Suing for Motorcycle Injuries After an Intersection Crash in South Carolina

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable while moving through intersections. They face threats from left-turning vehicles, right-turning vehicles, and everyone in between. If you were struck and injured while moving through an intersection, you might need to consider your legal options. But how do you determine who caused your crash? Did you have the right of way? Is it even possible to file a claim? These are questions you can ask an experienced auto accident lawyer in South Carolina.

What if I Don’t Remember My Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). After this type of injury, you might suffer from memory loss (amnesia). If this is the case, you might not actually remember your motorcycle accident. As a result, you might not know who or what caused your accident. In this situation, it may be helpful to check in with law enforcement and crash scene investigators. You might also want to get in touch with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, as these professionals may be able to investigate crashes on your behalf.

Who Had the Right of Way? 

A key question in this situation involves the right of way. Generally speaking, you probably had the right of way if you were traveling straight through the intersection on a green light. In this situation, other vehicles must yield to you. These include drivers turning right and drivers turning left at the intersection. If you struck one of these turning vehicles while you were traveling straight, you can probably file a claim against the driver for failing to yield. Motorcyclists turning left have to yield to all other drivers. This includes right-turning vehicles and vehicles moving straight through the intersection.

One exception to these rules involves emergency vehicles. You are expected to yield to vehicles like police cruisers, ambulances, and fire trucks moving through intersections – even if they would not otherwise have the right of way. That being said, these vehicles must have their lights and sirens flashing in order to warn others that they’re responding to emergencies. Without lights and sirens, the drivers of the vehicles must follow the rules of the road like any other person.

What if I Was Partially to Blame? 

Even if you were partially to blame for your motorcycle accident, you may still have the chance to file a claim. For example, you might have been speeding through the intersection when someone failed to yield the right of way. If this is the case, you should not give up hope – as your speed violation may not disqualify you from filing a claim.

Can a South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation after an intersection crash. If you believe that you were not to blame for your accident, you’re probably right. A lawyer can help you investigate the situation, gather evidence, and hold negligent drivers accountable for the damages they’ve caused. To learn more about the next steps, contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources: 

wnct.com/news/north-carolina/1-dead-in-fire-truck-motorcycle-crash-in-south-durham-officials-say/

abc11.com/post/motorcyclist-dead-collision-city-durham-fire-truck-county/17574420/