When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle accident has the potential to be life-changing.

Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection against the impact of a collision, making them more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Columbia, South Carolina, you may be facing serious medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. You should not have to take on this battle alone.

At Lanier Law Group, we stand up for injured motorcyclists, holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face and are dedicated to securing the full compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Columbia

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by the negligence of other drivers. While motorcyclists are sometimes unfairly blamed for crashes, the reality is that most accidents occur due to the carelessness of others on the road. Identifying the cause of your crash is crucial in determining liability and pursuing financial recovery.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving. When drivers text, adjust their GPS, or engage in other distractions, they fail to notice motorcycles on the road. Because motorcycles are smaller than cars and trucks, a distracted driver may not see them until it is too late to prevent a collision.

To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.

Left-Turn Accidents

Many motorcycle crashes occur when a car or truck makes a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming rider. These accidents frequently happen at intersections, where drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to check their blind spots before turning.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding drivers have less time to react to motorcycles on the road. Reckless behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights put motorcyclists at an increased risk of severe injury. High-speed crashes are particularly devastating for riders, as they often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Drunk or Impaired Driving

Drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and reduced coordination, making them more likely to cause serious accidents. Impaired drivers may swerve into motorcycles, run stop signs, or fail to yield the right of way, leading to life-threatening collisions.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Motorcycles are far more vulnerable to road hazards than larger vehicles. Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, and debris can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash. If a poorly maintained road contributed to your accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance may be held accountable.

Defective Motorcycle Parts

Some motorcycle accidents occur due to mechanical failures or defective parts. If faulty brakes, tires, or steering components contributed to your crash, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product may be liable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining liability is one of the most critical aspects of a motorcycle accident claim. In many cases, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. Identifying all at-fault parties is essential to maximizing your compensation. A thorough investigation, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis, can help establish fault and hold negligent parties accountable.

Negligent Drivers

In most motorcycle accident cases, another driver is at fault. If a motorist was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent, they can be held responsible for the damages they caused. Drivers who fail to check blind spots, follow too closely, or violate traffic laws put motorcyclists at significant risk. Even if a driver claims they “didn’t see” the motorcycle, they can still be held liable for failing to yield or exercise caution.

Employers of Commercial Drivers

If your accident involved a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck or rideshare car, the company that employs the driver may be liable. Businesses have a duty to properly train their drivers, maintain their vehicles, and follow safety regulations. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for accidents caused by their employees. Additionally, trucking companies that impose unrealistic deadlines or ignore federal safety regulations can be responsible for collisions caused by fatigued or reckless drivers.

Motorcycle and Parts Manufacturers

If a mechanical defect caused the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty motorcycle part may be liable under product liability laws. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are common mechanical issues that can lead to devastating crashes. If a defect is found, the manufacturer may be responsible for compensating victims for their injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.

Government Agencies

If an unsafe road condition played a role in your crash, a city, county, or state agency may be responsible for failing to repair hazards or install proper signage. Potholes, uneven pavement, malfunctioning traffic signals, and obstructed road signs can all contribute to serious motorcycle accidents. Claims against government agencies can be challenging due to strict filing deadlines and legal requirements, making it essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Compensation Available in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to significant financial compensation to help them recover from their injuries. The impact of a crash extends far beyond the immediate medical bills, often affecting a victim’s long-term health, ability to work, and overall quality of life. Compensation in these cases typically falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses that result from a motorcycle accident. Medical expenses are often one of the most substantial costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing physical therapy, and prescription medications. Many victims also suffer a loss of income due to time away from work during their recovery.

In more severe cases, an accident may permanently affect a person’s ability to work, leading to compensation for lost earning capacity. This ensures that victims who can no longer perform their previous job, or who must take a lower-paying position due to their injuries, receive financial support. Property damage is also considered in economic damages, covering the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged motorcycle and any protective gear lost in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages

Beyond financial losses, motorcycle accidents often leave victims with long-term emotional and physical suffering. Non-economic damages address these more personal hardships. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical discomfort and chronic pain a victim endures due to their injuries.

