Oct 30, 2013 | Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Uncategorized
Operating a motorcycle on the roads, and especially the highways these days, is inherently dangerous. It is becoming more and more important to abide by certain safety precautions when operating any 
vehicle, but especially motorcycles due to the fact that your entire body is basically exposed.
First and foremost, the rider MUST wear a helmet. A crash is likely to occur, especially if you are a rider who navigates busy roads and intersections, and one out of every five motorcycle crashes result in a head or neck injury. And, this is more likely to occur when the rider is inexperienced, beginning, or untrained. Some riders don’t wear helmets because they think helmets will limit their view to the sides. While others only wear helmets on long trips, with the mindset that they are not riding at a high-speed and therefore are not in as much danger. North Carolina law requires that you wear a helmet at all times; so, wear a helmet!
Next, the right clothing is also imperative for motorcycle riders to wear for protection. This can protect your skin, and even help to prevent broken bones in an accident. It also provides comfort, as well as protection from heat, cold, debris and hot moving parts on the motorcycle. Protective clothing should cover arms and legs completely, and fit snug enough to keep from flapping in the wind. Sturdy synthetic material provides a lot of protection as well. Finally, wear gloves to allow a better grip on the handlebars, and protect your hands in a crash.
Third, make sure you have the right motorcycle for you, meaning your feet should reach the ground while you are seated on the motorcycle, and controls should be easy to operate; meaning you should not have to stretch to reach things and the motorcycle should “fit” you. A tip for beginners is that smaller motorcycles are typically easy to operate. In other words, do not attempt to ride a customized chopper as your first motorcycle.
Finally, make sure you are completely familiar with the motorcycle controls before you take it out on the street. If you are riding a borrowed motorcycle, make sure that you:
- Make all the checks you would on your own;
- Find out where everything is, such as turn signals, horn, and headlights;
- Know how to work the throttle, clutch, and brakes; and finally
- Ride very cautiously, and always be aware of your surroundings.
These are just a few of the hundreds of safety tips required when one is operating a motorcycle. While abiding by these basic procedures, new users are recommended to take a safety course as well as read the motorcycle owners manual to ensure you are knowledgeable on all of the devices on the bike. A large amount of accidents take place each year, when riders are involved in accidents, and due to the fact that they are open while riding, motorcyclists generally feel the brunt of the impact.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, and have been injured, call us. We have years of experience in dealing with personal injury cases, and love to help our fellow riders. For a consultation, give us a call at our Fort Mill, South Carolina office at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999, and we will be happy to assist you.
Sep 11, 2013 | Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
In the beginning of May, a motorcyclist was seriously injured when he was struck by a vehicle in Rock Hill, then left the man injured and ran after colliding with him.
Gathering from the police reports, the accident took place a little after 9:00 p.m., at the intersection of Mount Gallant and Celanese Road.
The victim was a 23-yer-old Rock Hill resident, and was struck by a sedan being driven by a 31-year-old from Charlotte. The circumstances of the collision are not completely clear, but we do know that the sedan hit the motorcyclist, and he and his 25-year-old passenger sped away.
The South Carolina Troopers later found what they believe to be the car of the hit-and-run accident hidden behind a nearby house in Rock hill.
The police were able to track down the driver of the vehicle for investigation. The passenger then voluntarily went to the police on his own accord for questioning about the incident.
Both men were both charged with the hit-and-run, and leaving the scene of an accident. The driver was additionally charged with driving with a suspended license and driving without insurance.
The bond for each of the defendants was $200,000, separately.
The motorcyclist was attended to by the medics on the scene, and then rushed to the hospital via helicopter, and is currently in critical condition.
If you, or someone you know has been injured in a serious motorcycle accident, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP toll-free at 877-374-5999 for more information on your options.
Aug 23, 2013 | Motorcycle Accidents, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death
Saturday night was a busy one for the South Carolina Highway Patrol after a horrific motorcycle accident.
The Investigators report that the accident occurred in South Carolina, on South Railroad Avenue a little before 8:15 p.m.
The police reports state that the driver/victim of the Kawasaki Motorcycle was travelling southbound, when it rammed into the back of a Toyota 4-door while it was attempting to turn into a private driveway.
