Suing for Injuries as a Motorcycle Passenger in South Carolina

Passengers face serious risks when riding motorcycles. These people are completely at the mercy of their drivers, and they often regret getting onto motorcycles within moments. Once the bike reaches a high speed, it is impossible to get off – and passengers can only hold on while praying that they remain safe. Too often, these prayers fall on deaf ears – and passengers suffer catastrophic motorcycle injuries in South Carolina as a result. Can you take legal action if you were injured as a motorcycle passenger?

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally Ends in Tragedy 

Each year, thousands of bikers descend upon Myrtle Beach for the annual “Bike Week Rally.” This year, the event spanned 10 days from September 30th to October 6th. Organizers say that this is an opportunity to “meet new friends” and enjoy “rides along the coastline.” The consumption of alcohol seems to be a major focus at this event, and this poses obvious concerns. Unfortunately, this year’s Bike Week Rally ended in tragedy.

Halfway through the Rally, traffic authorities announced that one motorcyclist had died after veering off the road and striking an embankment. The rider was carrying one passenger at the time of the crash, who suffered unspecified injuries. Almost no further information was released to the public, although it seems clear that this rider was participating in the Rally.

This is not the first controversial moment at the Myrtle Beach Bike Week Rally, and it certainly won’t be the last. Many local residents have voiced their disapproval of the event. In previous years, shooting incidents were linked with the Rally. As early as 2009, the New York Times stated that the Rally was “no longer welcome” in Myrtle Beach due to violence, indecency, and littering.

Motorcycle Passengers May Have Many Legal Options 

Motorcycle passengers may have various legal options after suffering injuries. The first and most obvious option is to sue the motorcyclist who was driving at the time of the collision. As the driver, they are responsible for your safety – and you can hold them liable for various acts of negligence. This might include intoxication, distraction, speeding, racing, and so on.

Alternatively, you could sue another driver who caused your motorcycle to crash. For example, the bike you were riding might have been struck by a drunk driver or a truck that ran a red light. Finally, you could potentially sue an establishment that served one of the drivers (including the motorcyclist) alcohol. Remember, alcohol seems to be free-flowing at the Bike Rally – and this could potentially lead to a lawsuit after crashes caused by intoxication.

Can a South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Passengers? 

If you were injured as a motorcycle passenger in South Carolina, you might be able to pursue compensation for your damages. With help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, you could cover medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other hardship you were forced to face. To discuss your legal options in more detail, consider a consultation with the Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers at Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC. Reach out today to get started with an action plan.

Sources: 

wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/horry-county/motorcyclist-killed-another-hurt-in-horry-county-wreck/

nytimes.com/2009/05/03/us/03myrtle.html