Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2010
A few weeks ago I posted a video called “You Didn’t See Me” that sheds light on the tragic consequences of motorcycle accidents. After forty years of practicing criminal defense, workers compensation and personal injury law in South Carolina, I can tell you that motorcycle wrecks are some of the most horrific cases I have been involved in. I can also tell you that after many of these wrecks the other driver reports that they never saw my client or their bike.
To bring awareness to the dangers of motorcycles going unseen on our roadways, I had bumper stickers made. Please feel free to stop by my office to pick one up for your car or bike! We are located next to the Charleston Crab House on James Island (147 Wappoo Creek Drive). Click here if you need directions or give us a call 795-9300.
Following a motorcycle accident, choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you are justly compensated for your injuries. Before going to your initial meeting with the lawyer, have a list of questions prepared. Below are some basic questions to get you started. In order to be happy with the final outcome of your case, you must first feel comfortable with the person hired to represent you and protect your rights.
1. How long has the lawyer and the firm been practicing law?
2. Does the lawyer have professional liability insurance?
(Professional liability insurance also protects you in case an error is made that damages your case.)
3. What rights do I have that need protection and what do I need to do to protect them?
- What forms and papers do I need to get?
- What claim letters need to be sent; what forms need to be filled out; how many insurance companies must be notified?
- Can you do this for me?
4. Do you charge a contingency fee?
(A contingency fee is one that is charged at the end of the case and only if you are successful. This allows anyone who has been hurt in an accident to have easy access to a lawyer.)
5. What percentage will you charge me if my case is settled prior to a lawsuit?
6. What percentage will you charge me if my case is settled after a lawsuit is started?
7. Will I be required to pay for any case expenses prior to settlement or will you advance expenses for me?
8. Will I be charged an additional fee for filling out medical insurance forms or processing my medical insurance claims?
9. Will I be charged an additional fee for helping me to collect reimbursement for my property damage?
10. If I have PIP or Med-Pay coverage, will I be charged an additional fee for helping me to recover these?
11. Will I be charged an additional fee for helping me to collect my lost wages for lost income?
12. Who will pay my medical bills; physical therapy bills; drug bills; transportation expenses; temporary or permanent household help; lost income; property damage; and pain and suffering?
Did you find this post helpful? If so, feel free to share it with your friends on Facebook.
Tri-County Bikers Helping Bikers is a local non-profit dedicated to helping bikers injured in motorcycle related accidents. This group provides tremendous support to bikers and their families in our community. I am proud to support this great cause and hope you will come out on September 18th and show your support, too!
To learn more about this upcoming biker event visit www.tricountybhb.com.
Ethenol (ethyl alcohol) is an alternative fuel made from corn, sugar cane and other grains. Currently, gas in the United States can contain up to 10% ethanol (known as E10), however the federal government is considering increasing that amount to 15% (E85). Unless you ride a “flex-fuel” designated bike, you are advised not to use E85.
While an overwhelming majority of us fill up our cars with E10 and have no problems, this alternative fuel can have a very different effect on motorcycles. For starters, it can seriously damage and corrode steel, aluminum and rubber parts in the fuel system.
Known to loosen sludge in fuel tanks, ethanol can clog fuel lines and filters and block carburetor jets and fuel injectors. Also, for those of us who aren’t able to get out on our bikes as much as we would like to, ethanol is known to attract water. If your bike is left with ethanol blend gasoline in the tank for a long period of time, I have been told that adding a stabilizer is essential. Otherwise condensation, particularly an issue in high humidity climates, can cause the ethanol and water to separate, leading to serious engine trouble.
A variety of fuel conversion kits are available to convert your motorcycle to run on E85, but I am hesitant to make the switch myself. The American Motorcycle Association is not yet convinced, either, and has questioned the lack of research proving that an increase in ethanol will not harm motorcycle engines and parts. For the time being, I plan to be ethanol free!
As a personal injury, criminal and workers compensation lawyer practicing across the South Carolina area, I find myself frequently fueling up. Below is a map I started, which identifies gas stations in the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester county areas that sell ethanol-free gas. Some of these stations may be limited on the type of ethanol-free fuel they offer.
There’s also a great post from the Post & Courier about Ethenol. Check it out here.
I plan to keep updating this map and welcome anyone to add to this list by posting a comment. To visit the map in your web browser, click here.
