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Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, financial hardship, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been involved in one, you may be wondering how to obtain compensation. A personal injury lawyer in Pawleys Island from our law firm can help you seek damages.
Hopkins Law Firm has recovered more than $100 million for our clients. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, a Pawleys Island motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file a claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Pawleys Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, a lawyer can:
- Gather evidence: An attorney can investigate the accident and obtain evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Deal with the insurance companies: Insurers often use manipulative tactics to deny or devalue claims. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.
- Calculate your claim’s value: An attorney can identify all of your economic and non-economic losses so you don’t leave money on the table.
- Represent you (if necessary): If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and present your case in court.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Pawleys Island can handle every aspect of your case.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?
Motorcycle accident settlements vary from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to six or seven-figure sums for major ones. The value of your claim will depend on factors like:
- The severity of your injuries
- The length of your recovery
- Lost income and your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- The strength of your evidence
A motorcycle accident attorney in Pawleys Island can help you pursue the maximum possible payout.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
After a motorcycle accident, you can pursue compensation for several types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost wages: You can be compensated for the time you missed work due to the accident.
- Loss of earning capacity: If you can no longer perform your previous job or earn as much income, you can claim damages for it.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and gear.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault driver acted with gross negligence, you can seek punitive damages.
A Pawleys Island motorcycle accident attorney can help calculate your damages.
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today!
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in South Carolina?
According to South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is three years from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file within this deadline, you may lose your right to recover any compensation. For this reason, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
Every motorcycle accident case is different. Some claims are resolved in a matter of months, while others can take a year or longer, especially if liability is disputed or if negotiations with the insurance company stall.
The length of your case will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of your injuries and whether the case proceeds to trial. A personal injury lawyer in Pawleys Island can work to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents occur for a number of reasons, including:
- Left-turn collisions by other vehicles
- Unsafe lane changes
- Rear-end collisions
- Drivers opening car doors into traffic
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or debris
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take after a crash can have a significant impact on your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Notify the police and file an accident report.
- Document the scene: Take photos of your injuries, the vehicles, road conditions, and any traffic signs or signals.
- Exchange information: Get contact and insurance details from all involved parties.
- Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw the crash, get their contact info.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor to document your condition.
- Avoid admitting fault: Don’t say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
- Contact a lawyer: The sooner you involve a motorcycle accident attorney, the better your odds of a successful claim.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Pawleys Island
A motorcycle crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next, but you don’t have to manage the legal process alone. An experienced Pawleys Island motorcycle accident attorney from Hopkins Law Firm can negotiate with the insurance company, fight for your rights, and help you recover a fair settlement.
Schedule a free consultation to learn about how you can protect your future.
