If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Walterboro, you might be trying to figure out what went wrong and what to do next. Walterboro motorcycle traffic laws play an important role in determining who was at fault and whether you are entitled to compensation. Understanding these rules can be overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with physical pain, property damage, and time off work. However, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney could guide you through the aftermath of your crash, helping you understand how state traffic laws apply to your situation.
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we know how challenging it is to navigate injury claims while trying to recover. That is why we work with injured riders to build a strong case and pursue monetary damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs caused by someone else’s carelessness.
Required Motorcycle Safety Equipment
Motorcycle laws in Walterboro are meant to keep riders safe in traffic, but they also come into play if you are pursuing a personal injury claim. For example, South Carolina law requires all riders under age 21 to wear a helmet that meets specific safety standards. While you are not legally required to wear one if you are older, not doing so could be used against you in a civil case.
You are also required to have working headlights, turn signals, and at least one mirror on your bike. These details matter. If you were following these laws and another driver caused your crash, it could help show that you were not at fault. A person injured in a motorcycle wreck could work with a local attorney to gather evidence proving that their actions were within legal limits.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and less visible than other vehicles, which often makes riders more vulnerable to serious injury. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or give enough following distance may be responsible for a motor vehicle crash. But even though the injuries are often more severe, insurance companies may still try to push the blame onto you.
The concept of negligence is key in any personal injury case. To recover money damages, you will need to show that the at-fault party breached their duty to drive safely. In Walterboro bike crashes, this might include traffic law violations such as distracted driving, improper lane changes, or failing to yield the right of way. Your lawyer could help prove that this breach in the standard of care directly caused your injuries.
How Do State Motorcycle Laws Affect Fault?
One of the most important things to understand is how South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule works. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 15-38-15, you could recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, your compensation could be reduced based on your share of fault.
For example, if the other driver claims you were speeding or weaving through traffic, that could affect your claim. That is why it is critical to have someone on your side who understands how these bike traffic laws apply in real-world cases in Walterboro. An experienced attorney could investigate your case, gather witness statements, and push back against unfair fault accusations.
Discuss Bike Traffic Regulations With a Walterboro Attorney
After a motorcycle collision, the last thing you want is to get buried in legal red tape. You may be in pain, missing work, and watching bills pile up. South Carolina’s motorcycle traffic laws can be hard to interpret without legal help, especially when you are up against insurance adjusters looking to minimize your claim.
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we understand how devastating these accidents can be. Our attorneys could explain Walterboro motorcycle traffic laws, help you gather key evidence, calculate your losses, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, bike repairs, and more. Do not wait to take action, contact us today to explore your legal options.
