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(757) 333-3333
(757) 333-3333
Motorcycles are bound by all traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles in Hampton. Riders must obey stop signs and stoplights and yield right of way. Any law that applies to a driver also applies to a motorcyclist.
It is important to follow traffic laws for motorcyclists in Hampton for several reasons. For one, riders tend to sustain severe injuries in collisions because the shell of a vehicle does not protect them. You can reduce your risk of injury by following the rules of the road. However, if you are involved in an accident caused by a negligent driver, reach out to an experienced attorney at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal rights.
It is important to note that there are laws that apply to motorcyclists but not drivers. For instance, a motorcyclist must wear a helmet. If the motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or some type of wind barrier, the motorcyclist must have a mask on their helmet or wear protective eyewear and protective guarding for the face.
Additionally, motorcyclists are not allowed to split lanes, which means driving between two lanes of traffic. The knowledgeable lawyers at our firm could further explain the local traffic laws for motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists are more likely than car drivers or passengers to suffer severe harm in a collision. They may be thrown off their bikes, which can lead to broken bones, severe lacerations, and painful road rash. By following the rules of the road, a motorcyclist minimizes their risk of being involved in a wreck.
Motorcyclists will be held accountable for traffic violations, just like any vehicle driver. Additionally, there may be officers who do not take kindly to dangerous behavior by riders since they know how severe the injuries can be. Many officers have seen motorcycle wrecks resulting from recklessness and disregard for traffic rules. They might be inclined to teach the motorcyclist the lesson by issuing a ticket instead of giving the rider a warning.
Virginia is a contributory negligence state. If a motorcyclist is injured in a wreck but is found at least one percent at fault for the accident, they cannot recover anything for their injuries under Virginia law. As our Hampton personal injury lawyers can attest, it is critical to abide by the rules of the road to protect one’s right to recover compensation in the event of a motorcycle crash.
Sometimes, motorists who are not at fault are still issued a ticket for whatever reason, based on the officer’s judgment. If a motorcyclist who was not at fault receives a ticket, it is essential to retain a seasoned defense attorney who knows the traffic laws in Hampton. If the person pleads not guilty, then the ticket cannot be used against them in a civil hearing, and they would have the chance to still prove that they were not at fault. In this situation, it is advisable to consult with a traffic attorney and an injury attorney after a motorbiking wreck.
If the laws for operating motorcycles are updated, there will be announcements on the news and official websites. However, riders must be on the lookout for changes and remain aware of the most recent traffic laws. Generally, new laws take effect on July 1st of each year in Virginia. Motorcyclists can always do active research leading up to July 1st to see if there are any important updates.
The best thing to do if you are involved in an accident is to consult with an attorney. An attorney will be up to date on traffic laws for motorcyclists in Hampton and can advise on your options for making a claim. The Virginia DMV website is also a good resource for those curious about the laws. To learn more, contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers today.
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