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Posted on January 15, 2024 in Interesting Articles
Motorcycle helmet requirements are a touchy subject for many riders, including motorcyclists in South Carolina. However, no matter how you feel about helmet rules, you need to follow the law.
The South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm want to help you stay safe and protect your rights the next time you’re out on your bike. That’s why we’ve outlined the state’s helmet law and shared some tips on safety while riding and your rights if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.
South Carolina law requires anyone under 21 riding a motorcycle, including passengers, to wear a helmet at all times. Riders under age 21 must also wear goggles or a face shield at all times, though that requirement does not extend to passengers. Helmets must include a neck or chin strap and meet manufacturing standards from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Riders and passengers over 21 are not subject to South Carolina’s helmet laws.
Though you don’t have to wear a motorcycle helmet if you’re over 21 in South Carolina, it is safest to wear a helmet each time you ride.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in a collision than people in passenger cars. Head injuries are one of the most common causes of fatalities in motorcycle crashes. The CDC reports that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death for motorcycle operators by 37 percent.
Whether you wore a helmet when a crash occurred should not affect a motorcycle accident claim. However, insurers frequently try to shift the blame for collisions to the motorcycle operator to avoid paying expensive claims. They’ll look for any excuse they can to save themselves money.
One trick they might pull is claiming that you made your injuries worse by failing to guard against them and that they shouldn’t be responsible for the avoidable injuries you suffered because you chose not to wear a helmet.
Don’t fall for it if an insurer tries this tactic on you. Wearing a helmet – or not wearing one – does not cause a crash. Not wearing a helmet could lead to more severe injuries in a collision, but that fact does not absolve a careless driver of having caused the accident in the first place.
A South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney from our firm is your best ally if an insurance company tries to blame you for your injuries. Our lawyers can analyze evidence from the scene, consult medical and scientific experts, and talk to witnesses to get the full story of what happened and who’s liable for your injuries.
Don’t let an insurance company push you around if you weren’t wearing a helmet when someone else caused the motorcycle crash that hurt you. The Greenville, SC, motorcycle accident lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm are ready to stand up to the insurance companies and demand total compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Michael, a lawyer who honed his skills at premier Atlanta insurance defense firms, specializes in cases involving trucking, auto, and premises liability, adeptly representing both local and national clients.
