Florence Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

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Florence, South Carolina sees real motorcycle crashes on its roads every year, and the injuries that follow can upend a person’s life in an instant. Whether the wreck happened on Irby Street, near the Florence Center, or out on US-76 heading toward the Pee Dee region, the physical and financial toll can be severe. If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle crash in Florence, you deserve to know your legal rights, and you deserve an attorney who will fight for you.

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How Serious Is the Motorcycle Crash Problem in Florence County?

Florence County recorded 38 total motorcycle collisions in 2021, with 24 of those being motorcycle versus motor vehicle crashes, according to the South Carolina FY2024-2026 Highway Safety Plan published by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. That number reflects crashes that resulted in real injuries to real people, not just fender-benders.

Statewide, the picture is sobering. Motorcycle rider fatalities fluctuated during the 2017 to 2021 time period, with the 2021 figure representing a 30% increase compared to 2020 and a 22.07% increase compared to 2017. South Carolina’s roads are genuinely dangerous for riders, and Florence County is no exception.

According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, one motorcyclist is killed every 2.9 days in South Carolina. That is not a statistic to gloss over. It means families across the state, including families in Florence, are losing loved ones at a troubling rate.

Research cited in the South Carolina Highway Safety Plan found that the majority, approximately 70%, of motorcycle collisions are the result of a driver overlooking the motorcycle. In other words, most crashes happen because another driver simply did not see the rider. That is a failure of attention, and in South Carolina, that failure can be the basis for a personal injury claim.

The top contributing factors for motorcycle crashes statewide include driving too fast for conditions, failing to yield the right of way, and driving under the influence, based on state data from 2017 to 2021. Each of these factors points to another driver’s negligence, and negligence is exactly what our attorneys work to prove on behalf of injured riders.

South Carolina Laws That Directly Affect Florence Motorcycle Crash Claims

Understanding the laws that govern motorcycle riding in South Carolina is essential before you pursue a claim. These laws shape what evidence matters, who bears responsibility, and how much you may be able to recover from your injuries.

South Carolina Code Section 56-5-3660 sets the helmet requirement for riders. Under this statute, it is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate or ride upon a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless they wear a protective helmet of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides. Riders twenty-one and older are not required by state law to wear a helmet, though doing so significantly reduces the risk of fatal head injuries.

South Carolina also requires that when operating a motorcycle on public streets or highways, the headlights of the motorcycle must be turned on and the light burning. Failure to comply with equipment requirements can complicate a claim if the defense tries to shift blame onto the rider.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Section 15-38-15 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. If the percentage of fault of the plaintiff is greater than fifty percent of the total fault involved in the tortious act or omission that caused the plaintiff’s damages, then the jury shall return a verdict for the defendant. If the plaintiff’s percentage of fault is not greater than fifty percent, the jury shall determine the total amount of damages the plaintiff would be entitled to recover if comparative fault were disregarded. In plain terms, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than half at fault for the crash.

Under SC Code Section 56-5-1270, the operator or owner of a motor vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury or death must forward a written report and verification of liability insurance coverage to the Department of Motor Vehicles within fifteen days after the crash if it was not investigated by a law enforcement officer. This report requirement matters because it creates a paper trail that can support your claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in and Around Florence

Florence sits at the crossroads of major routes including I-95, US-52, and US-76, all of which carry heavy traffic through the Pee Dee region. Riders traveling these corridors, or cutting through surface streets near Magnolia Mall, the McLeod Health campus, or the downtown Florence area, face a range of hazards created by other drivers.

Failure to yield the right of way is one of the most common causes of serious motorcycle crashes in South Carolina. State data from 2017 to 2021 shows that failed right-of-way violations contributed to 156 fatal motorcycle collisions and 1,778 injury collisions statewide. When a driver pulls out of a side street or makes a left turn without seeing an oncoming motorcycle, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Distracted driving is another major factor. A driver checking a phone or adjusting a radio while traveling on Irby Street or Pamplico Highway may not notice a motorcycle until it is too late. State data shows that distracted driving or inattention contributed to 211 injury collisions involving motorcycles across South Carolina during the same five-year period.

