The open road calls out to many a motorcycle enthusiast, and anyone who has enjoyed the feel of the wind and the freedom of the wide scenic views understands the lure. Our great state of South Carolina beckons riders from all around the country every year. Some come for the scenery, some for vacation, and many come for the biker festivities in May, as well as other events.
Great motorcycle rides in South Carolina can be found in the coastal beach and marsh areas of the Lowcountry, to the Upstate region showcasing lush forests, pretty waterfalls, and rivers. Popular motorcycle rides include trips along the local country roads with visits to various SC State Parks.
Sadly, it has been averaged that up to 6,000 motorcyclists nationwide die each year, and tens of thousands are left injured. In 2015, up to 18.8% of our state’s traffic fatalities were motorcyclists, surpassing the national average of 14.2%. There were 187 motorcycle fatalities in South Carolina in 2016, 141 in 2017, and 104 fatalities in 2018 – with at least 672 of injuries involving riders wearing helmets. Through November of 2019, there were 113 motorcycle deaths, not including any additional wrecks during the December holidays or New Year’s.
Be careful out there! Motor vehicle accidents and motorcycle accidents are some of the most common causes of serious injury. If you or a loved one has been injured by the actions of another, working with a skilled and experienced attorney – dedicated to helping you – is your first step during recovery. Recovering after a serious accident can require extensive medical care that may be difficult to pay for without the benefit of full compensation.
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident or motorcycle crash of any kind, you may have more than a damaged vehicle and physical injuries to be concerned about. If the other driver who hit you or caused the accident is found to be negligent, you may be entitled to higher compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit for the courts to decide the payment that you rightfully deserve. Our law firm assists those who have been injured in many types of motor vehicle accidents such as: car accidents, motorcycle, and moped accidents, commercial truck wrecks, golf cart accidents, and even bicycle or pedestrian accidents.
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) tallied that there were 215,957 registered motorcyclists in SC in 2019 – almost 23,000 more than in 2018. Statistics have often shown that SC is a dangerous state to ride, but the numbers may simply be a reflection of the number of riders overall – not just the fault of the roads and drivers.
The statistics contained in the 2019 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book are compiled from the data within the Statistical Traffic Collision Database. In the process of compiling this database, certain adjustments may be made to the data where clerical errors are noted. These adjustments are made for statistical purposes only. It is, therefore, possible that some discrepancies may exist between the data published here and other sources.
The following are some notable characteristics of traffic collisions for 2019:
Traffic fatalities decreased from 1,036 in 2018 to 1,006
Pedestrian fatalities decreased from 168 in 2018 to 165
Bicyclist fatalities increased from 22 in 2018 to 27
650 traffic fatalities with access to seatbelts, 308 of 650 were not wearing seatbelts
Mileage death rate (MDR) decreased from 1.82 in 2018 to 1.74
Traffic collision injuries increased from 58,053 in 2018 to 58,410
At The Floyd Law Firm PC, we are committed to helping those who have been injured. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our firm can address your specific situation with empathy and professionalism. Our firm was one of the first in Surfside Beach, and we have been helping people in South Carolina for over 48 years. Our personal injury attorneys focus on ensuring that you obtain the full compensation you deserve for all of the ways that your accident has affected your life.
Additional Information:
The 2019 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book
Important steps to take if you have been involved in an accident
SCDMV – Driving a Motorcycle
