A motorcycle crash changes everything in seconds. One careless move from another driver, and your body takes the impact. There is no steel frame to shield you, no airbags to soften the blow. And when injuries leave you with more questions than answers, the legal system won’t wait.
That’s where we come in. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Florence and Myrtle Beach, SC, will take the pressure off your shoulders. We bring a century-long tradition of legal service to injured riders who need a strong advocate and clear guidance. Contact us today to get started with an initial consultation.
South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Statistics
South Carolina sees thousands of motorcycle crashes each year. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, more than 100 riders die annually, with many more suffering life-altering injuries. Horry County – home to Myrtle Beach – regularly ranks among the top counties for motorcycle collisions.
Most of these accidents occur in daylight and fair weather. The danger doesn’t come from conditions. It comes from other drivers who fail to look twice or respect a motorcyclist’s right to the road.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina
Every crash has a story. Some start with a driver checking their phone. Others involve someone running a red light or drifting through a turn without checking their blind spot. Common causes include:
- Cars turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles
- Sudden lane changes by cars without signaling
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Speeding through intersections
- Distracted or impaired driving
Motorcyclists often ride with more awareness and caution than the drivers around them. But no amount of skill will stop a side impact at 40 miles per hour. That’s why fault matters – and why legal support will make a difference.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?
Step one: Protect your health. Call 911 and get medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Internal trauma, brain injuries, or spinal damage may take hours or even days to show up.
If you’re able, collect what you can at the scene. Take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and any visible road damage. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Before you leave, speak with the responding officer and ask for the report number.
After that, pause before talking to insurance companies. Even a short statement could affect your case. A lawyer will advise you on what to say and when to say it.
Should I Get an Attorney After Being in a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes. Motorcycle accident cases often involve serious injuries, large medical bills, and long-term impact on your income. Insurance companies will look for ways to deny or reduce your claim, and they won’t give you the full picture. They will downplay what happened, challenge your injuries, and delay payment whenever they can.
A motorcycle accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the crash scene and collect physical evidence
- Review medical records and consult with your doctors
- Handle every step of insurance negotiations
- Identify all sources of liability, including third-party drivers, commercial entities, or vehicle manufacturers
- Push back against lowball offers and tactics designed to shift blame
Your legal team will work to preserve evidence, manage deadlines, and protect your claim from common insurance strategies. You won’t have to chase records, return calls, or figure things out alone. Your lawyer will take on those tasks so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
What Could You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?
You should recover for everything the crash took from you – physically, emotionally, and financially. A lawyer will help you pursue damages for:
- Ambulance and emergency treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Ongoing care and physical therapy
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain, stress, and disruption to daily life
- Future costs tied to permanent disability
In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover for funeral costs and loss of companionship.
How Fault Works in South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Cases
Under South Carolina law, you can recover compensation after an accident if you were less than 51 percent at fault. But your financial recovery will decrease by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 30 percent responsible for the crash and awards $100,000, you would receive $70,000.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to avoid full payouts. They may claim you rode too fast, didn’t wear bright colors, or contributed to the crash in some way. A lawyer will step in and protect your share of the truth.
What Makes Motorcycle Accident Cases Different from Car Accident Cases?
Motorcycle cases involve more severe injuries, fewer physical protections, and unique biases. Some drivers view motorcyclists as reckless, even when the rider followed every traffic law.
A lawyer who understands these issues will:
- Address bias in reports and insurance reviews
- Emphasize the rider’s lawful behavior
- Highlight the full scope of injury and loss
- Challenge assumptions about risk and responsibility
You shouldn’t have to fight stereotypes while you’re also trying to recover. Your legal team will help the facts rise above the noise.
When Should You Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better. Evidence disappears fast, especially traffic footage or data from electronic systems. Witnesses forget details. Insurance companies act quickly to protect their bottom line.
Call a lawyer right away to protect your rights and preserve your case. You won’t need to make guesses or chase updates. Your legal team will do the heavy lifting.
Call the Firm That Riders Trust
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, we don’t treat our clients like numbers. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Florence and Myrtle Beach, SC, will give your case the time, experience, and attention it calls for. We combine large-firm resources with the personal approach that sets us apart.
Since 1895, we have served individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina. If a crash turned your life upside down, we’ll help you stand back up and move forward with clarity.
Call us today to talk with a lawyer who will take your story seriously and fight for what comes next.