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All drivers and passengers in Beckley must follow several motorcycle traffic laws. Failing to obey these laws does not just mean risking a ticket but also puts you in danger of serious crashes and injuries. It may also negatively impact your injury claim.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and a citation was issued, it is important to seek legal support. Experienced Jan Dils lawyers can help with your claim, so contact an attorney today for answers.
Like all motor vehicles using public roads and highways, motorcyclists must obey all traffic signs, lights, speed limits, and right-of-way rules. Several additional traffic laws specific to motorcycles must also be followed.
To operate a motorcycle, drivers must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license, and to acquire this endorsement, a person must complete a knowledge test and obtain a permit. Riders may schedule an appointment for an on-cycle skills test after having his or her permit for at least seven days.
Under the universal helmet law, all drivers and passengers must wear a DOT-compliant helmet secured with a neck or chin strap. Additionally, all motorcycles must be equipped with a rearview mirror that clearly shows traffic at least 200 feet behind. The handlebars cannot exceed 15 inches above the motorcycle’s seat.
Lane splitting is prohibited under traffic laws, and occurs when a driver maneuvers a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic. Motorcycles must ride within a single lane. All riders must also be sitting facing forward on the bike, and passengers cannot ride facing backward or side-saddle with both legs on one side of the motorcycle.
Disobeying traffic rules in Beckley has several consequences. The most obvious result is a traffic citation. Depending on the type of citation and any prior offenses, riders may face fines, misdemeanor charges, and motorcycle license suspension or revocation.
Accidents and injuries are another consequence. Laws related to motorcycles are safety rules intended to reduce the chances of collisions and serious injury.
Obeying motorcycle traffic laws can be crucial in the event of an injury accident. This is because West Virginia uses a modified comparative negligence rule for Personal Injury claims.
Under this rule, a person’s fault for his or her own injuries is accounted for when determining compensation, and a person can only recover compensation if they are 50% or less to blame for their injuries. Therefore, compensation for a Beckley motorcycle crash claim could be reduced if the rider obeyed traffic laws and this caused or worsened their injuries. If the rider is found to be more than 50% at fault, they will not be able to recover compensation.
If a person is cited for a traffic violation related to a motorcycle collision, it is important for him or her to take immediate action. Insurance companies may use this citation as their rationale for reducing compensation or denying the claim.
After a motorcycle crash, injured parties may want to contact a lawyer immediately who can take over the claim process, gathering information and advocating for a fair settlement, whether or not the rider received a ticket.
If you are wondering how motorcycle traffic laws may impact your injury case in Beckley, contact Jan Dils Attorneys at Law today. Our dedicated team can answer your questions and get to work on your claim. Contact us now for a free case consultation.
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
