At Crangle Law Firm, John Crangle represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Greenville County and the Upstate, including Simpsonville, Mauldin, Greer, Easley, Travelers Rest, Anderson, and Spartanburg. If you’ve been hurt, here’s what you need to know.
Over 1000 Clients Represented
You need an experienced attorney. John has tried more than a dozen cases to jury verdict as lead defense attorney. He knows what a good resolution of your case is, and more importantly what a bad resolution is.
“Mr. Crangle did a great job in handling my legal issue. Quick, polite, easy to work with, and affordable. Definitely would recommend!”
Vincent D“100% recommend John for any ongoing case. He got my case dismissed. Best criminal defense in the upstate.”
Johnathan MWhy Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Motorcycles provide no crumple zone, airbags, or steel cage to absorb impact. The reality of this is clear. Riders are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants per mile traveled. South Carolina reports that 171 motorcycle deaths occurred in 2022, a significant figure given its population.
Greenville County consistently ranks as the most dangerous in South Carolina for traffic collisions, with around 16,640 crashes and 71 fatal collisions annually. When motorcyclists navigate busy corridors like I-85, I-385, Wade Hampton Boulevard, Woodruff Road, and Laurens Road, the risk is genuine every time you ride out.
Understanding these risks provides context to your claim. You were legally on a public road. You had every right to be there.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Greenville
Most motorcycle accidents arise from other drivers’ lack of attention rather than riders’ errors. Common scenarios include:
Left-turn collisions: A car turning left at an intersection misjudges a motorcycle’s speed or simply doesn’t see it. This is the most frequent fatal motorcycle crash type nationwide.
Unsuspecting lane changes: Drivers switch lanes without checking mirrors or looking over their shoulders, directly striking or cutting off a motorcycle in the adjacent lane.
Dooring incidents: A parked driver opens a car door into the path of a motorcyclist, leaving no time to react.
Road hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, debris, and poorly marked construction zones are minor inconveniences for cars but can completely destabilize a motorcycle.
Distracted and inattentive driving: A driver glancing at a phone, fiddling with the radio, or looking away for even a moment can miss seeing a motorcyclist.
Aggressive actions like tailgating: Motorcycles need more stopping distance than many drivers realize. A highway rear-end collision can be catastrophic.
Greenville’s rapid growth has resulted in more construction, more traffic, and more distracted drivers on roads not designed for current volumes. This combination increases riders’ risk on routes they have safely taken for years.
Injuries Motorcycle Riders Sustain
Due to their exposure, motorcycle accident injuries often prove severe. Common serious injuries include:
Road rash: When thrown from a bike, riders’ skin contact with asphalt results in friction burns that may penetrate multiple layers of tissue, requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scarring.
Broken bones: Wrists, arms, legs, collarbones, and ribs commonly fracture upon impact with the road or other vehicles.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A violent crash can cause a TBI even with a helmet. Without one, the odds worsen dramatically. TBI’s long-term effects, like cognitive impairment, personality changes, and chronic headaches, can impact every aspect of life for years post-accident. To understand the long-term effects of a head injury and potential compensation, speaking with an attorney is essential.
Spinal cord injuries: High-impact crashes may fracture vertebrae or compress the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis. If you face paralysis due to someone’s negligence, the lifelong care costs are substantial, and your claim should reflect that.
Amputations: Severe limb injuries sometimes leave surgeons no choice but to amputate, leading to a life-altering outcome requiring long-term prosthetic care, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy.
Internal injuries: Organ damage isn’t always externally visible. Internal bleeding and organ trauma can be life-threatening if not diagnosed swiftly.
After a crash, seeking care at Prisma Health (formerly GHS) or another Greenville-area trauma center right away is vital for both your health and legal claim.
South Carolina Law and Motorcycle Accident Claims
The Helmet Law
Riders over 21 in South Carolina aren’t required to wear helmets. However, helmets reduce the risk of fatal head injuries by approximately 37%. If you weren’t wearing a helmet and sustained a head injury, insurers might argue you’re partly responsible for injury severity. This argument isn’t automatic, nor does it prevent recovery, but it must be addressed from the start.
Modified Comparative Negligence
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the crash. If the investigation finds you 20% responsible, your damages decrease by that percentage. Insurers often inflate the victim’s fault percentage due to this rule. Legal representation ensures you aren’t assigned undue blame.
Anti-Motorcyclist Bias in Claims
Riders rarely hear about this before filing a claim. Insurers routinely assume the rider was speeding, weaving, or riding recklessly. Adjusters may use this bias to deny claims outright or offer undervalued settlements. A knowledgeable attorney counters this tactic with accident reconstruction, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical evidence.
Statute of Limitations
In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (§ 15-3-530). Missing this deadline can cost your right to compensation. If a government entity (like a county highway department responsible for a road defect) is involved, a six-month notice requirement under the SC Tort Claims Act applies, making quick action crucial.
What Damages You Can Recover
In South Carolina, motorcycle accident victims may recover:
Past and future medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and assistive devices
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent you from working
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
Property damage to gear, clothing, and other personal items
Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Greenville
The steps you take after a crash can significantly strengthen or weaken your claim.
Seek immediate medical attention. Adrenaline can mask pain; some injuries, like internal bleeding and brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.
Contact the police. An official crash report provides a record. Obtain the report number before leaving the scene.
Document everything. Photograph your injuries, bike damage, the other vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, and any signage.
Gather witness information. Names and phone numbers from witnesses can prove invaluable later.
Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance. They’re not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to reduce your payout. Let your attorney handle all communications.
Reach out to John Crangle. Early legal representation better protects your evidence and your rights.
Remember: don’t post about the accident on social media. Insurers monitor claimants’ accounts, and even innocent posts can be used against you.
How John Crangle Can Help
John Crangle is a Greenville attorney focused on personal injury cases for those hurt through others’ negligence. He understands how insurers handle motorcycle claims and is familiar with the roads and courts in Greenville County and the wider 13th Judicial Circuit.
When you work with Crangle Law Firm, John will:
Conduct a thorough review of your accident details
Gather and preserve evidence, including police reports, medical records, and accident scene documentation
Collaborate with medical professionals to document your injuries and their long-term effects
Negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters minimizing your claim
Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t possible
You pay nothing unless John secures compensation for you. There’s no upfront cost and no fee unless you win.
If you’re dealing with a motorcycle crash aftermath in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Easley, Travelers Rest, Mauldin, Anderson, or anywhere in Upstate South Carolina, don’t attempt to navigate the claims process effectively alone. Get a free case review with John Crangle today.