While all accidents have the potential to be dangerous, motorcycle accidents have an even higher probability of being catastrophic. Due to the small size of these vehicles, and the lack of external protection they provide riders, when other vehicles disregard motorcyclists, the resulting collisions can be extremely serious. Accidents that would have been relatively minor to any other motor vehicle can be devastating to a motorcyclist and, in the worst cases, fatal accidents can occur. When these incidents are caused by the negligence of another party, including manufacturers of the motorcycle and municipalities, legal action may be necessary.
At the Goings Law Firm, LLC, our Orangeburg County legal team has the experience necessary to defend the rights of motorcycle accident victims. We know how difficult this time is for you and your family, and we are committed to fighting aggressively to uphold your rights and to pursuing compensation and justice on your behalf.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of reasons, but are far too often due to the negligence or recklessness of another party. Some of the most unfortunately common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Drunk Driving: One of the most reckless things an individual can do is take the wheel of a car while intoxicated. Driving is already dangerous without any impairment from drugs or alcohol. However, many individuals disregard this and can end up colliding with motorcyclists, leaving victims with life-changing injuries and unmanageable expenses.
- Driver Error: Drivers are expected to be especially cautious around motorcyclists. When they fail to do so, they can end up hitting a motorcyclist or running a motorcycle off the road. While there are a number of errors a driver can make behind the wheel, some of the most common include changing lanes without signaling, running red lights, speeding, tailgating, or disregarding traffic signals and signs. Unfortunately, it is often impossible for motorcyclists to avoid an accident when an individual commits one of these errors, leading to devastating collisions.
- Mechanical Defect/Malfunction: While other drivers on the road are a common cause of motorcycle accidents, accidents can also be caused or worsened by an inherent defect in the design or manufacturing of a bike itself. Manufacturing defects, such as brake malfunctions, can cause a motorcyclist to get in an accident they can do nothing to avoid. When this occurs, the manufacturer may be held responsible for the devastating effects of their mistakes.
- Highway/Road Defects: Municipalities are expected to keep roads and highways free of potholes and other hazards in order to keep all vehicles safe. Even minor road defects that might not affect a larger, four-wheeled motor vehicle can have catastrophic implications for a motorcycle. If a road or highway defect caused your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the municipality that was responsible for maintaining the roadway on which you were injured.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, we know that you are already dealing with a significant amount of physical pain and emotional trauma, and we believe that you should not also have to shoulder the financial burdens of your accident at this already difficult time. Let our experienced legal team help you fight for the compensation that you need.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Orangeburg County
If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Orangeburg County due to the negligence of another party, contact the attorneys of the Goings Law Firm, LLC, to begin building your case. To learn more, call our offices at (803) 350-9230 today.
