Motorcycle Helmet Laws in South Carolina
There is no denying that motorcycle helmets save lives, but this doesn’t mean that not having a helmet on will negate your ability to seek compensation if another driver’s negligence causes you to be injured in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina. If this is the dire situation you find yourself in, you need an experienced Georgetown motorcycle accident attorney in your corner.
The Helmet Law in South Carolina
While the motorcycle helmet law in South Carolina used to include motorcyclists of all ages, that changed in 1980. Now, every motorcyclist who hasn’t reached the age of 21 must wear a helmet that meets the state’s safety standards when they ride. Failure to do so can lead to a citation and fines.
If you are at least 21 years old, you are not required to wear a motorcycle helmet in the State of South Carolina. At this point, the matter is up to you, but the state strongly recommends that everyone who rides wears a helmet every time they ride.
When you ride, you are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries of all kinds, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A helmet can significantly reduce the risk that you’ll suffer a head injury, which can be life-altering.
If Another Driver’s Negligence Leaves You Injured
Too many motorcyclists shy away from filing accident claims because they fear their failure to wear a helmet will interfere. This, however, is misguided. If you suffered injuries other than a TBI or another kind of head injury, wearing a helmet would not have protected you, which means the issue isn’t relevant to your claim.
If you did suffer a concussion or TBI, you can expect the insurance company to do everything in their power to reduce your compensation accordingly – claiming that your failure to wear a helmet left you with a more serious injury than you would otherwise have had. Your determined motorcycle accident lawyer, however, will be well-prepared to engage in robust negotiations that defend your position.
Skilled Negotiations Are Necessary
If the involved insurance company can use the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet to their advantage, they will, and this is a clear example of why you need a persuasive motorcycle accident lawyer backing you up. Your attorney will gather the evidence needed to successfully advocate for your rightful compensation, which may or may not be affected by the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet.
In a motorcycle accident claim, you can seek compensation in each of the following primary categories:
- Property damage to your bike
- Current and ongoing medical costs
- Lost earnings and any losses related to your earning capacity into the future
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can eclipse all your other losses combined
You Can Count on an Experienced Georgetown, SC, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Help
The diligent Georgetown motorcycle accident attorneys at Oxner and Stacy Law Firm have earned an impressive track record for faithfully defending the rights of motorcycle accident victims and for obtaining optimal outcomes that support their fullest recoveries. For more information about what we can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 843-983-2352 today.