Aiken Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Get Experienced Legal Help After a Motorcycle Crash in Aiken, SC
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering. Riders are more exposed to serious injuries and fatalities than occupants of other vehicles. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash in Aiken, South Carolina, you deserve dedicated legal representation. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our experienced Aiken motorcycle accident lawyers fight to ensure injured motorcyclists receive full and fair compensation.
We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and liability disputes. Our team is here to protect your rights, help you navigate South Carolina’s legal system, and recover the damages you're owed.
Call (803) 599-2207 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often occur due to the negligence or carelessness of others. While every case is different, the following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in Aiken and across South Carolina:
- Driver Inattention: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or drive distracted often collide with motorcyclists.
- Left-Turn Accidents: A large percentage of collisions happen when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
- Impaired Driving: Drunk or drug-impaired drivers are a major risk to motorcyclists.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Drivers often fail to yield when merging or at intersections, causing dangerous accidents.
- Dooring Accidents: A parked car’s occupant may open a door directly in the path of a motorcyclist.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, gravel, and uneven pavement pose greater threats to motorcycles than to cars.
South Carolina Motorcycle Laws
To ride legally and safely in South Carolina, motorcyclists must comply with several state-specific laws. Understanding these rules can also impact your accident claim.
- Helmet Requirements: Riders under 21 must wear a helmet approved by the Department of Public Safety. While not required for adults over 21, wearing a helmet may impact how damages are awarded in a personal injury case.
- Eye Protection: All riders must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
- Lane Sharing: Lane splitting (riding between vehicles) is illegal in South Carolina.
- Licensing: Motorcyclists must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license.
Violating traffic laws doesn’t automatically disqualify you from compensation, but it may be used by the opposing party to reduce liability. Our legal team can help you understand how these laws may affect your claim.
Compensation from a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, from broken bones and road rash to spinal injuries and traumatic brain damage. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Our goal is to help you recover the full value of your losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost income: Wages lost due to your injuries and any future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, PTSD, and diminished quality of life.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and gear.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, we can help pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.
We work closely with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial professionals to assess the full scope of your damages.
How Insurance Companies Treat Injured Motorcyclists
Insurance companies are not on your side. In motorcycle accident claims, they often try to shift blame onto the rider. Common tactics include:
- Stereotyping riders as reckless or unsafe.
- Minimizing injury severity.
- Pressuring victims into quick, lowball settlements.
- Claiming the motorcyclist caused or contributed to the accident.
At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we know how to counter these tactics. We gather strong evidence, document your injuries thoroughly, and fight aggressively to ensure insurers take your claim seriously. You don’t have to deal with them alone—we handle all communication and negotiations on your behalf.
FAQs About Motorcycle Claims in Aiken, SC
What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Aiken?
Call 911, seek medical attention immediately, document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and avoid any delays.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?
South Carolina only requires helmets for riders under 21. If you’re over 21 and were not wearing a helmet, you may still recover damages, though the defense might argue that your injuries were worsened as a result.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—though your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault.
How much does it cost to hire an Aiken motorcycle accident lawyer?
At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contact an Aiken Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents can leave victims physically, emotionally, and financially devastated. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. The experienced team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC is ready to help.
Contact us at (803) 599-2207. We are here for you, every step of the way.
Our Satisfied Clients
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“Being involved in a life-changing event is when you realize that we are really not in control of our lives and how we choose to handle it is where we find our character. Thank God for my legal team, Jacob and Erica, and everyone else involved.”- Former Client
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“George kept me informed and gave loving advice all the way through. I could call him when I needed. He recognized my personal, mental and physical struggles. You can trust in him. GOD knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he made him.”- Former Client
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“He was patient, listened, considerate, explained things to me that my previous attorney did not, and broke every part of my case down so I was sure to understand every aspect of my case before leaving his office.”- Cassandra J.
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“Promises were kept and interactions were both personal and professional. I would highly recommend Mr. George and his firm to anyone in need of legal help.”- Former Client
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“I had a workers compensation claim that my wonderful lawyer Lawton Harper was able to help me with. He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
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“When my case took a hit from the doctor’s final impairment rating, Danny didn’t give up – he went full force and earned me a fair settlement!”- Former Client
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“Lawton Harper has been amazing helping me with my works compensation case. He explained everything about what to expect throughout the case and was there for any questions or concerns I had.”- Kai P.
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“He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
