Motorcycle Accidents During Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, SC
Starting in 1940, the annual Bike Week Sprig Valley has seen thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts converge to the Grand Strand. Unfortunately, with the additional motorists each year, Myrtle Beach sees an increase in accidents, injuries, and other consequences. Read more to stay informed about Myrtle Beach Bike Week Accidents.
Legal Problems Related to Myrtle Beach Bike Week Accidents
Myrtle Beach Bike Week brings with it the possibility of vehicle-related deaths, accidents, tickets, and other issues. In 2021, despite the ongoing pandemic related to COVID-19, 556 tickets were issued by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, according to the Georgetown Times.
The Dayton Beach News-Journal reported on the previous years’ injuries during Bike Week:
- 2020 saw six deaths on the first night of the popular event.
- The 2021 Bike Week saw 91 trauma cases during the event.
- Less than half of the motorcyclists brought to the ER in 2021 were wearing helmets.
With so many motorcyclists converging on the area, it’s no surprise there are so many problems tied to the event. If you’ve attended Bike Week and were the victim of an accident, a motorcycle accident attorney from our firm can help you.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
How Many People Attend Myrtle Beach’s Bike Week?
Numbers vary each year on just how many people flood Myrtle Beach for Bike Week. The event is actually divided into two separate weeks: Harley Week and Black Bike Week.
BikeWeek.com estimates that about 100,000-275,000 people attend Harley week, and as many as 500,000 people showed up to Black Bike Week in recent years. Numbers may decrease as regulations ramp up.
What Can Cause a Motorcycle Accident in Myrtle Beach?
Like any other kind of motor vehicle, most motorcycle accidents may involve three things:
- Reckless driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Speeding
Other reasons people crash their motorcycles include:
- Following too close behind another vehicle
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while distracted (due to texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions)
- Failing to signal lane changes
- Not checking their blind spots
With Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas overrun by hundreds of thousands of additional motorcyclists each spring, it’s no surprise the area sees an increase in accidents, tickets issues, and serious injuries.
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Unfair Treatment of Motorcyclists During Bike Week
Even if you follow the rules of the road, you could still find yourself involved in an accident during Bike Week.
Motorcyclists are not the only ones who can cause accidents, though. Motorists may act negligently regardless of the increased need for caution during this event. Even with so many motorcyclists present, drivers may still forget to check their blind spots when changing lanes.
Some residents of Myrtle Beach have a prejudice against motorcycles, as well.
Drivers of automobiles, SUVs, and trucks may not want to yield the right of way to motorcyclists. As a result, you may find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident in Myrtle Beach you did not cause.
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Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Ordinances
Myrtle Beach has taken steps to discourage bike rallies. Because of the rise in accidents, deaths, and general law-breaking, Horry County has recently passed new ordinances. Some include:
- Loud mufflers are prohibited.
- Straight pipes are prohibited.
- The revving of engines is prohibited.
- Excessive noise is prohibited.
- Safety helmets are required for both drivers and passengers.
- Protective eyewear must be worn by both drivers and passengers while the motorcycle is in motion.
- More than two motorcycles in a public parking spot are prohibited.
- There is a general curfew in effect from 1:00 am – 6:00 am for juveniles 18 and under.
- Alcohol sales after 2:00 am are prohibited (unless the bar obtains an exemption).
- Alcohol consumption and open containers in garages or business parking lots are prohibited.
- Not paying your restaurant bill is against the law.
- Loitering in parking lots of any business is prohibited.
- Loitering in business parking lots after the business is closed is also prohibited.
- Chairs, coolers, drinking, or parties are not to be used in business parking lots or landscaped areas of a business.
- Individuals or groups whose activities require an extraordinary response from law enforcement or other public agencies may incur the financial cost of said response, including damages.
- Storage of oversized vehicles, including (but not limited to) bike trailers, is prohibited from parking on public streets.
- The above vehicles are permitted in storage lots or other approved parking.
- Photo identification must be shown for hotel or motel check-ins.
- All guests in rooms must be identified and show identification.
- Minors under 18 are not permitted to check into a hotel or motel room without an adult present.
- Hotel or motel guests must display proper hang tags in vehicles.
These ordinances are to reduce accidents, fatalities, the cost to public agencies, and other issues stemming from the annual bike rally.
Seeking Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident During Bike Week
Victims of motorcycle accidents can seek compensation by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Awards can help them access the medical treatment they need. They may also cover lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Victims have a right to hire a lawyer to represent them. A personal injury law firm can tackle the legal legwork while they rest and recuperate.
A Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney From Our Firm Can Help
Were you involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Myrtle Beach during Bike Week? To see how our motorcycle accident attorneys can help, contact us today at (800) 313-2546. The attorneys at Anastopoulo Law Firm can investigate your case and fight for fair compensation.
We can provide you with a free evaluation of your case and discuss your legal options. We can begin working on your case immediately to help you abide by any relevant deadlines.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
