Statistics and Statutes Relevant to South Carolina Motorcycle Accidents

The vast majority of motorcycle owners are defensive drivers who recognize the dangers of using this type of vehicle. Unfortunately, other negligent drivers on the road can easily turn a Sunday ride into a life-changing experience.

As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to perish in a traffic accident than riders in a traditional passenger vehicle. Cleary, motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection as cars and because of this, motorcyclists face real dangers when out on the road.

Your Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney at [firm-name] would like to remind South Carolina motorcyclists about the importance of safety as well as inform them about statutes relevant to motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle Collisions Statistics in South Carolina & the U.S.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety-Quick Facts

• In South Carolina, there is one motorcyclist killed every 3.1 days.
• There were 116 motorcyclist fatalities in 2017.
• There were 2,278 motorcycle collisions statewide in 2017.
• Of the 2,278 crashes, nearly 2,000 individuals were injured.

In terms of national motorcycle collision accident rates, the Insurance Information Institute reveals some startling facts that all motorcyclists should be aware of, including:

• In 2016, there were 5,286 motorcyclist fatalities.
• In 2015, there were 88,000 motorcyclist injuries.

The importance of defensive driving techniques and the use of proper safety gear cannot be overstated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that:

• Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%.
• Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.
• Helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives in 2016.

Safety tips that all motorcyclists should follow as they travel throughout the beautiful state of South Carolina include:

• Riders should always wear a helmet with a face shield and protective eyewear.
• Motorcyclists – like any other drivers – should never get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.
• Protective gear and clothing such as boots, gloves, reflective tape, and leather apparel should be used to help protect the body in case of an accident.
• Motorcyclists should avoid riding in bad weather including in heavy rain, snow, or sleet.
• Always follow all traffic safety rules including following the speed limit.
• Motorcyclists should drive defensively by following right-of-way rules, avoiding constant lane switching, signaling well in advance, and watching out for turning vehicles – especially left turning vehicles.
• Drivers should be licensed and take safety riding courses to develop their driving skills.

If you or a loved one have suffered a motorcycle accident, seek the Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney of The Law Office of William J. Luse to begin the process of securing your recovery.

South Carolina Laws Regarding the Safe Operation of Motorcycles

Keep the following laws in mind to lawfully operate your motorcycles safely on South Carolina roads. These statues can also be used for reference when determining liability in a fatal motorcycle collision.

As per South Carolina Motorcycle Statues:

• SECTION 56-5-3610. Rights and duties of the operator of a motorcycle generally.
  • Every person operating a motorcycle shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the drivers of motor vehicles, except as to special regulations or other provisions of law which by their nature would not apply.
• SECTION 56-5-3630. The manner in which motorcycles must be operated.
  • Passengers are limited by the number of firmly attached seats belonging to the vehicle. If the motorcycle has two firmly-attached seats then two riders are permitted.
  • Proper sitting etiquette on a motorcycle is faced forward, legs on each side of the vehicle.
  • No individual can carry any package, object, or article that inhibits the use of two hands on the handlebars at all times.
  • No person can operate or give a ride to another if interrupting operation or control of the motorcycle or view of the operator.
  • No person can attach themselves or the motorcycle to another vehicle on the roadway.
• SECTION 56-5-3640.Motorcycle entitled to full use of lane; riding two or more abreast; overtaking and passing; operation in other instances.
  • No motorcycle should be deprived of the use of a full lane but does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast on a single lane.
  • If a vehicle has overtaken a lane, a motorcycle cannot overtake and pass on that same lane.
  • Motorcycles should not be operated between or adjacent to traffic in lanes.
  • No more than two motorcycles may ride abreast per lane.

South Carolina Personal Injury Laws and Statutory Rules

In the state of South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident at hand. Personal injuries include motorcycle accident-related damages.

Under the Modified Comparative Negligence Rule, you are entitled to damages after they have been reduced according to the percentage of liability you held, except for when you are more than 50 percent at fault.

Trust in the Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney of  The Law Office of William J. Luse to help you secure the compensation you need to begin healing.

Jessica

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