Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, especially during events like Bike Week. But with increased motorcycle traffic comes an unfortunate rise in motorcycle accidents, many of which are caused by negligent drivers of cars. At Ted Law Firm, we stand with injured riders, helping them pursue fair compensation for severe injuries, property damage, and more.
Motorcycle Culture and Collision Trends in Myrtle Beach
With scenic coastal highways and a welcoming biker scene, Myrtle Beach hosts large gatherings like Harley Week and Black Bike Week. However, these events also bring heavy traffic and raise the risk of accidents, particularly car-related motorcycle accidents.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, motorcycle crash rates are disproportionately high in Horry County, which includes Myrtle Beach. Though motorcycles make up a small fraction of vehicles, they account for a wide range of serious injuries, fatal accidents, and injury collisions.
How Often Are Car Drivers at Fault?
Studies show that in about two-thirds of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, the fault driver is behind the wheel of the motor vehicle, not the motorcycle. A common example is a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming bike,often due to blind spots, distracted driving, or failure to yield.
Common Types of Car-Related Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident victims in South Carolina often suffer due to preventable driver behaviors:
- Left-Hand Turns at Intersections: The most common cause of fatal collisions between cars and motorcycles.
- Distracted Driving: Includes cell phone use, GPS distractions, and other attention-diverting habits.
- Failure to Yield: Especially by out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local traffic laws or traffic signs.
- Improper Lane Changes: Drivers don’t check blind spots, putting bikers in danger.
- Driving Under the Influence: A major factor in fatal crashes and severe car accidents.
- Speeding: Increases the impact and worsens spinal cord injuries, road rash, and other common injuries.
Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Crash in Myrtle Beach
If you’ve been injured due to a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation under South Carolina’s at-fault system. A motorcycle accident lawyer from Ted Law Firm can help you recover:
- Medical bills (including future medical care)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Non-economic damages like emotional distress or mental anguish
Why Motorcyclists Are Often Blamed
There’s a false stereotype that riders are reckless, which leads insurance companies, law enforcement, and insurance adjusters to unfairly assign blame. This is why working with an experienced attorney is critical.
Proving Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
To strengthen your insurance claim or accident claim, evidence is essential:
- Accident scene photos
- Accident report
- Witness statements
- Dashcam footage
- Skid marks
- Phone records to prove distracted drivers
In complex cases, accident reconstruction experience is necessary,especially for intersection accidents or rear-end collisions.
Prevention Tips for Drivers and Riders
For Drivers:
- Always check blind spots
- Avoid distracted driving
- Respect traffic volume and road conditions
- Never drive under the influence
For Riders:
- Wear visible clothing and protective gear
- Be extra cautious near interstate highways, intersections, and during inclement weather
- Avoid lane splitting
- Stay out of vehicle drivers’ blind spots
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
While Myrtle Beach Police and South Carolina Highway Patrol step up enforcement during motorcycle events, public awareness remains key. Traffic congestion, poor weather conditions, and driver fatigue continue to challenge safety on local roads.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re injured in a vehicular accident caused by a fault party:
- Seek immediate medical attention – some internal injuries may not show right away.
- File an accident report
- Document the scene
- Don’t speak to the insurance adjuster alone
- Call a personal injury lawyer from Ted Law Firm
You Deserve Justice and Compensation
When a motorcycle crash disrupts your life, our team is here to support you. We guide you through life’s most difficult times. We’re committed to your recovery and peace of mind. We proudly represent injured moped riders and their families in Aiken, Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta, advocating for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. When a devastating crash turns your world upside down, you can count on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side and provide the trusted legal support you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation and get the support you need today.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
