As far as how old you have to be to ride a motorcycle in South Carolina, the minimum age for riders is 15 years old. There are many things an individual must do before they can get their motorcycle license. If a licensed rider gets hurt in an accident caused by a negligent motorist, a North Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help them pursue damages.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has over a decade of personal injury case experience. We can answer questions about how old you have to be to ride a motorcycle in South Carolina and other legal topics. For more information, reach out to us.
Requirements to Ride a Motorcycle
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with two wheels that touch the ground and a saddle for a rider. Along with looking at how old you have to be to ride a motorcycle, it is important to review SCDMV’s requirements carefully. Here are some of the things that the SCDMV requires for riding a motorcycle:
Permit and License
You can get a motorcycle beginner’s permit as early as age 15. To become a licensed rider, you must have this permit for a minimum of 180 days. Also, you must be at least 18 to get a motorcycle license.
Testing
Before you can get a license, you must complete a motorcycle knowledge test. You must pass this test to obtain a permit and license. A road test is required if you want to change your permit into a license.
Safety
There are South Carolina motorcycle laws that focus specifically on rider safety. For example, you are legally required to wear a helmet and goggles or a face shield if you ride a motorcycle and are under age 21. Also, all motorcycles must have a rear-view mirror and lights that others can see from at least 500 feet away.
If you have a motorcycle permit or license and get hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver, seek legal help. At this point, connect with a South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney from the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, and we can help you get the best case results. Contact us today to learn more.
How Old You Have to Be to Ride a Motorcycle as a Passenger
There is no age requirement for motorcycle passengers. As a parent, you can let your child ride on your motorcycle with you. Before you do, here are safety factors you need to consider:
- Helmet: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help you find the right helmet for your child.
- Position: Your child must sit upright when they are traveling with you on your motorcycle.
- Footrests: Your child must be able to put their feet on the footrests and keep them there for the entire time you are riding with them on your motorcycle.
If you are riding your motorcycle with a passenger and are involved in an accident, partner with an attorney. A motorcycle accident lawyer in South Carolina prioritizes your best interests. They can help you ask the at-fault party for compensation to cover your accident-related losses.
Maximum Age for Riding a Motorcycle
In terms of how old you can be to ride a motorcycle, there is no maximum age. You can operate a motorcycle as long as you are mentally and physically able to do so. If you are dealing with vision problems or other physical issues, these can make it difficult to operate your bike safely.
There are people who ride motorcycles in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. These riders travel safely but can still be involved in accidents. Regardless of your age, if you get injured in a motorcycle accident, it may be best to ask for help from an attorney.
If you are considering hiring a motorcycle accident attorney in South Carolina, read through the lawyer’s testimonials. Next, you can get insights into what it is like to work with this attorney. You can then make an informed decision on whether to partner with this lawyer and if they can help you get damages from anyone responsible for your accident.
Tips to Help Riders Young and Old to Collect Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
Following a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent party, consult with a personal injury lawyer. Together, you and your attorney can build a case against the liable party. Here are things you and your lawyer can do to craft an argument that will help you secure maximum damages.
Submit Your Claim Promptly
One of the biggest personal injury myths relates to how much time you have to file a claim. After a motorcycle accident, you may have up to three years to seek compensation from a liable party. Thus, it is in your best interests to submit your claim immediately — if you do not, you risk missing out on your chance to request damages from a liable party.
Calculate Your Losses
In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you can request compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To get these and other damages, give your attorney plenty of information about your accident. From here, they can determine how much your case is worth.
Avoid Posting Content on Social Media
You want family members and friends to stay up to date about your recovery from your motorcycle accident and you may want to post photos and videos on social media. When you publish content on X, Facebook, and other social networks, you make it publicly accessible. Therefore, you should avoid publishing such content since it may be used against you in your lawsuit.
When in doubt about how to handle your injury claim, share your concerns and questions with your lawyer. You can rely on your attorney for legal guidance and support throughout your case. They will do everything they can to help you get the damages you want as quickly as possible.
Get Legal Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Case
No matter how old you are when you ride your motorcycle, you should not be held accountable for an accident caused by someone else. At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can help you ask for damages after your accident. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
