Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Columbia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, then you know just how quickly your life can change after such an event. Motorcycle accidents often leave victims reeling from devastating injuries and the mountains of financial stress that come with them. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, our Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer has over 28 years of experience in personal injury law, and we’re dedicated to helping you embark on your legal journey.

If you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and the legal complexities of a claim, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in Columbia

South Carolina’s warm climate and scenic roads make it an excellent destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, but brilliant riding conditions also make accidents more common. Motorcycles are naturally more vulnerable to collisions, being smaller and less visible than cars. In Columbia, where traffic congestion can be unpredictable, and roads are shared by cars, trucks, and pedestrians, motorcycle accidents are a risk you can’t afford to ignore.

Riders, who are basically unprotected beyond helmets and riding gear, can sustain multiple injuries, from broken bones and road rash to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. In some cases, these injuries can be fatal.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you are probably facing an uncertain future, but with the right legal guidance, you can take action to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Columbia

After an accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed, but taking the right steps after a crash can make a huge difference in the outcome of any claim you pursue in the aftermath. Here’s a list of what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention. Your health is the number one priority after an accident. Even if you don’t feel badly injured, many injuries are not immediately apparent. A doctor’s evaluation is essential not only for your well-being but also for documenting any injuries you may have as evidence for a future claim.
2. Document the Scene. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries. This evidence can become crucial when we demonstrate the scope of your damages.
3. File a Police Report. A police report is often required for vehicle accidents. It provides an official account of the accident, which can be used to support your case.
4. Collect Information. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other parties involved in the crash. This includes drivers, passengers, and any witnesses.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault. Don’t admit fault at the scene, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident. Fault is something that should be determined through a police investigation and by your lawyer.
6. Contact a Lawyer. The sooner you contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, the better. We offer legal counsel that can guide you through the process of filing a claim, and we’re ready to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

How the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III Can Help

Motorcycle accident claims are complicated and can quickly spiral. The insurance companies involved could try to minimize your settlement or deny liability altogether, which is why it’s crucial to have an experienced Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we take a personalized approach to every case, and our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, whether through a settlement or by taking the case to trial. We can work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and investigators to build a compelling case for you.

Our legal team has the experience to handle various types of motorcycle accident claims, including those involving negligent driving, product liability, and premises liability. We understand the financial strain that comes with medical bills, lost wages, and the potential long-term consequences of your injuries.

That’s why we strive to make the legal process as stress-free as possible, which should allow you to focus on your recovery.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Motorcycle accident victims could be entitled to compensation for several types of damages, but the avenues we pursue can depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Some of these damages can include:

• Medical Expenses. These include everything, from emergency room visits and surgery to ongoing rehabilitation costs and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages. If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for the income you would’ve earned during your recovery period.
• Pain and Suffering. This kind of compensation is a form of non-economic damage that compensates for physical pain, emotional harm, and mental trauma caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium. If your injuries impacted your relationships, for example, with a spouse, you can potentially claim damages for the loss of companionship and support.
• Punitive Damages. In cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, punitive damages could be awarded as a form of punishment for the defendant.

Understanding your entitlement to these damages can be confusing, but we’re here to break down the process and fight for your rights. It’s nice to know that you don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a motorcycle crash by yourself.

Why Choose the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III?

It’s natural to feel lost and confused after a motorcycle accident. That’s why the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is committed to providing you with the legal support you need to feel balanced again.

Our team in Columbia is ready to negotiate for you, and we can work directly with insurers and opposing legal teams to get you a fair settlement that truly reflects the extent of your injuries and losses, but we don’t stop there. If the settlement offer doesn’t meet your needs, we’re fully prepared to take the case to trial if necessary. Our courtroom experience allows us to present a compelling case before a judge or jury, which gives us a strong chance of achieving justice in your case.

Most importantly, we understand that no two accidents and no two clients are the same. We can take the time to listen to your story, address your concerns, and build a legal strategy that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

We pride ourselves on our thoroughness, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the most favorable results for our clients.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Motorcycle Accident Laws

What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Denies My Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?

This is more common than people might think. If the insurance company denies your claim, it’s important not to give up. First, carefully review their reasons for denial. Then, consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer who can assess the situation and help you gather additional evidence or pursue legal action to fight the denial. The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help.

How Does South Carolina Law Treat Helmet Use in Motorcycle Accidents?

Even though South Carolina law does not require adults to wear helmets while riding a motorcycle, failure to wear a helmet could be used as evidence against you in a personal injury case, especially when assessing any damages related to head injuries. It’s important to consult with an attorney from the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III so that you can understand how helmet use might affect your claim.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Yes. South Carolina follows the comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident as long as you are less than 51% responsible. If you fall under this 50% mark, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. After a full review of your case, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help minimize the effects of this rule.

What if the Driver Who Caused My Accident Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have the option to recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. If that’s unavailable or insufficient, we can explore other avenues for securing compensation, such as directly filing a claim against the at-fault driver or pursuing claims against third parties if applicable.

Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III offers so much more than just legal representation. We can provide support, strategic advocacy, and a commitment to pursuing the most favorable outcome for your case. Our experience handling motorcycle accident claims means we understand the unique challenges that riders face, so when you work with us, you gain legal allies who prioritize your well-being and can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us be the partner you can trust every step of the way.