Fatal Motorcycle Accidents On The Rise In South Carolina

It’s not surprising that with South Carolina’s warm climate, long stretches of highway, and nice views, it attracts a lot of motorcyclists. Many people also say the pandemic inspired them to take up riding, or hit the open road more, when they were feeling locked down and overwhelmed by restrictions and pandemic-related stresses. However, even though more motorcyclists are driving, there are still fewer total vehicles on the road than in general due to the pandemic. Less traveled roads have created an opportunity for speeding, and nationwide police have been struggling to reckon with the increased incidences of speeding, drag racing, and resulting serious injuries and fatalities, including, recently, an 11-year-old girl. Recently, experts noticed another startling statistic: that motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled compared to the same time frame last year. In fact, the data reflects that for the same time period last year there were 8 motorcycle fatalities, and for the current time period they have already had 19. Experts say that they cannot point with certainty to any one cause, but police are begging drivers to “look twice” before switching lanes and making turns, to ensure that there are no motorcyclists to their side or in their blindspot. Police are concerned that motorcycle fatalities will continue to increase as spring leads into summer and more people are on motorcycles and traveling on the highway. So far, they are struggling to temper the damage.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While there are infinite causes for motorcycle accidents, speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription pills, are the leading causes. Another common cause is a car making a left-hand turn before checking to make sure there are no motorcyclists in their left blind spot. This may seem obvious, but nearly half (42%, to be exact) of all motorcycle accidents happen when a car is making a left-hand turn and a motorcycle is going straight through an intersection. Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it’s important to really take the time and check to make sure you are clear on your left-hand side when making a turn. In the majority of these accidents, the driver making the left-hand turn is held liable.

It’s important to understand that there’s really no such thing as a “minor” motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists have almost no protection against the road and other elements, and are often traveling at high speeds. Statistics reflect that a motorcyclist is 27 times more likely to die in a collision than the driver of a standard passenger vehicle, and they are five times more likely to suffer an injury. It’s critical to take extra care when driving. Legally, drivers owe a duty of care to everyone on the road, motorcyclists included. That means that checking your blind spot for a motorcyclist is not an “extra” thing to remember to do, but rather, the bare minimum that is legally required by law.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you do not have to shoulder the burden alone. The Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm is here to help zealously advocate on your behalf and ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to. Call Charleston motorcycle accident attorney Gus Anastopoulo today to schedule your free consultation.

Resource:

wspa.com/news/fatal-motorcycle-accidents-up-in-sc-law-enforcement-asking-drivers-riders-to-think-twice/