Driving under the influence also plays a significant role. State data shows DUI contributed to 129 fatal motorcycle collisions and 468 injury collisions statewide from 2017 to 2021. If the driver who hit you was impaired, that fact strengthens your claim and may support a punitive damages argument.

Road hazards like potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can also cause a rider to lose control. In those situations, liability may extend beyond the other driver to include a government entity responsible for road maintenance. Our attorneys evaluate every angle of your case to identify all responsible parties.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Florence

The steps you take immediately after a crash in Florence can directly affect the strength of your legal claim. Acting quickly and carefully protects both your health and your rights.

Call 911 right away. Under South Carolina law, the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury or death must immediately give notice of the crash to the local police department if it occurs within a municipality, or to the county sheriff or the South Carolina Highway Patrol if it occurs outside a municipality. The police report generated by this call becomes a critical piece of evidence.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine at the scene. Adrenaline can mask pain. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage may not be obvious right away. Getting evaluated at McLeod Regional Medical Center or another facility creates a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the crash.

Document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, the road conditions, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. Get contact information from witnesses. The intersection of Hoffmeyer Road and Chelsea Drive, for example, was the site of a fatal motorcycle crash in Florence County in April 2026, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, illustrating how quickly these situations become life-or-death. (Note: Steinberg Law Firm was not involved in that incident.)

Do not speak to any insurance company, including your own, before you talk to an attorney. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 first.

How Steinberg Law Firm Helps Florence Motorcycle Crash Victims

For nearly 100 years, the firm has stood by injured South Carolinians and fought to make sure they are treated fairly under the law. Our team handles motorcycle crash claims throughout the state, including in Florence County, and we understand the specific challenges these cases present.

When you work with our motorcycle accident lawyers, we begin by building a complete picture of what happened. We gather the police report, review crash scene evidence, consult with experts when necessary, and identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injuries. We do not settle for less than what your case is worth.

Motorcycle crash victims in Florence may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability, among other losses. These amounts are paid from the settlement proceeds obtained through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation. We pursue every dollar that the law allows.

Our firm also handles the legal side of reporting requirements. Under SC Code Section 56-5-1270, operators involved in a crash with injury or significant property damage must submit a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles within fifteen days if the crash was not investigated by law enforcement. Missing this deadline can create complications. We make sure every requirement is met on time.

If you were seriously hurt in a Florence motorcycle crash, you need a personal injury lawyer who will take your case seriously from day one. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to speak with our team. We serve clients across the Lowcountry and throughout South Carolina, and your initial consultation is free.

FAQs About Florence Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

How long do I have to file a motorcycle crash claim in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle crash claims, is generally three years from the date of the crash under SC Code Section 15-3-530. Missing this deadline almost certainly means losing your right to recover any compensation. Do not wait to contact an attorney after a crash in Florence.

Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash?

South Carolina does not require riders over the age of twenty-one to wear a helmet. However, the defense may argue that not wearing one contributed to the severity of your head or brain injuries. Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover anything if you are found more than fifty percent at fault. An attorney can help counter arguments that attempt to shift blame onto you.

What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?

South Carolina requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance, but not every driver complies. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. This is a complex area of insurance law, and you should speak with an attorney before making any statements or accepting any offers. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 before contacting any insurance company.

What types of compensation can a Florence motorcycle crash victim pursue?

Injured riders in Florence may be able to pursue compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In cases involving extreme recklessness, such as a drunk driver, punitive damages may also be available. The specific amounts depend on the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries.

What makes motorcycle crash cases different from other vehicle crash cases?

Motorcycles offer far less physical protection than enclosed vehicles, which means injuries tend to be far more severe. Riders are also frequently blamed for crashes even when another driver was at fault, because of unfair assumptions about motorcycle riding. Insurance companies often use this bias to minimize claims. An attorney who has handled motorcycle crash cases understands these tactics and knows how to counter them with solid evidence and a clear legal strategy.

Attorney responsible for this content: Steinberg Law Firm, 163 Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Phone: 843-720-2800.

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