The laws in South Carolina are meant to protect everyone. This is true for every law, but it’s particularly important when it comes to the driving laws. When everyone obeys them, the chances of an accident are minimal.
That being said, some people will flout South Carolina’s driving laws, and they may end up injuring someone as a result. This may have even happened to you.
Know South Carolina’s driving laws-- that knowledge will protect you on the road and in court.
Specific Rules in South Carolina
These are some of the critical driving laws in South Carolina that you should know.
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Seat belts: In South Carolina, everyone--both drivers and passengers-- should wear a seatbelt in the car. Children from ages 2 to 8 can be in a booster seat or similarly appropriate safety system, but under that age, they must be in a rear-facing child seat.
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Drunk driving: Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above is considered to be driving under the influence in South Carolina. Although ignition interlock devices (IIDs) aren’t mandatory for a first-offense, they can be implemented if someone is driving with a particularly high BAC (such as 0.15 or more).
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Open container laws: Open containers of alcohol can be stored in the trunk or luggage compartment of the car, but they cannot be transported in the passenger area of the vehicle. Closed containers of alcohol, however, can be in the car’s passenger area.
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Distracted driving: As far as the law is concerned, distracted driving is essentially any activity that takes a driver’s mind or eyes off of the road. Drivers in South Carolina are not allowed to text while driving, though they are allowed to use handheld devices in their vehicles.
Distracted Driving and Your South Carolina Auto Accident
Distracted driving can prove calamitous. For example, you may have ended up in an accident with someone who was texting while driving.
The resulting accident could cause broken bones and possibly whiplash as well.
Since South Carolina is a tort liability state, you have the option of filing a personal injury claim to recover damages for your accident. Of course, a successful claim hinges on your ability to prove that the other driver was liable for the accident.
That process can be time-consuming and complicated, which is why it’s best left to a personal injury attorney.
Hiring a Personal injury Lawyer
You deserve to focus on your recovery. Hire a personal injury attorney to take on your case, and you’ll give yourself the time and space you need to heal.
Your attorney can do all of the heavy lifting and construct the most persuasive case possible on your behalf. Moreover, he or she can do that without even being paid up front.
There’s not a moment to lose. Talk to a personal injury attorney today, and start the process of getting your life back on track.
