Head-On Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in South Carolina

In December, a South Carolina motorcycle accident caused the deaths of a man and woman riding motorcycles. The driver of the passenger vehicle was hospitalized for critical injuries. The motorcyclist died at the scene of the crime. A driver of a Nissan Sentra was driving South on Magwood Drive. The two motorcyclists were heading in the opposite direction. The Sentra went across the center line and collided head-on with the lead motorcycle, killing both riders. The vehicle struck a second motorcycle and caused injuries to the lone rider. This devastating accident demonstrates how dangerous collisions are for motorcyclists. In 2021, 148 motorcyclists died in motorcycle accidents in South Carolina. 

This case demonstrates that head-on collisions can be fatal for even the most cautious motorcyclist. According to witness testimony, the two motorcyclists were driving safely when a vehicle veered into their traffic lane and caused a head-on collision. Skilled motorcyclists are vulnerable to the driving errors of other drivers on the road. A motorist may be driving recklessly and make a quick judgment that is dangerous to a motorcyclist. They may fail to see the motorcycle driver or rider before it is too late to avoid the accident. Motorcyclists are much more at risk of death in accidents with other drivers on the road, especially in head-on collisions.

The impact of head-on motorcycle collisions can result in several different types of dangerous scenarios that increase the risk of severe injury or death to the motorcyclist. When a reckless passenger vehicle driver collides with a motorcyclist, they can cause a motorcyclist to be thrown off the vehicle and onto the hard pavement. The motorcyclist may fall to the ground or crash into a vehicle or object. 

In these cases, the motorcyclist may be struck by another vehicle that does not see them or does not have time to swerve out of the way. While the motorcyclist is on the pavement, they could be hit by their motorcycle coming down on top of their body. The force of head-on motorcycle collisions is significant. The force of the accident alone could cause devastating traumatic brain injuries.

There are various causes of head-on motorcycle accidents. For example, a head-on motorcycle accident can happen when a passenger vehicle turns into oncoming traffic or drifts across the center line and collides with a motorcyclist. Head-on accidents can also occur when one vehicle goes the wrong way down a one-way street. Intersections are especially dangerous for a motorcyclist. When an intersection has multiple lanes of traffic, especially when vehicles are traveling in different directions, motorcyclists can be at a greater risk of a head-on collision. Other common causes of head-on motorcycle collisions include the following:

• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Speeding
• Missing traffic signs or signals
• Distracted driving, including texting and driving
• Driving while under the influence
• Driver fatigue
• Road hazards
• Poor visibility or an obstructed view
• Road hazards (such as debris that causes drivers to swerve and potholes)
• Loss of control when clearing a turn or curve

A motorcycle accident can happen between a motorcycle and another motorcycle, a truck, a car, an SUV, or any other vehicle on the road. The speed of the vehicles, the size of the cars, and other factors will impact how severely the victims are injured. Whether or not the victim was wearing safety gear can also impact the types of injuries they sustained. There are many different types of injuries a person can suffer in a motorcycle accident, but some of the most common include the following:

• Head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Skull fractures
• Craniofacial injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Internal organ damage
• Death 

Have you been injured in a head-on motorcycle accident that was not your fault? Have you lost a loved one in a head-on motorcycle accident? If so, the skilled attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, can help you hold the person who caused the motorcycle accident accountable. We have received millions of dollars in compensation for motorcycle accident victims like you. We fight for those who cause injury to others on the road. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation to learn more about our legal services.