Deadly Motorcycle Crash in Horry County
A motorcyclist has died after a serious crash Tuesday on S.C. 707. South Carolina Highway Patrol and Horry County Fire Rescue responded around 11:50 a.m. to S.C. 707 at Laurel Woods Drive to a two-vehicle crash. Highway Patrol Cpl. Judd Jones said a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound on S.C. 707 and the driver of a 2019 Jeep was making a left turn from Laurel Woods Drive when the two vehicles collided. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, Jones said.
According to Horry County deputy coroner Michelle McSpadden, 43-year-old Anggelos Georgakopoulos died from injuries sustained in the wreck at a local hospital. She added Georgakopoulos was originally from the Bronx, N.Y. but had been living in the Myrtle Beach area. The crash caused all northbound lanes and one southbound lane of S.C. 707 to be closed while crews investigated and cleared the scene.
Preventing Similar Accidents
There are several things that can be done to prevent similar accidents and outcomes. First, it is important to note that half of all motorcycle collisions occur at an intersection. So it is important for motorcyclists as well as drivers of cars and trucks to drive defensively, especially around those areas. Drivers of cars can also protect against motorcycle accidents by remembering to give motorcyclists the right of way at appropriate junctures and to avoid driving while distracted or fatigued, major contributors to accidents on the roadway.
Why Don’t Cars See Motorcyclists?
There are several reasons drivers of cars and trucks may not even spot a motorcyclist, much less make way for them. Motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don’t see them as easily, particularly in bad weather. Drivers also have trouble anticipating motorcyclists’ movements, especially if motorcyclists do not use turn signals to indicate changing lanes or making a turn. Sometimes, the driver’s view of the motorcyclist is obstructed by the vehicle’s blind spot. Or, as mentioned above, the driver may be distracted by something else in his or her vehicle.
On Helmets
Helmets are also important, even though they are not required in South Carolina. A helmet is the most important equipment a biker can use. In 2017, 1,908 motorcyclists who died were not wearing a helmet. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries. A full-coverage helmet offers the most protection. Look for the DOT sticker, which guarantees the helmet meets safety standards required by law. Never buy a used helmet; helmets are useless after they’ve been worn in a crash.
Motorcycle injuries and accidents can be deadly, especially if the driver was not wearing a helmet. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to secure experienced representation to protect your rights and interests. You can find experienced representation by contacting The Stanley Law Group. Our dedicated Columbia motorcycle accident attorneys have years of experience handling the intricacies of motorcycle accident claims as well as navigating the world of laws specifically applicable to motorcycle cases. Call 803-799-4700 and set up a consultation.
Resource:
wmbfnews.com/2019/06/25/crash-involving-motorcycle-closes-lanes-sc/
https://www.thestanleylawgroup.com/important-motorcycle-laws/
