Attorney Bert Louthian of The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers helps motorcycle accident victims and their families. Work with a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer with more than three decades of experience. Call (803) 592-6231 to talk to us and start your case.
The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers is a family-owned law firm helping families in the Columbia, SC area. We are your lawyer when you have been injured.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, we are here to take care of the legal aspects for you. Motorcycle accident victims can have an experienced legal professional represent them – Bert Louthian can represent you. Contact us today to learn more and begin.
Attorney for Motorcycle Accidents in Columbia, SC
When you need an attorney for motorcycle accidents in Columbia, SC, call The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers. Anyone involved in a motorcycle accident is likely facing serious injuries and a long recovery. You have medical bills, and expenses can pile up quickly when you can’t work. There may be family that depends on you. You’re suffering from physical injuries, mental anguish and you can’t do the things you used to do before. Attorney Bert Louthian can represent you to claim financial compensation.
Consultations are free, so tell us your story and ask any questions you have.
Types of Motorcycle Cases We Handle
Improper turn
Too many drivers don’t look before proceeding into an intersection. Drivers must look for motorcyclists and observe the rules of the road. If an improper turn or proceeding through an intersection without the right of way causes a crash, the victim may claim compensation.
Blind spots and lane changes
Drivers must ensure that the path is clear before changing lanes. They know that motorcyclists may be on the road, and they must exercise caution. They must beware of blind spots and change lanes only when they can do so safely.
Drunk driving
Drunk driving is harmful to motorcyclists and everyone on the road. If you are hit by a drunk driver, you deserve justice. Bringing a claim doesn’t depend on criminal charges or the outcome of those charges.
Improper backing and parking
Motorcyclists face danger when parking, when entering traffic, on access roads and other places. Drivers who don’t watch for motorcyclists when backing up, parking and driving in parking structures may cause an accident.
Single-vehicle accidents
Single-vehicle motorcycle accidents may have many causes including a road that is in poor repair, a poorly designed road, objects in the road or animals. A motorcyclist in a single-vehicle accident may qualify to receive compensation. We can look at the causes of the accident and all opportunities for you to be compensated.
Road rage, intentional harm
If you are a victim of road rage or intentional harm, you deserve justice. We build the evidence to prove what occurred and the appropriate compensation.
Speeding
There are many ways that speeding increases the risk of a collision including losing control of the vehicle, reduced stopping distance and a more severe crash because of higher speeds. Speeding may create legal liability when a driver causes a motorcycle accident.
Carelessness and recklessness
When a driver is careless or reckless, they create a danger to those around them, including motorcyclists. Poor driving behavior can be grounds for a motorcycle accident claim.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims
In South Carolina, motorcycle accident victims may receive compensation from the party at fault for the accident. Most accidents don’t happen on purpose – so who is at fault? In South Carolina, fault is based on negligence. Negligence is an absence of ordinary care. It’s falling short of the safe and reasonable behavior that all drivers should display on the roads.
For example, if someone hits you because they turn in front of you, when you had the right of way, they are at fault for an accident. If someone strikes you because they merge into your lane without room, they are at fault. There are many examples of negligence that can make a person responsible for a motorcycle accident. Fault is specific to each case and each individual circumstance. At your consultation, we can review your case to determine fault.
What are motorcycle accident settlements and judgments?
Motorcycle accident settlements and judgments are compensation paid to a victim who is injured in an accident. The compensation should reflect the losses and harm that have resulted to the victim that they are due under the law. Economic and non-economic damages may be included.
A settlement is an agreement between the parties to resolve the case. A judgment is determined by a trial. When the parties can’t agree, a jury hears the evidence and decides what the defendant should pay.
As your attorney, Bert Louthian can evaluate the appropriate amount to seek in a settlement or a judgment. Ask us for more information at your consultation.
Do I need to hire a motorcycle accident attorney?
If you have suffered physical injuries because of a motorcycle accident, you will likely benefit from speaking to a motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney can evaluate your legal rights, what you may receive in compensation and the steps to take to receive it. They can represent you in claiming compensation, giving you a professional advocate to make the process efficient and effective.
Can I sue for pain and suffering for a motorcycle accident?
South Carolina law allows motorcycle accident victims to claim pain and suffering. You may seek compensation for losses that can’t be measured by receipts or a calculator like your physical pain, emotional anguish, mental injuries and physical disfigurement. These losses often comprise a significant amount of compensation for a motorcycle accident victim.
