The Connection Between Eyesight and Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina
In South Carolina, everyone under the age of 21 must wear goggles or use face shields when riding motorcycles. However, goggles alone may not meet South Carolina’s traffic laws. It may be necessary to use eyewear with prescription lenses, especially if you have poor eyesight. This not only applies to motorcycles, but all other vehicles on the road. What is the connection between eyesight and motorcycle accidents in South Carolina?
Can I Operate a Motorcycle in South Carolina if I Have Bad Eyesight?
You may not be able to legally operate your motorcycle if you have poor eyesight. According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), you must pass a “simple eye test” administered at a branch office. If your eyesight is not good enough, you may need to get another eye exam administered by an optometrist. This licensed eye care professional will determine whether it is legal for you to drive without glasses.
If you cannot drive legally without glasses, you may need to get a special driver’s license. This license will state that it is only legal for you to operate vehicles (including motorcycles) with glasses, prescription lenses, or potentially laser eye surgery. If you are caught driving your motorcycle without the proper glasses or prescription lenses, you may face a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $100. It is also possible to face 30 days in prison for driving without glasses, although this penalty is far less likely.
What if I Wasn’t Wearing My Glasses During a Motorcycle Crash?
If you were not wearing your glasses during your motorcycle crash in South Carolina, you could be held partially liable for your own injuries. South Carolina follows a system of “modified comparative negligence,” which means you can theoretically sue for injuries sustained in a crash you caused yourself. That being said, you lose the right to sue if you were 51% responsible for causing the accident.
Does the failure to wear proper glasses make you more than 50% responsible for a motorcycle accident? It depends on the unique circumstances of your accident. This is something worth discussing in more detail with your motorcycle accident lawyer.
It is also worth noting that other drivers may have caused your accident because of their own poor eyesight. Eyesight can affect auto accidents in many different ways.
Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in South Carolina Help Me?
A motorcycle accident attorney in Charleston may be able to help after a crash. If your accident involves questions regarding eyesight, you can address them confidently alongside Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC. We know that motorcycle crashes can be complicated – but nothing should stand between you and fair compensation. Reach out today, schedule a consultation, and get started with an action plan.
Sources:
scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Vision-Tests#:~:text=The%20simple%20eye%20test%20given,meet%20South%20Carolina’s%20vision%20requirements.
scdps.sc.gov/sites/scdps/files/Documents/ridesmart/South%20Carolina%20Motorcycle%20Laws%20Article29.pdf
