Every year, motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country travel to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand for events like Bike Week and other seasonal rallies. While these gatherings bring fun, energy, and a sense of community, they also bring an increase in traffic, distracted drivers, and unfortunately, more motorcycle accidents.

If you were injured in a bike rally accident, knowing your legal rights and what steps to take next can help you protect yourself and your recovery.

Why Accidents Spike During Bike Week

During rally events, the number of motorcycles on the road goes up and so does the risk of crashes. With heavy traffic, out-of-town visitors unfamiliar with local roads, and higher levels of alcohol consumption, conditions become more dangerous for riders.

Motorcyclists are already at greater risk on the road because they have less protection than drivers in cars or trucks. During a bike rally, the odds of a serious collision climb even higher. Common causes include distracted or impaired drivers, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, and speeding.

What to Do After a Bike Rally Accident

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash during a rally, your safety and health come first. Get medical attention right away—even if you don’t feel injured at the scene. Some injuries take hours or days to show up, and a prompt exam creates a record of the event.

Next, document everything you can. Take pictures of the crash scene, your bike, your injuries, and any nearby traffic signs or signals. Get names and contact information from witnesses, and request a copy of the police report. These details can help support your case later.

It’s also smart to speak with an attorney early. Rally crashes often involve out-of-state drivers, rental vehicles, or insurance issues that can get complicated quickly. An attorney who understands the legal landscape in South Carolina can explain your rights and help you deal with insurers and paperwork.

Legal Protections for South Carolina Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists in South Carolina have the same rights as drivers of other vehicles. If another driver caused your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damage to your motorcycle.

South Carolina also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—so long as you were less than 51 percent responsible for the crash. Your final compensation would be reduced by your share of the blame.

Filing deadlines matter, too. In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But the sooner you take action, the easier it is to gather strong evidence and avoid mistakes that might hurt your claim.

Rally Safe, Ride Smart—But Know You’re Protected

Whether you’re a Myrtle Beach local or visiting for Bike Week, the road can be unpredictable. Even skilled, cautious riders can end up injured due to someone else’s poor choices. That’s why knowing your rights and getting trusted legal help matters.

If you were hurt in a bike rally accident, contact Winslow Law today to schedule your free consultation and explore your options. Our team proudly serves the Grand Strand and South Carolina Midlands, with offices in Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Columbia.

Winslow Law—Committed counselors for our clients and community.

FAQs

1. What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident during Bike Week in Myrtle Beach?

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident during Bike Week, your first priority should be safety and medical care. Move to a safe area if you can and call 911 right away to report the crash. Even if you don’t feel injured, get medical attention because some injuries take time to appear. Take photos of the scene, including vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact and insurance information from anyone involved and speak to any witnesses. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Once you’ve addressed urgent needs, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney who understands South Carolina motorcycle laws and local rally conditions.

1. 2. How does South Carolina’s helmet law affect my motorcycle accident claim?

In South Carolina, riders under 21 are legally required to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older are not required by law to wear one. If you’re over 21 and weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, that decision alone does not stop you from filing a claim. However, if you’re under 21 and didn’t wear a helmet, it might affect your case depending on your injuries. Whether or not a helmet was worn is just one factor, and it’s important to speak with an attorney who can look at the full picture.

3. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault in a Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident?

Yes, South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 51 percent at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your final compensation will be reduced based on your share of the blame. For example, if you were 30 percent responsible, you would receive 70 percent of the awarded damages. If you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you would not be eligible to recover anything. An attorney can help evaluate your situation and explain how fault might be determined in your case.