At The Jeffcoat Firm, we strongly support measures to keep motorcyclists safe on the road here in South Carolina, including the safe and responsible actions of riders themselves, and common sense laws to encourage safe behavior.
Our motor vehicle accident attorneys were happy to hear about tighter regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to crack down on novelty helmets, which don’t always keep riders safe. The use of a helmet can mean the difference between life and death in a motorcycle crash, but the use of substandard helmets often don’t afford the necessary protection in this situation.
Sometimes, however, even riders who do everything right (including wearing protective gear and obeying all traffic laws and safety rules) are the victims of serious motorcycle accidents that result in severe injury or even death. In these cases, victims and their families are encouraged to consult one of the South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm in order to discuss a possible lawsuit that will hold the liable parties responsible and provide compensation for the many expenses that arise after such accidents.
Motorcycle helmets can mean the difference between life and death
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx points to some sobering statistics where motorcycle accidents in this country are concerned. In 2013, 4,668 riders lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. And while wearing a helmet can provide crucial protection, a novelty helmet alone is insufficient; 56 percent of riders wearing a novelty helmet had serious injuries, as opposed to only 19 percent who wore a helmet certified by the Department of Transportation.
Currently, only 19 states and the District of Columbia require helmets for all motorcyclists. Laws requiring helmets for all riders can make a difference. In states that have universal laws, helmet usage stands on average at 89 percent, compared with only 48 percent in other states.
In South Carolina, state law only requires helmets for riders under the age of 21. Our motorcycle accident lawyers believe that it is important for riders to protect themselves, whether required by state law or because they take it upon themselves to make smart safety choices. But regardless of the choice to wear the appropriate kind of helmet, cyclists still deserve to share the road with other drivers who behave responsibly. The Jeffcoat Firm based in Columbia, SC is ready to help you if you have been victimized by another driver’s negligent behavior.
Contact The Jeffcoat Firm regarding a personal injury lawsuit
If you or a family member has experienced injury and loss because another driver did not heed traffic laws, drove recklessly, or drove while impaired (either through drugs or alcohol, or because he or she drove while distracted), a SC motorcycle accident lawyer from The Jeffcoat Firm is ready to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Our personal injury law firm assists clients in Columbia, Lexington and Richland County. Please contact us at (803) 200-2000 to set up a complimentary case review at your convenience.