Motorcyclists are more exposed to the dangers of the road, and often incur the most traumatic injuries. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath, and in the days that follow, can make all the difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your potential injury claim.
In Spartanburg and all of South Carolina, a rider can only recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault for the crash. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you want to take immediate steps to ensure your rights are protected, as insurance companies will try to claim the accident was more than 51% at fault.
What Actions Should I Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash in Spartanburg?
After a motorcycle accident, your safety comes first. If you’re able to do so:
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Get to safety: Move away from the roadway to avoid further injury from traffic.
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Call 911: Even if the crash seems minor, alert emergency services. This ensures injuries are assessed and a police report is generated.
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Check on others involved: Offer assistance if others are hurt, but do not admit fault or make accusations at the scene.
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Seek medical help: Assuming you weren’t taken from the accident in an ambulance or drove immediately to the emergency room after, you should visit a doctor to evaluate your injuries.
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Create a folder to store important accident documents: You can create an online folder or store physical documents. Keep any documentation from the accident store in one place, including accident reports, insurance information, photos, medical bills, or anything else related to the accident.
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Review your social media profiles: Generally, it’s a good idea to keep information about your accident private. If you’ve posted about the accident on social media, it’s a good idea to remove those posts and keep information about your accident off social media.
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Avoid being rushed into settlement negotiations: Insurance companies will sometimes try to rush the settlement process to ensure they pay as little as possible. If the insurance company is making a quick offer, wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Prompt action not only helps ensure your physical well-being but also lays the groundwork for a stronger legal case down the road.
Why Is Medical Treatment Critical After a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident?
Seeking medical attention immediately, even if you feel “fine”, is essential. Many injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not be visible or felt right away. A prompt medical exam:
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Documents your injuries.
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Connects those injuries directly to the accident.
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Helps you begin treatment early, improving your chances of recovery.
In Spartanburg, local hospitals like Spartanburg Regional Medical Center or urgent care centers can provide the evaluation and documentation you need.
How Do I Report a Motorcycle Accident to Law Enforcement in Spartanburg?
In South Carolina, motorcycle accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported. In Spartanburg:
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Call the Spartanburg Police Department or South Carolina Highway Patrol, depending on where the crash occurred.
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Cooperate fully with officers, but avoid speculating about fault.
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Obtain a copy of the police report, which can be crucial evidence for your injury claim.
You can typically request a copy from the law enforcement agency’s records division or through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
What Information Should I Collect at the Scene of the Crash?
If you're physically able, gather key details at the scene. This includes:
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Names and contact information of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
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Driver’s license and insurance information from all involved motorists.
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Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
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Police officer’s name and badge number and the incident number, if available.
This evidence can be extremely valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a legal case.
Should I Deal With the Insurance Company Without Legal Help?
Insurance companies may seem helpful, but their primary goal is to pay as little as possible. Without legal representation:
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You may say something that can be twisted to hurt your case.
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You might accept a lowball settlement offer without realizing the true value of your claim.
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Critical deadlines or paperwork may be missed, weakening your position.
We’ve handled dozens of cases where insurance companies tried to lowball injured bikers, sometimes offering less than the cost of a single ER visit. At Holland & Usry, we step in early, manage every call and form, and fight for what you’re actually owed, not just what the insurance adjuster wants to pay.. We fight to make sure your voice is heard and your losses are fairly compensated.
Contact Holland & Usry for a FREE Consultation
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Spartanburg motorcycle accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of a full recovery—both physically and financially. Let the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Holland & Usry guide you every step of the way.