The defendant has been identified as a 38-year-old from Ridgeville. Sadly, the man was not wearing his helmet at the time of the accident that took his life.
The particular accident is still being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and more details will be released soon. All we know thus far is that the man did not survive the crash. Others were taken to the nearest hospital for observation, but have since been released in stable condition.
Our attorneys have experience handling personal injury cases in South Carolina and will work tirelessly to defend your case. Contact one of our attorneys directly toll free 877-374-5999. We can help you through this trying time. Visit our main page here.
Jun 5, 2013 | Bus Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death
A few weeks ago on a Wednesday morning, Rock Hill troopers were called to the scene on Highway 161, to investigate a deadly crash that took the life of a motorcyclist.
the 55-year-old motorist was riding his motorcycle when a school bus pulled abruptly into his path, causing the fatal crash.
The school bus was driven by a 71-year-old veteran with an immaculate driving history. The driver said he was in route from York District One pulling onto the highway from Pursley Dairy Road when the motorcyclist came out of nowhere.
The motorcyclist attempted to avoid the collision, and did in fact avoid colliding with the school bus, but to the detriment of himself. He and his motorcycle skidded down the road, causing life-threatening injuries that killed him only a few moments later. The victim was wearing a helmet.
There were 15 children aboard the school bus, and luckily, none of them were injured by the incident, physically at least. Most of them were in the visual path of the accident, and witnesses the horrific event.
Other witnesses also saw the tragedy take place, but none wanted to comment on the event.
The school bus driver has been put on leave until the investigation is complete by not only the police, but the School Boards as well.
If you, or someone you know has been injured in a serious motorcycle accident, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP toll-free at 877-374-5999 for more information on your options.
May 13, 2013 | Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Uncategorized
Two people from Rock Hill have just been suspended and charged for an overnight hit-and-run that took place last Wednesday night, when they ran their vehicle into a motorcyclist and then swiftly drove away after the crime.
The damage to the motorcyclist was severe, and he was transported to the closest hospital available via helicopter for immediate assistance.
Around 9:00 o’clock Wednesday night, the Rock Hill Police Department were contacted by a witness who saw the hit-and-run take place at the intersection of Mount Galant and Celenese Road.
The accident was involving a Yamaha R-6 motorcycle and a 2000 Infiniti sedan. The motorcyclist was a 23-year-old who as stated above, suffered life-threatening injuries due to the collision. He was reported to of not been wearing his helmet at the time of incident.
Authorities arrested both suspects and took them into the police station for questioning. Both defendants were scheduled for bond hearings this past Friday.
The 31-year-old and the 25-year-old defendants are also being charged with leaving the scene of the accident. Moreover, the 31-year-old is also being independently charged with operating an uninsured motor vehicle( which is a violation in the state South Carolina) and his second “driving under suspension” offense.
The 25-year-old is now receiving his first “driving under suspension” offense and operating an uninsured vehicle that had a suspended tag.
The accident is still currently being investigated and the police are seeking any information that could be relevant to this crime.
If you or someone you know is involved in any sort of serious car or motorcycle accident, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP toll-free at 877-374-5999. Or, for more information about your case, visit out homepage at www.rjrlaw.com.
May 3, 2013 | Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
A Rock Hill motorcyclist and a van collided last month in Rock Hill, SC.
According to the police reports, the motorcyclist was driving on Anderson Road road on a Thursday afternoon when the weather was a little hazy.
The details are not yet finalized, but the reports state that the motorist some how crashed his motorcycle into the side of a Minivan. The damage to the Minivan and it’s driver was slight, but sadly the same can not be said for the motorcyclist.
The medics reported that the motorcyclist had to be airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center after the collision took place. The driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to Piedmont Medical Center via ambulance.
This is something that is typical of a motorcycle accident. When a person on a motorcycle is involved in an accident with a driver of a vehicle, often time the motorcyclist is the one who suffers the brunt of the injuries. The reason is, because there is not enough to protect someone on a bike like there is with a car. With the injuries being so grave for bikers, the medics typically have them airlifted to the nearest hospital. Sadly, this bill can usually run anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on the severity and the equipment used.
Contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP to discuss your options after you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident. Call us toll free at 877-374-5999. We are here to help you during this trying time.
