Motorcycles leave riders exposed – no airbags, no metal frame, just a helmet, a jacket, and a whole lot of risk when someone else makes a bad decision, especially on fast highways or crowded coastal routes.
A South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney knows how often these wrecks trace back to avoidable mistakes. Our state’s roads come with their own set of risks for motorcyclists, many of which are preventable.
Unsafe Left Turns
One of the most dangerous crash types involves a driver turning left in front of a motorcycle. These drivers misjudge speed, overlook bikes, or assume they have the right of way. Riders often can’t brake or swerve in time. Left-turn crashes often happen at intersections across Florence and Myrtle Beach, especially when drivers rush through a yellow light or shoot through on green.
Following Too Closely
Motorcycles stop faster than most cars, but drivers rarely leave enough space. Tailgating causes rear-end collisions, even at low speeds. A small bump can throw a rider off the bike. This happens often during beach traffic or tourist season, when impatience takes over.
Distracted Driving
Phones steal attention from the road. That’s dangerous for any vehicle, but deadly for motorcycles. One glance down means missing a bike in the next lane or at a light. Lane changes, turns, and merges all require full focus. A distracted driver takes that away in seconds.
Bad Road Conditions
Cars can roll over potholes or gravel without much trouble. Bikes can’t. A small crack or bump can cause a loss of control. Rural roads in Florence County or less-maintained parts of Myrtle Beach may hide hazards that lead to serious crashes, even when no other driver causes them.
Drifting Between Lanes
Some drivers can’t stay in their lane. They drift left or right, unaware of the motorcycle beside them. These side-swipes happen when a driver fails to check mirrors or use their turn signals. Multi-lane highways and tight city corridors increase the danger. One careless move can push a rider out of their lane or off the road.
Impaired Drivers
Drunk drivers miss signs, brake late, and veer across lanes. They don’t gauge speed or distance correctly, and that puts motorcyclists in danger. Even one drink can lead to a bad decision. Late nights and beach traffic often increase the risk.
Speeding
Speed multiplies the force of every impact. It also shortens reaction time. Drivers who rush won’t see a bike until it’s too late. Crashes at high speed on I-95, US-501, or busy local roads often lead to the most serious injuries.
Blind Spots
Motorcycles don’t always show up in mirrors. Drivers who rely on glances instead of full checks will miss them. Blind spot crashes usually happen during merges or lane changes. Trucks and SUVs make these collisions more likely, especially near exits or crowded intersections.
Aggressive Driving
Some drivers brake-check, block lane changes, or tailgate motorcycles. These aggressive moves turn small moments into serious crashes. Even the most careful rider won’t stop someone who decides to treat traffic like a game.
Talk to Someone Who Knows What You’re Facing
Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., has seen how quickly a careless driver can change someone’s life. One moment of inattention, one wrong move, and the rider suffers injuries that leave them facing a long uphill battle for recovery.
Fortunately, South Carolina law gives you the right to hold the driver accountable – but that takes more than a claim form. You’ll need solid proof: photos, names, records, and a clear picture of what happened and why. Let us pull those threads together while you focus on healing.
Our Florence & Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorneys will stand up for your rights and your recovery. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., we will take your case seriously from the start. Give us a call today.