Riding a motorcycle is inherently risky. While there is no truly safe way to travel, motorcycles carry injury risks that motor vehicles lack. In many cases, there is no padding between motorcyclists and other vehicles involved in an accident. There are ways to limit the severity of motorcycle accident injuries in some cases. The most common example is through the use of motorcycle helmets.
While motorcycle helmets reduce the potential for severe brain injuries following a crash, many riders prefer not to utilize them. The growing rate of fatal motorcycles has led the state legislature to act, making helmet use mandatory in certain situations.
Complying with Lancaster motorcycle helmet laws can have an impact on a personal injury claim following an accident. To ensure your rights are protected, speak with a practiced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
What are the Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Lancaster?
According to state law, only riders under the age of 21 must comply with a helmet regulation per South Carolina Code Section 56-5-3660. Anyone under the age of 21 must make use of a protective helmet at all times. These helmets must be pre-approved by the South Caroline Department of Public Safety. These helmets must include certain specifications, which include the use of:
- Neck or chin straps
- Reflectors
- Face shields
There are no exceptions for anyone under the age of 21. Likewise, no part of the statute applies to riders aged 21 and up. While helmets are not mandatory, they could provide riders with important protection during a crash. Additionally, wearing a helmet could make recovering compensation through a personal injury claim easier.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle helmet laws lawyer serving Lancaster, call 1-803-366-0333
Benefits of Wearing a Helmet
Motorcycle helmets can provide a rider with much-needed protection from serious head injuries. This protection is valuable, given that motorcycle crashes are far more likely to result in fatal injuries than other types of accidents. A common cause of these fatal injuries is head trauma. Studies have shown that the use of an appropriate helmet can reduce fatalities by as much as 37 percent.
While a rider’s health should be their priority after an accident, complying with helmet laws can also strengthen a civil claim. Part of every accident claim is establishing the damages that the defendant is responsible for. A defendant could argue that a plaintiff that failed to comply with helmet laws is partially responsible for the crash. This could reduce the compensation available to a rider in a successful injury claim.
Lancaster Motorcycle Helmet Laws Lawyer Near Me 1-803-366-0333
Reach Out Today to Learn About the Helmet Laws in Lancaster
The research into the effectiveness of helmets suggests they can dramatically reduce fatal injuries in a crash. Complying with these laws could also have a major impact on your personal injury claim.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident due to the reckless and careless actions of another, you may be eligible to recover compensation for damages. An attorney could advise you on what to expect from your injury claim following a motorcycle crash. Call Schiller & Hamilton today to learn about the Lancaster motorcycle helmet laws and how it could affect your claim.
Call or text 1-803-366-0333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form