Those statistics are amply illustrated in South Carolina. So why would a resort city pass a law that's scaring off tourists — especially in this economy? Currently, 21 states require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. It should NOT be construed by the reader as LEGAL ADVICE. If all motorcyclists and passengers wore helmets, many of these fatalities could be prevented. If the motorcyclist is found to be 20 percent at fault, that award would be reduced by 20 percent, or $20, 000. What are South Carolina's Motorcycle Laws. "They lose millions and millions and millions of dollars from us not going there. The state even keeps a specific list of approved goggles and face shields, which they believe serve to keep riders safe and better able to focus attention on the road in front of them.
After he earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, Ed joined McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, in 2017, where he focuses on family law and personal injury law. In general, federal safety standards require that the helmet contain a thick inner liner, a DOT sticker and a manufacturers label. The city has taken steps to control the rallies, and many bikers are staying away. What Happens If You Get in a Motorcycle Wreck Without a Helmet? Whether or not a motorcycle has a DPS-approved windscreen, all helmets must have: - Reflectors on both sides. South carolina motorcycle helmet law kentucky. According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets reduce the risk of death in motorcycle crashes by 37 percent and reduce the risk of injury by 69 percent. In a recent year, 141 people died from motorcycle accidents on South Carolina roads—almost 12 every month, on average. Concussions and severe TBI result from a jolt or blow to the head. It is well known that every state has a different law regarding this issue, and in South Carolina it is legal to NOT wear a helmet on a motorcycle when you are over the age of 20. Section 56-5-3690 prohibits people from selling, offering for sale, or distributing helmets, goggles, or face shields for use by motorcycle operators, or protective helmets for use by passengers unless they meet specifications outlined by the Department of Public Safety.
The Supreme Court held that this does not apply to a motorcycle crash where a rider over the age of 21 was not wearing a motorcycle helmet: It is undisputed that Mayes had no statutory duty to wear a helmet at the time of the accident. Beyond the specifications of the bike itself, some motorcyclists in South Carolina are required to wear helmets and safety goggles. Contact us via live chat, contact form, or by calling our Columbia office at 803-790-2800 or our Myrtle Beach office at 843-427-2800. Motorcycle Helmet Laws in South Carolina | David R. Price, Jr., P. A. Other Motorcycle Laws in South Carolina.
At David R. South carolina motorcycle helmet law center. A., we can help you get the fair compensation you deserve, even if the importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet is something you've only realized in hindsight. You can't attach yourself or your bike, or hold onto, another bike or vehicle on the road. Motorcycle Helmet LawsMotorcycle Accident. South Carolina law states that anyone on a motorcycle under the age of 21 must wear a helmet complying with state standards.
Any motorcycle used to transport other riders must not only have a seat for that rider, but must also come with footrests for the passenger. Any person who violates any of the Sections listed above will be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. But, driving a cycle comes with a risk.
Wearing a helmet increases your own and other motorcyclist's safety. So, what can you do to make your ride safer and what are you required to do by law? For example, North Carolina, with its "all-inclusive helmet law, " has a much lower fatality rate than its neighbor to the south, with only three deaths this year caused by motorcycle crashes as of September 2011. Contact Our SC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Case. Your lack of a helmet is not considered an act of negligence if you are 21 or older because you have no duty to wear a helmet. More people could have been saved if they had been wearing helmets, 802 people to be exact. David Price believes in helping those who have been injured. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation appointment. Comparative negligence can also affect the amount of damages you might recover because compensation can be reduced proportionally to the percentage you are found to be at fault. South Carolina Motorcycle Laws & Statutes (SC. Get a free case review by calling our office today, or you can fill out our contact form.
Motorcyclists are exposed to elements in the air, such as dust, pollen, sand, insects, rain, and so on, that can get into their eyes and make it impossible to see—if only briefly. Governor Nikki Haley is in agreement with lawmakers at the State House that the bill will save both lives and money. South carolina motorcycle laws. If you are riding with others, you can only ride 2 bikes wide in a lane. The law assumes that motorcycle riders and passengers who are at least 21 years old are responsible enough to determine for themselves whether to take this basic, life-saving measure. How Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet Can Impact Your Personal Injury Claim. What if my claim has been denied due to failure to wear a helmet?
However, the jury also finds that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries and assigns you 30 percent fault. A seal of approval from the DPS. For motorcycle renters, you have the choice of adding SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) which provides additional liability insurance over the State Statutory limit. In this situation, if you received a $500, 000 verdict from the jury, it would be reduced to $400, 000. Hurt in a motorcycle accident?
Include a manufacturer sticker – All DOT compliant motorcycle helmets must be labeled to include the manufacturer's name, the model, the size, the month/year it was manufactured, its materials, and instructions for the owner. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney. Riders 21 and over are not required to do so. Check out what some of our Greenville, SC clients have to say about our firm here. The LAWS of the Nation and of the State of North Carolina are subject to frequent change and addition. Though motorcycles and other vehicles should be treated the same under the law, the reality is that a variety of special laws apply exclusively to those on two wheels. A good rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every three to five years, assuming it hasn't suffered any damage during that time. The lifetime value of earnings if the accident renders you unable to work at a former occupation at all. Do I Need to Obtain Insurance for My Motorcycle? Have You Been Involved in an Accident?
The same report cited information stating that helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatalities to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers.