Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous motor vehicle collisions on South Carolina roads. Motorcycle riders are uniquely vulnerable in crashes because they lack the physical protection enjoyed by those in passenger vehicles and are more susceptible to severe injuries and tragic consequences. Trucks and passenger vehicles are much larger than motorcycles, meaning collisions occur with much greater force and cause the potential for much more significant harm to motorcyclists.
Unfortunately, these factors result in motorcycle accidents having a high rate of fatalities. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, your family may be experiencing not just the devastation of your personal loss but also the loss of your loved one’s financial and other contributions to your family and household. If another driver’s carelessness caused your loved one’s death in a motorcycle crash, your family deserves both justice and accountability.
Our fatal motorcycle accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach stand ready to advocate for your rights and fight for your family to secure the compensation you need. For over 50 years, Jebaily Law Firm has fought for South Carolina families who have lost people dear to them in fatal motorcycle accidents. We have a proven record of success in accident cases and a reputation for obtaining maximum results for our clients.
Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation with a fatal motorcycle accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach. We want to discuss how we can hold those at fault accountable for your loved one’s death and help you find the closure you deserve.
Why Deadly Motorcycle Crashes Are a Major Problem in Myrtle Beach
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 5,932 motorcyclists died in crashes in the U.S. in one recent year, with 161 fatalities occurring on South Carolina roads and highways. South Carolina had the eighth-highest fatality rate for motorcycle riders in the U.S.
Fatal motorcycle accidents represent a serious problem in Myrtle Beach, which hosts two annual Myrtle Beach Bike Weeks in the spring and fall. Myrtle Beach’s Bike Weeks attract motorcycle riders from across the country, who come to ride in rallies along the Grand Strand of South Carolina.
Common Causes of Deadly Motorcycle Crashes in Myrtle Beach
Accidents involving motorcycles and other motor vehicles can inflict fatal injuries on riders due to their exposed position on a motorcycle. Some of the top acts of driver negligence that cause fatal motorcycle crashes in Myrtle Beach include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Passing a motorcyclist without moving over to an adjacent lane
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Failing to signal or check blind spots before turning or changing lanes
- Driving the wrong way
- Driver inexperience
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Reckless driving, including excessive speeding or swerving through traffic
Wrongful Death Cases After Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
After a motorcycle accident death in Myrtle Beach, your family may have the right to hold those at fault for your loved one’s death accountable through a wrongful death claim. Under South Carolina’s wrongful death statute, the personal representative of a deceased motorcycle rider’s estate can file a wrongful death case on behalf of the rider’s surviving spouse and children, or if the rider did not have a spouse or children, on behalf of the rider’s surviving parents.
South Carolina’s statute of limitations on wrongful death claims requires a deceased rider’s personal representative to file a wrongful death lawsuit within three years of the rider’s death. The court may dismiss any lawsuit filed after the limitations period expires upon the defendant’s motion.
Types of Compensation Available in a Motorcycle Wrongful Death Case
In a fatal motorcycle accident claim, surviving family members can recover compensation for losses you and your deceased loved one have suffered. Although no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, obtaining financial recovery from those responsible for their death can provide your family with some measure of justice.
Financial compensation available in a fatal motorcycle accident wrongful death claim can include:
- Your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred to treat your loved one’s fatal injuries
- Loss of your loved one’s financial support and benefits
- Loss of your loved one’s experience and guidance
- Loss of your loved one’s care, companionship, and protection
- Emotional distress you experience due to your loved one’s passing
In rare cases, a court may also award punitive damages in a motorcycle accident wrongful death claim. Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, do not compensate your family for losses you’ve suffered due to your loved one’s passing. Instead, they punish the parties responsible for the death for their reckless or intentional conduct and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
How Our Lawyers Help Families Who Lost Someone in a Motorcycle Accident
At Jebaily Law Firm, we understand the devastation families feel when loved ones die in motorcycle accidents. We believe your family should not have to bear the financial consequences of a loved one’s death caused by someone else’s carelessness.
Our lawyers help families who have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents in Myrtle Beach by handling all the details of preparing and pursuing their legal claims so they can focus on grieving and healing. Let our firm fight for the compensation and justice your family deserves by:
- Thoroughly investigating and gathering evidence from the accident
- Identifying all liable parties and avenues for obtaining compensation
- Compiling evidence of your family’s expenses and financial losses arising from your loved one’s injuries and death
- Filing insurance claims against all liable parties
- Handling all communications with insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and other third parties
- Filing a lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation if the at-fault party will not provide a fair settlement
Talk to a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach Now
Jebaily Law Firm is proud to stand with the families of motorcyclists who have died as the result of actions by careless or reckless drivers. If you’ve lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, get the legal help your family needs to demand financial recovery and justice.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a fatal motorcycle accident attorney in Myrtle Beach to discuss your legal options for seeking the compensation and accountability your family deserves.
