What if the bicycle rider was not wearing a helmet during the accident?
If the bicycle rider was not wearing a helmet during the accident, the law in South Carolina generally provides that the rider is responsible for his or her own medical costs. According to South Carolina law, every person who operates a bicycle has a duty to exercise due care for his or her own safety, and the failure to do so may be considered negligence. That means that if the rider failed to wear a helmet and suffered a head injury, the rider may be held partially at fault for the accident. In addition, the rider may be subject to criminal sanctions if the local municipality has an ordinance requiring bicycle riders to wear helmets. For example, in the City of Columbia, South Carolina, it is illegal for a person under the age of 16 to ride a bicycle without a helmet. If the rider is under the age of 16 and was not wearing a helmet during the accident, they may face fines or other penalties. Ultimately, whether a helmet is worn during an accident can have significant legal implications for the rider. If the rider is injured, the lack of a helmet may mean that they are held partially responsible for the accident, and they may not be able to recover full damages from the other party. Furthermore, if the local municipality requires helmets, the rider may face criminal penalties. Therefore, it is important for bicycle riders to be aware of the laws and wear a helmet while riding whenever possible.
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