Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Greenville
Many motorcycle accidents in Greenville involve drivers who turn left across a rider’s path. Impaired drivers and road hazards, such as construction debris, also cause serious crashes. Watson Fowler handles motorcycle accident claims in Greenville.
What Roads Are Dangerous for Motorcyclists in Greenville?
Some local roads combine high speeds, turning traffic, and changing lanes, which makes them more dangerous for riders. Examples include:
- White Horse Road (US-25): Fast multi-lane traffic passes a long row of business driveways. Drivers pulling out may misjudge how quickly a motorcycle is approaching.
- Poinsett Highway (US-276): The road narrows through Travelers Rest, and speed limits change. Cars often end up close to riders as traffic adjusts.
- Laurens Road Near I-385: Shopping traffic stops and starts while drivers merge from interstate ramps. Sudden lane changes leave riders little room.
If you can, take photos of faded lane markings or bushes blocking a driveway view. These details can disappear once road crews make repairs.
What Causes Serious Crashes in the Upstate?
According to the 2023 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, Greenville County had 16,640 collisions, the most of any county. It also tied Spartanburg County for the most fatal collisions.
Statewide, failure to yield caused 30,290 collisions. Impaired driving caused 236 of 976 fatal collisions, or about 24%. In crashes between a motorcycle and another vehicle, officers listed the other vehicle as a contributing factor 55.7% of the time.
Construction Debris and Rural Pavement Hazards Near Greenville
Some road hazards in the Greenville area cause little trouble for a car but can make a motorcyclist lose control. Watch for these conditions, which can cause a rider to lose traction or balance:
- Loose gravel near work zones
- Milled pavement, where the top layer has been ground off, leaving an uneven surface
- Raised seams on rural Blue Ridge roads
- Sudden changes from smooth asphalt to rough patches
Contractors and public agencies may share the blame when they leave a pavement drop-off without warning signs. Photos showing the hazard and any missing signs can help prove that fault. Claims against a government agency follow the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, which sets a shorter filing deadline and limits on damages.
How Should You Handle an Insurance Adjuster After a Motorcycle Crash?
The other driver’s insurance company may call you within days of the crash. To protect your claim during these early conversations:
- Decline to give a recorded statement
- Do not sign broad medical releases
- Keep your damaged helmet and riding gear
- Take photos of your motorcycle before any repairs
After a left-turn crash, adjusters often claim the rider was speeding. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2320, a driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles, including motorcycles, that are close enough to create an immediate hazard. Dashcam footage and crash reconstruction can show whether speed played a role.
Your share of fault reduces your compensation. However, you lose the right to recover only if you are more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Let Our Firm Handle the Insurance Company
Dealing with an insurance company while you recover can be stressful. Our firm has represented thousands of Upstate clients, and our attorneys include former assistant solicitors who once evaluated evidence for the prosecution. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you. Call (864) 467-0380 or contact our firm online today.
