Important South Carolina Bicycle Laws to Know

Daniel Island, and the rest of South Carolina, is a great place to get around by bicycle. While cycling is a great form of exercise and an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, cyclists face many dangers on the road. Legislators in South Carolina have enacted many laws over the years in an effort to protect cyclists. It is important that anyone on the roads in South Carolina understand these laws, as a violation can lead to an accident that results in liability. Below, our Daniel Island personal injury lawyer outlines the most important laws you need to know.

Bicycle Laws in South Carolina

 The South Carolina Code of Laws outlines many different bicycle laws. These include:

• When provided, cyclists must use the appropriate bike lanes.
• In the absence of bicycle lanes, when possible, cyclists should ride as close as possible to the right side of the road.
• At no time should more than two riders travel side by side, unless traveling on a specific trail or path.
• Cyclists should always indicate turns and stops with appropriate hand signals.
• Bicyclists are not allowed to carry any item that prevents them from keeping both hands on their handlebars.
• Bicyclists must ensure their bike has headlamps and reflector lights when riding at night.
• All bicycles must be equipped with brakes that are in good working condition.

When cyclists violate the above laws, they can be found partly to blame for a crash.

Recommendations for Cyclists

 While not necessarily laws, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control does make certain recommendations to cyclists. These are as follows:

• All cyclists should wear a helmet at all times to protect themselves from serious head and brain injuries.
• Cyclists should wear brightly colored clothing to make themselves more visible to motorists.
• At intersections and when exiting driveways, cyclists should stop and look both ways before proceeding.
• Cyclists should always make sure their brakes are in good working condition and that their tires are properly inflated before each ride.

Comparative Negligence in Bicycle Accident Cases

 When cyclists violate the law and contribute to an accident, they can be held partly at fault. For example, if a cyclist does not use proper hand signals before turning and partly contributes to an accident that results in serious injury, they may be held partly liable. Contributing to an accident does not necessarily mean you cannot collect compensation, but it does mean your settlement may be reduced.

As long as you are not found to be more than 50 percent to blame for the crash, you can still collect monetary damages. Any compensation you receive, however, will be reduced by your same percentage of fault. Due to this, it is critical to always comply with the bicycle laws in the state so you can receive full compensation if you are hurt.

Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Daniel Island for Help After an Accident 

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, our Daniel Island personal injury lawyer at Fuller Law Firm can advise on your case. Our experienced attorney can defend against claims that you were at fault for the crash and help ensure you receive the fair settlement you deserve. Call us now at 843-277-0013 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Sources:

scdhec.gov/health/injury-violence-prevention/bicycle-safety

scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php