Struck by Multiple Vehicles in a South Carolina Motorcycle Crash: What Should I Do?

Impacts from multiple vehicles are relatively common in motorcycle accidents. If you’re recovering from a crash like this, you may be struggling with serious injuries that require expensive treatment. You might wonder who to hold responsible for your crash, especially if more than one vehicle was involved. Alternatively, you might be considering legal action on behalf of a deceased relative who was struck by multiple vehicles. How do you proceed after this type of motorcycle accident in South Carolina?

Motorcyclists Are Often Struck by Multiple Vehicles 

After initial collisions with vehicles, motorcyclists are often ejected from their bikes. In other words, they fall off their motorcycles and end up on the road. These riders frequently slide across asphalt for a considerable distance, and they are incredibly vulnerable as a result.

Subsequent impacts from passing motorists can cause additional, catastrophic injuries. These motorists may run over motorcyclists as they lie on the roadway, causing crush injuries that could prove fatal. Often, riders are unconscious after impacting the road – leaving them completely unable to avoid additional collisions.

Aside from head injuries, riders may suffer “road rash” or friction burns when sliding across a road. These injuries can be disfiguring, and they may leave permanent scars.

Why Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents Are More Complex 

Multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes are more complex for various reasons. First, not every motorist involved in the collision may stop and cooperate with law enforcement. While one driver might pull over and wait, another may speed off without stopping.

These “partial hit-and-runs” can make it more difficult for victims to recover compensation after crashes. If two drivers contributed to a motorcyclist’s injuries, they may both face injury lawsuits. The existence of numerous defendants may make it easier for the injured rider to cover their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Fortunately, police often track down hit-and-run drivers.

It may also be difficult to determine the exact level of fault for each driver involved in the collision. If a drunk driver swerved and knocked you off your bike, they are clearly at fault. But what if you were struck by another driver who had no time to avoid you? In this situation, the second driver may argue that they did not contribute at all to your injuries – and 100% of the fault may lie with the drunk driver.

Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in South Carolina Help Me Pursue Justice? 

A motorcycle accident attorney in South Carolina may be able to help if you are recovering from a collision with multiple vehicles. These legal professionals can investigate your crash in more detail, potentially determining who might have contributed to your injuries. Injury lawyers can also help after fatal motorcycle accidents, and they can guide relatives through the process of wrongful death claims. To learn more about these legal options, contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources: 

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7528667/

nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/811280.pdf