Can You Sue After a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash in South Carolina?

Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes can be extremely devastating for victims and their families. These types of crashes typically involve motorcyclists veering off roads or crashing into barriers. In South Carolina, you must hold someone else liable if you want to recover compensation for a crash. But does this really prevent you from filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit after a single-vehicle accident? This might be something worth discussing with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in South Carolina.

Harley-Davidson Rider Dies After Hitting Trees 

In April of 2025, authorities in Columbia reported that the rider of a Harley-Davidson had died in a crash. The crash occurred at about 11:30 at night, and police say that the rider veered off the side of Long Pine Road for unknown reasons. He then went into an embankment before striking several trees. These impacts cause fatal injuries.

The crash is still under investigation, and police aren’t sure why he veered off the road. The rider may have been trying to avoid some kind of hazard, such as a drunk driver. However, this type of incident is probably an example of a single-vehicle crash that will not lead to an injury claim.

In South Carolina, motorcycle accidents fall under the state’s “at-fault” system. In other words, you must prove that someone else caused your injuries if you want to recover compensation. With no evidence of any other motorist’s involvement, it could be challenging for the victim’s family to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Motorcyclist Dies After Trying to Avoid Driver 

At around the same time in April, another motorcyclist died in Winston-Salem. Authorities say the crash occurred at around 9:30 at night on Northampton Drive. The rider was traveling down this road when the driver of an Infiniti “suddenly turned left.” Police say that this maneuver caused the crash, although they did not specify whether the rider actually impacted any other vehicle.

In this type of situation, a “near-miss” can cause a motorcyclist to veer off the road. When attempting to avoid colliding with a car, a rider might be forced to suddenly turn. They might subsequently lose control, crash, and suffer serious injuries.

This type of single-vehicle accident could potentially lead to a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit. Even though the motorcyclist might not have come into contact with another vehicle, they may have been forced to veer off the road due to the recklessness of other motorists. As a result, victims and their families may be able to hold these negligent parties liable.

Can a South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

A South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help if you are recovering from injuries after a single-vehicle crash. While many of these crashes do not result in lawsuits, you should always speak with a lawyer before giving up on the pursuit of compensation. It may be possible to hold negligent parties liable for your injuries – even if no other vehicle came into contact with you. To learn more, contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources:

 abc45.com/news/local/motorcycle-rider-killed-in-winston-salem-crash-traffic-death-police-investigation-truecrime-north-carolina

wistv.com/2025/04/19/motorcyclist-killed-after-crash-lexington-county/