Does South Carolina Have A Motorcycle Helmet Law? | Helmet Laws In Sc
People under 21 must wear helmets. Head and brain injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. There are a variety of injuries that can occur as the result of motorcycle accidents, but by far the most common are those to the head and brain. Motorcyclists who choose to wear helmets are taking an important step to keep themselves safe. Plus, there's a chance that a police officer sees you but disagrees with your timing of the 120 seconds. South Carolina has the 10th highest rate of motorcycle fatalities in the country, according to the most recent statistics from the GHSA.
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South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law California
If you are under the age of 21 and riding on or operating a motorcycle, you are legally required to wear a helmet at all times. Serious injuries or even death can sometimes be caused as a result of motorcycle accidents. To meet this standard, the helmet must have a neck or chin strap. Long pants, such as riding jeans. If you have been injured in a wreck, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help. Another NHTSA study found that helmeted riders "…have up to an 85 percent reduced incidence of severe, serious, and critical injuries than helmetless riders. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina and suspect your helmet did not properly protect you, we're here to answer any questions you may have. If your case goes to trial and the jury decides that your failure to wear a helmet amounted to negligence, any damages you're awarded could be reduced under South Carolina's "comparative negligence" law. For more information, consult a motorcycle accident attorney. You may not be able to work or provide for your family while you are recovering. Although wearing protective headgear is recommended, many riders in the state choose not to wear a helmet, despite South Carolina being one of the most dangerous states for drivers of all vehicles.
South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law History
That led to a discrimination lawsuit from the NAACP that took years to settle. Get a free initial consultation today by calling our office or visiting our contact page. Such changes and additions may periodically render the general information on our website out-of-date, thus, we disclaim any and all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken by the reader based on his or her interaction with the content of this website. In South Carolina, there is a specific set of laws regarding motorcycle owners' and operators' rights, duties, and regulations as outlined in Article 29 (Motorcyclists; The Rights and Duties Thereof). North Carolina is one of 20 states that has such a strong helmet law. Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys. When crashes occur, motorcyclists need adequate head protection to prevent one of the leading causes of death and disability in America — head injuries. Mayor John Rhodes says residents simply have had enough. Wrongful death claims are filed for immediate family members, such as the spouse or children (or parents, if they had no spouse or children). What You Need To Know. Yes, it can, but you still can seek compensation after a wreck caused by another's negligence. Call our offices for a free initial consultation. In other words, if a motorcyclist is 51 percent or more to blame for an accident, the motorcyclist can be barred from any financial recovery. If a person under the age of 21 violates South Carolina's motorcycle helmet law, that person can face a conviction for a misdemeanor offense.
South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law.Com
Getting Compensation If You Were Not Wearing A Helmet. Reflective or light colored clothing at night. Stats like these sometimes inspire new laws. However, loved ones over the age of 20 are still in danger of death due to head injury. Although South Carolina law does not require motorcyclists age 21 or older to wear a helmet, we know that helmets can save lives. This represents nearly a 40% increase of S. C. riders compared to a decade ago. These rules are in place to protect riders from concussions and other head injuries in the event of an accident. South Carolina previously had a universal helmet law, requiring motorcycle riders of all ages to wear a helmet while operating their vehicles. Motorcycle riders in South Carolina no doubt love the freedom of being out on the open road, wind in your hair. Other Motorcycle Laws in South Carolina.
South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law Center
The SC Supreme Court also held in Mayes v. Paxton that assumption of the risk does not apply to a motorcycle crash where a rider over the age of 21 was not wearing a motorcycle helmet: As a matter of law, we find that a motorcyclist's decision to ride without a helmet does not imply his consent that motorists are relieved of the duty to use reasonable care toward him. Not to mention our vibrant and exciting cities with Southern charm, arts, culture, culinary delights, and some outstanding sports teams…North Carolina has it all, and with its temperate climate a great way to navigate the state is via motorcycle – stunning scenery and roads for every level of rider make North Carolina an ideal state for motorcycle riding. Any driver age 20 or younger who fails to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle can be ticketed and fined. Opponents of a helmet law for adults argue that requiring helmets is too much of a government intrusion and that educating riders is a better way to keep riders safe than forcing them to wear a helmet. Riders Law Group has assisted countless injured individuals across South Carolina and helped secure damages for the harms they've suffered. 8 percent of total traffic accidents while accounting for about 7. As motorcyclists, we understand the unique challenges and hardships riders face after a motorcycle accident. How Motorcycles Should Be Operated.
South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law 2022
Once a motorcycle rider has turned 21, wearing a helmet is done at their discretion. 4701 Oleander Drive, Suite A. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. SC's statewide motorcycle helmet law applies everywhere in the state of SC – including every county and every municipality, and including the City of Myrtle Beach…. You can only ride while sitting upon the permanent, regular seat. Is forbidden to carry any package, bundle, or other article that prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars. If your loved one died as a result of a motorcycle accident, the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death claim if the victim could have filed a motorcycle accident lawsuit had they lived. 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.
South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law School
"They lose millions and millions and millions of dollars from us not going there. Riders who are 21 or older are not required to wear a helmet. In South Carolina, compensation for personal injury claims is awarded based on "modified" comparative negligence. Helmet laws differ from state to state.
The federal requirements also include important factors such as impact strength and penetration resistance. Not only that, but eye protection also protects the eyes and upper face in an accident. There are three states that have no laws pertaining to motorcycle helmet use, another 28 states have partial helmet laws that require only some riders to wear helmets, and the other 19 states and the District of Colombia have what is known as universal helmet laws – meaning that all motorcycle riders AND their passengers are required to wear crash helmets. Motorcycles helmets are not required for riders 21 and older anywhere in the state of SC – including the City of Myrtle Beach. Motorcycle accidents are dangerous because of the relative vulnerability of motorcyclists compared to occupants of other vehicles. The place normally would have been very busy this past weekend, when some 40, 000 bikers typically come for their annual fall rally. However, the award will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the motorcyclist.
To find out more, keep reading. Check to see if the helmet has a "DOT" sticker on the back. Specifically, there were 45 deaths where the rider was wearing a helmet and 92 deaths (more than double) where the rider was not wearing a helmet. There is no such requirement for adults 21 and older – although surrounding states like NC require riders to wear a helmet, SC has opted for personal freedom over forced safety measures.
In other words, far more fatalities in our state were not wearing a helmet at the time of the deadly crash. We have DOT certified helmets available to rent at a minimal cost. What Other Motorcycle Gear Can Help Keep You Safe? "I think it ought to be a rider's choice. The provisions of 56-5-3670 regarding goggles and face shields (listed above) do not apply to the motorcycle operator if the vehicle is equipped with a wind screen that meets specifications established by the Department of Public Safety. This stands for "Department of Transportation" and means the helmet meets federal safety standards, giving you greater protection in the event of a crash. Motorcycle Helmets FAQs. The protective foam inside motorcycle helmets is meant to protect you from one hard blow. Whether you just got your first bike or have been riding for years, it is important to know the laws that apply to you.
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. Most insurance companies are more willing to dispense compensation if you have taken precautions to stay safe on the road.