Charleston’s warm climate, scenic coastal highways, and vibrant downtown make it one of the most popular riding destinations in the Southeast. But the same roads that attract motorcyclists also create serious dangers. Distracted drivers, tourists unfamiliar with local roads, heavy beach traffic, and narrow historic streets combine to make Charleston one of the most hazardous areas for riders in South Carolina.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Charleston, the attorneys at Crantford Meehan are ready to fight for you. We understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face, from severe injuries to insurance company bias against riders, and we know how to overcome them.
Why Motorcycle Accidents in Charleston Are So Dangerous
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable users of the road. Without the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and seatbelts, riders absorb the full force of any impact. In the Charleston area, several factors contribute to an elevated risk of serious motorcycle crashes:
- Highway 17 and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge — US-17 is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the Lowcountry. The Ravenel Bridge, with its wind gusts and narrow lanes, presents particular hazards for motorcyclists. Crosswinds can push a bike into adjacent traffic or the bridge rail.
- Tourist traffic and rental vehicles — Charleston attracts millions of visitors each year, many driving rental cars in an unfamiliar city. These drivers frequently make sudden stops, wrong turns, and lane changes without checking for motorcycles.
- Left-turn accidents — The single most common type of fatal motorcycle accident occurs when a car or truck turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers simply fail to see the rider. This happens constantly at Charleston intersections along Meeting Street, King Street, Savannah Highway, and Rivers Avenue.
- Dooring accidents in downtown Charleston — In the dense downtown historic district, riders face the additional hazard of parked car doors opening suddenly into the travel lane.
- Road hazards — Potholes, loose gravel, railroad crossings, uneven pavement, and standing water from Charleston’s frequent flooding are minor inconveniences for cars but can be deadly for motorcycles.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries We Handle
Because riders lack the protective shell that car occupants have, motorcycle accident injuries tend to be catastrophic. The most common serious injuries our clients suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — Even with a helmet, the forces involved in a motorcycle crash can cause concussions, brain bleeds, and permanent cognitive impairment. Without a helmet, the risk of fatal or life-altering brain injury skyrockets.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis — Impact with a vehicle, the road surface, or a fixed object can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- Road rash and degloving injuries — When a rider slides across pavement at speed, the friction can strip away skin, muscle, and tissue down to the bone. These injuries require extensive skin grafting and carry a high risk of infection.
- Crushed and amputated limbs — Legs and feet are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle crashes. Crush injuries from being pinned under a vehicle frequently result in amputation.
- Multiple fractures — Broken femurs, tibias, pelvises, wrists, and collarbones are extremely common and often require surgical repair with hardware implantation.
- Internal organ damage — The blunt force trauma of a motorcycle collision can rupture the spleen, liver, or kidneys and cause internal bleeding that requires emergency surgery.
The Insurance Company Bias Against Motorcyclists
One of the biggest challenges motorcycle accident victims face has nothing to do with the law and everything to do with perception. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys exploit a well-documented bias: many jurors and claims handlers assume that motorcyclists are reckless thrill-seekers who assumed the risk of injury by choosing to ride.
This bias shows up in several ways:
- Lowball settlement offers that do not reflect the true severity of your injuries
- Attempts to shift blame to you by claiming you were speeding, weaving, or riding aggressively, even when the evidence shows otherwise
- Arguments that you were not wearing proper gear, implying you are partially responsible for the severity of your injuries
- Delay tactics designed to pressure you into accepting less while your medical bills pile up
At Crantford Meehan, we know how to counter these tactics. We build cases that focus on the facts: the other driver’s negligence, the severity of your injuries, and the full scope of your damages. We do not let insurance companies get away with blaming the victim.
South Carolina Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
South Carolina has specific laws that affect motorcycle accident claims:
- Helmet law — South Carolina requires helmets for riders under 21. Riders 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet. However, if you were not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may argue your injuries were worse as a result. An experienced attorney can fight to limit or exclude this argument.
- Lane splitting is illegal — Unlike California, South Carolina does not permit lane splitting. If you were lane splitting at the time of the accident, it could affect your claim.
- Modified comparative negligence — You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Three-year statute of limitations — You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but certain circumstances can shorten this deadline.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Motorcycle accident cases often involve substantial damages due to the severity of injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation
- Future medical needs including prosthetics, adaptive equipment, and long-term care
- Lost wages during recovery and permanent loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life
- Motorcycle repair or replacement and damaged riding gear
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for your spouse
In cases involving drunk driving, texting while driving, or other reckless conduct, South Carolina courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Charleston?
Get to safety if you can, call 911, and do not remove your helmet until medical personnel arrive. Document the scene with photos if possible. Get the other driver’s information and contact details for witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Then call Crantford Meehan at (843) 376-4030 before speaking with any insurance adjuster.
What if the driver who hit me said they did not see me?
This is one of the most common excuses in motorcycle accidents, and it does not excuse the driver’s negligence. Every driver has a legal duty to look for motorcycles and share the road safely. Failure to see a motorcycle is not a defense — it is evidence of negligence.
I was not wearing a helmet. Can I still recover compensation?
Yes. South Carolina does not require helmets for riders over 21, so not wearing one is not illegal. The insurance company may try to argue your head injuries would have been less severe with a helmet, but we can fight to keep this argument out or minimize its impact on your recovery.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Crantford Meehan handles all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Contact Crantford Meehan Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Charleston or anywhere in the South Carolina Lowcountry, do not let the insurance company take advantage of you. Call the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Crantford Meehan at (843) 376-4030 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. We fight for riders, and we do not stop until you get the justice you deserve.
