What regulations require drivers to have functioning lights in the Richland County area?
Richland County, SC – Various laws have been passed by the legislature in South Carolina to help the roads stay safe for all drivers. All cars are equipped with headlights and brake lights, and it is important for them to be functioning and active at certain times to help avoid accidents and comply with state law. If a driver is in violation of these rules when they cause a motor vehicle accident, they may need to compensate the victim for their actions and face increased insurance costs. Anyone in this situation can get legal advice to decide if a lawsuit or other measures are necessary.
Laws for turn signals and brake lights
The South Carolina Code of Laws says that all vehicles must have a certain combination of lights. A brake light or stoplight needs to be on the rear of all vehicles, and it must give off red or yellow light. Turn signals that indicate an intention to turn or move between lanes need to be on both the left and right sides of the vehicles. These brake and turn lights need to be visible to others on the road for at least one hundred feet away.
The use of headlights
All states have some kind of headlight law that is very similar. As a general rule, drivers should always have them activated in the dark or inclement weather. The car should be equipped with at least two functioning headlights with one on each side. To be safe, it is best for drivers to start to turn them on before sunset, or any time where the roads are dark and difficult to see. The law in the state specifically says that headlights should be used from one half hour before sunset to one half hour before sunrise.
Lawsuits against drivers in violation of traffic laws
When a driver has broken a traffic law such as the ones regulating headlight usage, they may receive a citation from the police and have to pay fines. While this is only a minor inconvenience in most cases for drivers, a traffic citation that is relevant to an accident may have other consequences as well. It is possible for the driver who was injured due to their negligence to file a civil car accident lawsuit and introduce evidence of the violation. If the defendant is found to be liable, they may have to pay for medical treatment, property repairs, and other costs.
Meeting with an attorney after a car crash
The Clekis Law Firm is available to assist local clients in Richland County with their accident lawsuits. The firm is staffed by attorneys with significant experience in personal injury law and the process of getting compensation for clients.
Firm contact info:
171 Church St., Charleston SC, 29401
843-900-0000
clekis.com
