Do You Need a Front License Plate in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not require a front license plate. According to South Carolina law, license plates must be affixed to the outside rear of the vehicle. The license plates must be unobstructed and fastened securely in a horizontal position.
Exceptions exist for road tractors and truck tractors. The plates must be attached to the outside front of the vehicle. The license plates may be on the front or the rear of commercial motor vehicles with a gross weight rating of over 26,000 pounds. Also, license plates on motorcycles with vertical mounts may be vertically mounted with the top fastened along the right vertical edge. Read more about this topic in this blog by Rock Hill, SC car accident lawyers.
How Do I Register a Vehicle in South Carolina?
Automobiles are registered through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must have one of the following:
- Vehicle title
- Bill of sale
- Registration from another state
- Certificate of origin
South Carolina requires owners to pay property taxes on vehicles. Therefore, you must have a copy of the paid tax receipt from the county of residence. You must also have proof of car insurance and pay the applicable registration fees.
Why Do Some States Require a Rear License Plate?
The registration requirements vary by state since each state has the authority to set the laws for vehicles registered within the state. Some states require a rear and front license plate. One of the primary reasons for a front license plate is identification.
Front license plates make it easier for law enforcement to identify vehicles. They do not need to see the rear of the vehicle to obtain the license plate number.
Front license plates can also aid in identification in states that use traffic cameras. For example, a traffic camera or a witness may see the front or the rear license plate on a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Car Accident Liability in South Carolina
South Carolina is an at-fault state for car accident claims. The driver responsible for causing the crash can be liable for damages. However, the accident victim must prove fault and liability. Evidence must prove:
- The driver owed a duty of care to the accident victim. All drivers in South Carolina must follow traffic laws and use reasonable care to avoid causing accidents.
- The driver’s conduct breached the duty of care. For example, the driver failed to yield the right of way, made an unsafe lane change, or was driving while texting.
- The driver’s breach of duty was the proximate and direct cause of the car accident. In other words, the car crash would not have occurred without the driver’s actions.
- The car accident caused the victim to sustain injuries and damages.
A driver who causes a car accident can be liable for the victim’s economic and non-economic damages. Damages caused by a car accident can include medical bills, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. It also includes impairments, diminished quality of life, and other losses.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Car Accident in South Carolina?
The law requires that you stop at an accident scene. Most accidents must be reported to the police. Calling 911 is the quickest way to report a car accident.
While waiting for the police to arrive, gather evidence to support an injury claim. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Take photographs of the accident scene and make a video with your cell phone.
Do not admit fault. Tell the police officer the facts without making presumptions of fault. Insurance companies may use statements you make to try to blame you for causing the car accident. The state’s contributory fault laws could prohibit you from receiving damages if you are more than 50% to blame for causing the crash.
Seek medical treatment immediately after a crash. You must prove that the car accident caused your injuries. Medical records are essential evidence in proving the existence and severity of injuries.
Obtaining Help With an Injury Claim for a Car Accident in Lancaster, SC
You may also want to contact a Rock Hill car accident lawyer for a free consultation if you are involved in an accident. An attorney can help you gather the evidence to prove causation, fault, and liability. Insurance companies protect their interests by denying and undervaluing claims. A personal injury attorney protects your best interests.
Contact The South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact our Personal Injury lawyers in South Carolina and North Carolina at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve York County, Lancaster County, and its surrounding areas in South Carolina:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys York
6 N Congress St, York, SC 29745
(803) 902-7399
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Rock Hill
212 E Black St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 324-7574
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lancaster
204 A S Main St, Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 902-7065
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Fort Mill
1201 Carolina Pl Suite 102D, Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 902-4045
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lake Wylie
264 Latitude Ln #102A, Lake Wylie, SC 29710
(803) 902-3608
Open 24hrs
We also proudly serve Mecklenburg County and its surrounding areas in North Carolina:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Charlotte
1100 S Mint St #109, Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 340-8620
Open 24hrs
