Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Greenville, SC

Motorcycles are said to make up only 3% of all motor vehicles registered in the United States. Yet, motorcycles are usually overrepresented in the number of serious and fatal accidents every year. In 2021, motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, a sharp increase from previous years. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Armada Law discuss the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in South Carolina and explain how an injured motorcyclist may recover compensation for a crash caused by a negligent driver.

How Many Serious and Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Are There in South Carolina Every Year?

South Carolina’s beautiful landscapes and mild weather make it a popular state for motorcycle enthusiasts. There are about 150,000 motorcycles registered in the state, and many more belonging to out-of-state motorcyclists.

Unfortunately, the Palmetto State has also seen a record year for the number of motorcycle deaths since the pandemic years. With more people getting outside and enjoying the outdoors after pandemic restrictions were lifted, the number of motorcycle fatalities sharply increased in 2021. There were as many as 154 motorcycle fatalities in 2021, which is the highest rate since the South Carolina Department of Public Safety began collecting motorcycle accident data in 1980. As many as 16 of those deaths occurred in Greenville County, which is the most populated of South Carolina’s 46 counties.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina?

Motorcycle accidents in South Carolina often happen for the same reasons seen across the country. Because motorcycles are smaller and offer less protection, these factors can quickly lead to serious or fatal crashes.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

• Excessive Speed

  • Speeding makes motorcycles harder to control.

  • Riders may lose balance or be unable to stop in time.

  • Larger vehicles traveling too fast also need more time to brake and may hit a motorcycle.

• Distracted Driving

  • Drivers who are texting, eating, or not paying attention may fail to see a motorcycle.

  • This often happens when a driver is making a left turn or changing lanes.

• Collisions With Other Vehicles

  • Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars or trucks.

  • Other drivers may misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance.

• Impaired Driving

  • Alcohol, drugs, and some prescription medications slow reaction time and impair judgment.

  • At least 28% of fatal crashes involve an impaired driver.

  • Impaired drivers may not notice motorcycles or react quickly enough to avoid a crash.

• Lack of Helmet Use

  • Helmets significantly reduce the risk of death and severe head injuries.

  • Nearly 38% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve riders who were not wearing a helmet.

  • While helmets cannot prevent all fatalities, they save many lives.

What Are the Most Frequent Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcyclists have very little physical protection compared to occupants of cars or trucks. As a result, injuries from motorcycle accidents are often severe and life-changing.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

• Head and Brain Injuries

  • Includes concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and brain damage.

  • Risk increases significantly when a helmet is not worn.

  • These injuries can affect memory, movement, and long-term quality of life.

• Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries

  • The impact can cause the head to snap forward or backward violently.

  • Injuries may result in nerve damage, chronic pain, or paralysis.

• Road Rash

  • Occurs when a rider’s skin scrapes against the road surface.

  • Can cause painful abrasions, deep cuts, scarring, and infection.

  • Severe cases may require surgery or skin grafts.

• Broken Bones

  • Commonly affect arms, wrists, hands, legs, ankles, and feet.

  • May require surgery, casts, or long-term physical therapy.

• Internal Organ Injuries

  • Organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen can be damaged by blunt force.

  • These injuries may involve internal bleeding or organ rupture.

  • Often life-threatening and require immediate emergency care.

How Can I Recover Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, it is extremely important to seek medical attention right away. You will also want to write down the contact information and insurance information of the at-fault driver and contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Your attorney can assist you with the process of filing an insurance claim to recover compensation for your damages, such as medical bills, damaged motorcycle, pain, and suffering. In many cases, filing an insurance claim is the most straightforward path to recovering damages, but in some instances, you may find yourself dealing with an insurance company that is unwilling to pay you what you deserve or a driver who does not carry sufficient coverage. In these situations, your attorney can advise you on whether you should consider taking your case to the courtroom and initiating a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your accident.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Armada Law have successfully represented countless injured motorcyclists and helped them recover maximum compensation for their injuries. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact Armada Law at ​​(864) 633-3739.

Explore more articles on motorcycle accidents and driving safety tips:

• Is Lane Splitting Legal In South Carolina?
• 3 Most Common Hazards Motorcyclists Face On The Road
• South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Statistics
• How To Deal With PTSD From Motorcycle Accidents
• How Long Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
• Motorcycle Helmet Laws In South Carolina: Regulations & Fines
• What Evidence Should I Gather After A Motorcycle Accident To Support My Case?
• South Carolina Hit And Run Laws: Can You Leave The Scene Of An Accident?