Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence in the Columbia region. These areas are popular with motorcyclists, and with so many bikes on the roads, the number of collisions is high, and motorcycle accidents are a major safety and economic issue for riders in the Columbia community.

Get information on motorcycle crashes from Columbia law enforcement

The Columbia Police Department offers information on accidents. The Richland County Sheriff's Department is also a useful resource for information.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on traffic and safety laws.

These departments are good resources after a motorcycle crash.

Columbia motorcycle crashes have common causes and devastating outcomes

While helmets and anti-lock brakes make motorcycling safer, riding a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car. Maintaining control is more difficult on two wheels, and when collisions happen, motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious injury or death because they don't have an enclosed vehicle or safety belts for protection.

The statistics on motorcycle injuries and fatalities are sobering

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2012 nationally, the number of deaths on motorcycles was more than 26 times the number in cars. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 13% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2013.

Common causes of Columbia motorcycle crashes include:

• Vehicles turning left: Statistically, the most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist occurs when cars are making left-hand turns. These collisions account for 42% of all crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles.
• Head-on collisions: The vast majority of motorcycle crashes with cars occur when they collide head-on. These head-on crashes result in a higher fatality rate than other types of crashes.
• Lane Splitting: Lane splitting refers to when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of cars, usually in heavy traffic when car movement is slowed or stopped.
• Speeding and alcohol impairment: Statistically, approximately half of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes have speeding and alcohol use as factors.
• Crashes between motorcycles and stationary objects: Motorcyclists crashing with fixed objects result in 25% of motorcyclist deaths.
• Road hazards: Hazards such as potholes, icy conditions, uneven lanes, and debris in the road pose significant danger to motorcyclists.

When someone is injured in a Columbia motorcycle accident, what needs to happen next?

In an injury accident, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost.

The major hospitals in the area include:

• Palmetto Health;
• Lexington Medical Center;
• Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals.

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy. Since motorcycle insurance policies often have unique provisions, it is important to review the policy and speak with the insurance adjuster to get clarification on coverage.

When an accident is serious or fatal, it is crucial to find a Columbia accident lawyer for help

When an injury is serious or a death occurs, the next step is to find an experienced Columbia motorcycle accident attorney to start the financial recovery process by launching an insurance claim. Major injury or wrongful death claims are complicated and difficult to manage. Having a Columbia personal injury lawyer on board is a great relief to injured people who need to focus on healing while their attorney focuses on getting them compensation for their growing financial losses.