West Virginia Motorcycle Traffic Laws

There is a lot to learn when you first begin riding a motorcycle, even if you have had a standard driver’s license for years. One of your important tasks is to get familiar with West Virginia motorcycle traffic laws.

Even highly skilled bikers who obey the law can get into wrecks and might suffer serious injuries. Contact Jan Dils Attorneys at Law for help if you were hurt in a crash. Our motorbike accident lawyers can assist you throughout your recovery and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Licensing, Insurance, and Rider Equipment

Motorcycle riders must be licensed. If you have a driver’s license you can get a motorcycle endorsement by either passing written and road skills tests or completing an approved motorcycle safety course. The minimum age for a motorcycle learner’s permit is 16, and applicants aged 16 or 17 must have parental consent.

Motorcyclists must register their bikes and show proof of liability insurance. West Virginia Code § 17D-4-2 sets the minimum coverage at $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for injuries to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage.

The state has a universal helmet law, and all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a securely fastened helmet whenever the bike is moving. Eye protection is also mandatory even when the bike is equipped with a windscreen. Failing to wear a motorcycle helmet increases the risk of injury, and can prevent an attorney from obtaining reasonable compensation for you after a wreck.

Operating Your Motorcycle

Motorcycles must follow the same traffic laws as enclosed vehicles. They must come to full stop at stop signs, obey traffic signals, and observe posted speed limits.

Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle passes another vehicle in the same lane. There is no law explicitly barring this practice, but the law calls for every vehicle to occupy a single lane of traffic, which would imply that passing in the same lane is illegal.

A recent change in the law makes it legal for motorcyclists to stand while riding as long as they are facing forward with their feet on the pedals. Standing can be a way to protect your body and maintain control when going over a bump, so speak with a West Virginia attorney if standing on the pedals becomes a traffic law issue in your motorcycle accident case.

How Does Violating Traffic Laws Impact an Injury Claim?

West Virginia uses a fault-based method for handling vehicle accident claims. If you want compensation from another party, you must prove their negligence caused you harm. Negligence means failing to use appropriate caution to avoid a preventable accident.

If you get into a motorcycle accident and were violating a traffic law at the time, your violation is proof of your negligence. Even when the other person’s conduct is the primary cause of the wreck, your negligence may impact how much compensation you can expect.

When both parties were negligent, a court divides fault between them. If the court assigns you more than 50 percent of the blame, you cannot collect damages. If you are less than 50 percent at fault, the court deducts your percentage of fault from your total award. When a violation of a motorcycle traffic law impacts your injury case, an experienced West Virginia attorney can ensure you do not carry an unfair portion of the blame.

Contact an Attorney If West Virginia Traffic Laws Affect Your Motorcycle Wreck Case

Violating a traffic safety statute is negligent and can limit your compensation if you get into a wreck. Set up a free consultation with Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law when West Virginia motorcycle traffic laws impact your motorcycle crash. We can help you resolve the matter favorably.