Emotional distress damages recognize the psychological impact of the accident, which may include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, many victims experience a diminished quality of life, especially if their injuries prevent them from participating in activities, hobbies, or relationships they once enjoyed.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless, such as incidents involving drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate the victim, punitive damages serve as a punishment for the negligent party and act as a deterrent against similar reckless behavior in the future. While not awarded in every case, punitive damages send a strong message that gross negligence will not be tolerated.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?

South Carolina law sets a strict deadline for filing personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents. Victims generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved, the timeframe may be shorter. Missing the deadline can result in losing the right to seek compensation.

It is essential to begin the legal process as soon as possible. Evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident scene photos can become more difficult to obtain over time.

South Carolina Motorcycle Laws and How They Affect Your Case

Understanding South Carolina’s motorcycle laws is crucial when pursuing compensation after an accident. These laws establish the rights and responsibilities of motorcyclists, and violating them can impact your ability to recover damages. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often use traffic violations to argue that the motorcyclist was partially or fully at fault for the crash,

making it essential to know how the law applies to your case.

Helmet Laws and Injury Claims

South Carolina law requires motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 21 to wear a helmet approved by the Department of Public Safety. While adults over 21 are not legally required to wear helmets, not wearing one can still impact a personal injury claim. If you suffer a head injury in a crash, the insurance company may argue that failing to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries, potentially reducing the compensation you receive.

Lane Splitting and Traffic Laws

Lane splitting — riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic — is illegal in South Carolina. If an accident occurs while a motorcyclist is lane splitting, the other party may use this as evidence of negligence, making it more challenging to recover full compensation. However, even if you were cited for a traffic violation, you may still be entitled to damages if another driver’s negligence primarily caused the crash.

Right-of-Way and Left-Turn Accidents

Motorcyclists have the same right-of-way as any other vehicle on the road, yet many accidents occur when cars fail to yield. Left-turn accidents, in which a driver turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, are among the most common motorcycle crashes. Even if a driver claims they “didn’t see” the motorcycle, they can still be held liable for failing to yield.

Understanding these laws can help strengthen your claim and protect your right to compensation. An motorcycle accident lawyer can analyze your case, counter unfair blame, and ensure that your legal rights are upheld.

Why Choose Lanier Law Group?

At Lanier Law Group, we understand the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face. Our firm is dedicated to securing justice for injured riders and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable. We know that motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for accidents, and we fight back against insurance companies that try to reduce or deny legitimate claims.

Aggressive Legal Representation

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents or minimize payouts. We push back with strong legal arguments, thorough investigations, and expert testimony to build a compelling case for maximum compensation. We collect crucial evidence, reconstruct accidents, and consult medical professionals to prove the full extent of your injuries. If insurers refuse to negotiate fairly, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

Personalized Client Advocacy

We treat every case with the attention it deserves. Our attorneys take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process every step of the way. We know that recovering from a motorcycle accident is stressful, and we are committed to making the legal process as smooth as possible. From start to finish, you will have a dedicated team fighting for your best interests.

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without financial risk. We believe every injured motorcyclist deserves strong legal representation, and we are here to fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Injured in a Columbia Motorcycle Accident? Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Columbia, you should not have to fight for compensation alone. The road to recovery can be long and challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Lanier Law Group is ready to step into the ring for you, taking on insurance companies and negligent drivers like a heavyweight fighter determined to win. We refuse to let big insurance companies dodge responsibility or throw lowball settlements your way.

Our attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face and will aggressively advocate for your rights. We come prepared, building a strong case and going the full twelve rounds if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal fight while you focus on healing and getting back on your feet.

Your road to recovery starts now. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

We Won't Back Down

Lanier Law Group is Here When Results Matter Most

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We Fight for Our Clients

*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

$4.8 Million

Settlement

A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.

$3.1 Million

Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury

The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.

$1.375 Million

Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence

Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

$1.2 Million

Birth Injury/Developmental Delay

Our client suffers from a severe developmental delay following a birth injury when there were signs of fetal distress that were not responded to.

$500,000

Botched Gall Bladder Surgery

Our client suffered an injury to their common bile duct during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

$425,000

Surgical Error

A client had their bowel perforated during a ventral hernia repair.

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."

There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.

"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"

Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.

"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"

The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.

"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"

The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.

Respect. Integrity. Passion.

Our Commitment to Our Clients

We Come Prepared

After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.

We're In Your Corner

Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.

We're Here For You 24/7

Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.

We Never Back Down

Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.