Why Choose Us As Your Lawyer?
Here are some reasons to choose Columbia motorcycle accident attorney Bert Louthian:
- He knows the laws and the legal issues that matter to motorcyclists. He knows what things to focus on as he pursues justice.
- Our law firm believes that motorcyclists have important rights. You have the right to use the roads and have other exercise due care and caution. We respect the rights of motorcyclists and believe in advocating for justice when they are injured.
- Claims handled in Columbia, SC and the surrounding regions, including Richland County Circuit Court and other courts where it may be appropriate to bring your case.
- Consultations are always free. We want you to learn about your case and how our law firm may assist you with no obligation.
- Bert Louthian has been practicing law in Columbia, SC since 1985. Under the mentorship of his attorney father at our family-owned law firm, he learned how the courts operate, the legal procedures and the steps to take to truly get results for his clients. With this focus and dedication, he works each day on behalf of the families he serves.
The key to success on behalf of our clients is exhaustive technical work. Building a case takes place behind the scenes. First, it means thoroughly knowing your story. It means understanding what happened and the harm that you suffered.
Then, we get to work, investigating, building evidence, presenting evidence in a clear format, working with experts, preparing accident reconstruction and accounting for the losses that you should claim. In doing this, we thoroughly build your case. Whether you choose for us to negotiate a settlement on your behalf, or take your case to trial, you have a strong case and legal position.
We’re proud to provide recovery for clients who have been hurt. To see how we can help you, contact us for a personalized review of your situation.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics – South Carolina
- 166 traffic fatalities in South Carolina in 2021 involved motorcycles.
- Motorcycle fatalities in South Carolina are on the rise. The 166 fatalities in 2021 represent a 43% increase from the year before.
- There were 1,766 traffic collisions in 2021 that involved a motorcycle and that resulted in injury or death.
- Most motorcycle accidents – 80% – result in injury or death. Only 20% of traffic accidents involving a motorcycle in South Carolina result in property damage only.
- 25% of motorcycle crashes in South Carolina result in serious injury or death. By comparison, only 7.4% of car accidents result in serious injury or death.
- Motorcycle accidents happen most frequently on secondary roads. However, they occur in significant numbers on all roads including US and South Carolina primary roads, county roads, interstates and ramps.
(Source: SCDPS, South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, 2021 Edition)
Motorcycle Accident Case FAQs
Are motorcycle helmets mandatory in South Carolina?
Only for riders age 20 and younger.
Does helmet use prevent deaths?
Yes, indeed. The U.S. General Accounting Office concluded that “laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proven to be effective in reducing fatalities.” Helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% effective for passengers.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle crashes?
The factors which most often contribute to motorcycle accidents are:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to yield right of way
- Drug or alcohol use
- Being distracted or inattentive
- Improper lane usage or change
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Aggressive driving
What types of injuries are most common in motorcycle wrecks?
Injuries of the lower extremities (foot, ankle, leg, knee, thigh, hip and pelvis) are the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes, particularly bone fractures, followed by upper-extremity and head injuries. Although they may happen less often, injuries to the head, chest and abdomen tend to be more severe. Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.
I’ve heard of “road rash”. What is that?
Road rash is the term used to describe a skin abrasion caused by contact with the surface of the road in an accident. It can range from mild to severe.
What counties in South Carolina see the most motorcycle accidents?
Greenville and Horry counties lead in both deaths and collisions. Richland County was in the Top Five counties for collisions but not fatalities. Other counties with a relatively large number of motorcycle injuries or deaths are Spartanburg, Anderson, Charleston and Lexington.
What are the demographics of those killed in SC motorcycle wrecks?
The highest percentage of fatal accident victims are between the ages of 25 and 54 (just over 65%), and 91.7% are male.
Are certain times more dangerous for motorcycle riders?
As you might expect, more than half (56.7%) of fatal motorcycle crashes happen on the weekend. The months of May, April and August are when accidents peak, and the hours of 3 p.m. to midnight are the most dangerous.
Taking New Cases – Consultations Available
If you need a Columbia motorcycle accident attorney, call (803) 592-6231 to talk to attorney Bert Louthian. The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers is focused on helping families in Columbia and throughout South Carolina.
You can have an experienced professional with a history of success to represent you and your family as you seek compensation following a motorcycle accident. The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers handles all stages of representation from immediate evidence-gathering and claim preparation to legal advocacy, settlement negotiation, trial and all aspects of litigation.
We are taking new cases. Please call or message us now.
