Although motorcycles only represent about 3 percent of registered vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents make up for almost 11 percent of all highway fatalities in the United States annually. A collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle can often lead to death or severe injuries for the motorcyclist, as evidenced in a recent crash.
A 58-year-old biker was reportedly heading down a South Carolina road shortly before 10 a.m. when a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old woman pulled out in front of him. The motorcyclist collided into the driver’s side of the car.
According to reports, he was seriously injured and flown by helicopter to the Medical University of South Carolina. Though the man’s further condition was unknown, it is surely hoped by his friends and family that he will quickly recover. Police authorities claim that he had been wearing his helmet at the time of the crash, an action which may have saved his life. The woman was not injured during the accident and had been wearing her seatbelt.
While this motorcycle accident will hopefully result in the victim’s full recovery, a legal basis may exist for a claim of negligence against the car driver. While it was not immediately disclosed if the woman was charged in connection with the motorcycle accident, South Carolina courts are open to those seriously injured due to the negligent actions of others. Depending on the results of the official investigation and other evidence, a successful claim could include compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages, including any pain and suffering related to the injuries suffered.
Source: ABC News 4 Charleston, “Police: Car pulls out in front of a motorcycle, seriously injuring biker,” March 8, 2012
Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.