instead of waiting for the police. Be honest with the medical staff and doctors about what happened and how you feel. The more information they have about your injuries, the better they’ll be able to treat you.
If there were other accident victims, medical providers should treat them just as carefully.
Contact a Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Knowing what steps you need to take after an accident, such as filing an
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you should contact a Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney. You may be awarded compensation for your injuries and other losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
However, note that there are time limits for filing personal injury claims. In Myrtle Beach, you must file a claim within three years from the date of the accident. Therefore, you must speak to an attorney who has experience in handling motorcycle accidents.
The following are some of the things a lawyer can do after a motorcycle accident:
Your lawyer can help establish which party is at fault
Establishing who is at fault is very important because it’ll ultimately determine whether you can claim compensation for your injuries. The best way to determine fault is by gathering evidence from the scene of the accident, including photos, witness statements, and any police reports.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file and negotiate an
The process of claiming compensation from an
The first step in filing an
An accident lawyer will help you gather testimonials from witnesses
It’s very important to ensure that the accident isn’t your fault. You may be held liable for the other person’s injuries if it was. In fact, a lawyer can determine if the other party was responsible for the accident and, if so, how much compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Before blaming the other party and asking for damages, it’s best to get all the facts. The easiest way to do this is by getting a statement from each person who witnessed the accident. Testimonies from witnesses are generally credible, as they witnessed the accident firsthand.
Personal injury lawyers can help you estimate the damages and get just compensation
It’s crucial to know your options regarding compensation. A personal injury attorney can tell you whether you can avail of government benefits or
The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the easier it will be for them to file your car or motorcycle accident claim. This way, you’ll also have more time to answer the other party’s reply.
Important SC Motorcycle Laws To Follow When Attending the Myrtle Beach Bike Week
You’re about to attend the Myrtle Beach Bike Week in South Carolina. However, you might not know what the existing motorcycle laws are.
As mentioned earlier, Bike Week draws people from different cities and states to Myrtle Beach. Since there are many merry-making activities, it’s easy for road accidents to happen. You don’t want to be another Bike Week motorcycle crash casualty, right?
To help you, here are some of the most important laws that you should keep in mind when attending the event.
Rules and Regulations About Wearing of Helmets and Goggles
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) requires all motorcycle riders under 21 to wear helmets and goggles while driving. The following are other rules and regulations about wearing a helmet and goggles:
- Helmets must be fastened securely on the rider’s head with a chin strap that has reflectors.Â
- The helmet should be worn to cover the forehead, ears, sides of the head, cheeks, and the back of the neck.Â
- Goggles or face shields should be worn over the eyes by all riders. They should be made of shatter-resistant material and tinted or shaded according to local laws and regulations.
Impaired Driving Is Prohibited
South Carolina has strict laws about the use of alcohol and other substances while operating a motorcycle. Since it’s illegal to ride a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers may be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
Even if it’s for medicinal purposes, riders shouldn’t have any amount of marijuana. If the police suspect you’re driving while impaired, they may subject you to tests such as breath, blood, and urine, which will determine whether you’re intoxicated or sober.
In South Carolina, your blood alcohol concentration must remain under 0.08%. You may be fined, imprisoned, or both if you go beyond this limit.
Observe the Noise Ordinance in Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach has a strict noise ordinance prohibiting loud music and other noises beyond 60 to 80 decibels. Under the Noise Ordinance, you can play music from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am only if it is within 60 decibels. From 7:01 am to 10:59 pm, the limit is 80 decibels. If you breach the Noise Ordinance, you could be fined up to $500, jailed for 30 days, or both.
Let Personal Injury Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help You Build Your Case
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is very stressful. You may suffer serious injuries that could prevent you from doing everyday tasks or even become permanently disabled. Moreover, if you were responsible for the accident, you’ll have to pay damages to the other party.
You should know your rights, whether you or a family member is at fault or the victim. If you’re unsure how to proceed with a personal injury case, talk to the experts at The Personal Injury Center. We can educate you on what to do next and even help you find a suitable lawyer. The attorney we’ll refer you to will help you build a strong case and get the compensation you deserve. Â
FAQs on Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Myrtle Beach
What is modified comparative negligence?
Modified comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that affects how damages are awarded in a personal injury case. An injured person could recover damages from the other party even if their own negligence contributed to their injuries.
The amount of damages you can recover will be limited by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 40% at fault for the accident, you’ll be awarded damages for 60% of the injuries.
Can the court be biased against motorcyclists?
The symbol of the court is Lady Justice, who is blindfolded and carries a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. This means that she is impartial and isn’t influenced by anyone’s appearance.Â
The scale signifies that her verdicts are based on reason, logic, evidence, and the law. The sword indicates that she can deliver justice quickly and that she’ll stand by her decision, as it’s based on principles of justice.
All of this means that the court can’t be biased.Â
However, police officers, witnesses, lawyers, insurance companies, and other people involved in the case may be biased. This is understandable, as they're just human.
What is the maximum speed law for motorcycles in Myrtle Beach?
The maximum speed for motorcycles in Myrtle Beach is 30 mph, which applies to other vehicles as well, including cars and trucks.
