South Carolina Man Killed When Motorcycle Hits SUV

A Lexington, South Carolina man was killed Dec. 16 when his motorcycle slammed into an SUV near I-20 in South Carolina. The deadly motorcycle accident happened on US 378 near Cromer Road in Lexington County, South Carolina.

The state police reported that the motorcyclist, a 31-year-old from Lexington, was going south on US 378 when an SUV turned in front of him. The motorcycle hit the side of the SUV. The man was taken to a hospital where he later died of his injuries.

The police are still investigating the accident.

Our View

In our work as Virginia and North Carolina personal injury attorneys, we have seen many motorcycle accident cases over the years. Motorcycle accidents do not necessarily happen more often than other motor vehicle accidents, but they are much more likely to cause serious injury or death. Government statistics from 2006 found there were 35 times more deaths from motorcycle accidents than car crashes.

Because motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause death, it is important for all of us to be aware of the types of situations that lead to more of these accidents:

• The most dangerous situation for motorcyclists is when a car makes a left turn across the path of the bike. These collisions are 42% of all of the accidents that involve a car and motorcycle. This type of accident is common when the turning vehicle hits the motorcycle when it is going straight through an intersection. This type of crash is common because motorcycles are harder to see, but it is still the obligation of all car drivers to ensure that the way is clear when making a left hand turn.
• Head on crashes with motorcycles account for 56% of motorcyclist deaths. In most of the cases, the car hits the motorcyclist from the front. Cars hitting motorcycles from the rear is relatively rare.
• Lane splitting accidents also are common because motorcycles are in very close proximity to cars and car drivers do not usually anticipate this type of behavior. However, lane splitting is legal in many US states, so drivers need to be aware that motorcyclists may engage in this behavior.

People who lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident are dealing with a devastating personal and financial loss. It is important to remember that if the accident was caused by a negligent driver, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your loss. A wrongful death lawsuit can bring much needed financial compensation to your family in the event of such a loss.