Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers | March 20, 2026 | Motorcycle Accidents
South Carolina law requires all motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance before riding on public roads. Minimum liability insurance in South Carolina includes bodily injury and property damage. Riders must also carry uninsured motorist coverage in at least the same limits.
The state requires a minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injury ($50,000 per accident). You must have at least $25,000 in property damage coverage. For North Myrtle Beach riders, understanding these requirements and knowing when to carry more than the minimum is essential to staying protected on the road.
South Carolina’s Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Every registered motorcycle in South Carolina must be insured. The required minimum limits are the same as those for automobiles and referred to as 25/50/25.
The limits are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
- Uninsured motorist coverage in at least the same minimum limits
When you register your motorcycle, you must provide your insurance company’s name. The SCDMV (South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles) verifies your coverage electronically. If your policy lapses or is canceled, you may face fines, license suspension, or vehicle registration suspension.
Why Minimum Coverage May Not Be Enough
The state minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injury can be exhausted quickly after a crash. Emergency treatment, hospitalization, or surgery after a serious crash can cost much more than $25,000.
A serious motorcycle accident often involves broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage that can generate six-figure medical bills. If your liability coverage falls short of the other party’s damages, you could be personally responsible for the difference.
Additional Coverage Options for North Myrtle Beach Riders
Beyond the required minimums, several optional coverage types can provide important financial protection:
- Collision coverage: Pays for repairs to your motorcycle after a crash, regardless of who is at fault
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage from theft, vandalism, storms, and other non-collision events
- Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM): Helps cover your expenses when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to pay for your damages
- Medical payments coverage: Pays for your own medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault
Riders who finance their motorcycle should check with their lender. Most lenders require both collision and comprehensive coverage for the life of the loan. Adding these coverages increases premiums but provides significantly more protection.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in North Myrtle Beach
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in North Myrtle Beach, we recommend taking the following steps to protect yourself:
- Seek medical attention immediately as delays in care could worsen your condition and cause problems with an accident claim
- Report the accident to law enforcement and exchange insurance information with the other driver
- Document the scene with photographs and videos
- Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice
A North Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can review your coverage and explain how it impacts your claim. They can identify all available sources of compensation to maximize your recovery while helping you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
South Carolina follows a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents. That means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying the victim’s economic and non-economic damages. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a North Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Protecting yourself on the road starts with the right motorcycle insurance—but having strong legal support matters just as much after an accident. If you’ve been injured, don’t navigate the aftermath alone.
Contact a North Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorney at Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our team can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
We proudly serve Horry County and its surrounding areas.
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3303 Hwy 9 E, Little River, SC 29566, United States
(843) 390-9111
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1016 2nd Ave N Suite F, 2nd Floor, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
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604 8th Ave, Aynor, SC 29511