Understanding Motorcycle Laws and Your Rights as a Rider

As a motorcyclist, it’s important to understand the laws that govern motorcycle use in your state. By doing so, you can protect yourself and ensure that you’re following the rules of the road.

This post will provide a comprehensive overview of the motorcycle laws in West Virginia, including helmet laws, licensing requirements, and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, it’s important to stay up-to-date on West Virginia motorcycle laws. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s required of you as a rider and how a lawyer can help you.

If you or a loved one have been in an accident, contact a West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer at Miley Legal today.

Motorcycle Laws in West Virginia

Motorcycle laws in West Virginia are designed to protect riders and promote safe riding practices. If you’re a motorcyclist in West Virginia, it’s important to understand the laws that apply to you.

Here are some of the key motorcycle laws in West Virginia:

• Helmet laws — In West Virginia, all motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet that meets certain safety standards. Failure to do so can result in fines and other penalties.
• Licensing requirements — To operate a motorcycle in West Virginia, you must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement on your driver’s license. The state requires riders to pass a written and riding test to obtain this endorsement.
• Lane splitting — Lane splitting is not legal in West Virginia. This is to protect both riders and other motorists from accidents.
• Passenger laws — If you’re carrying a passenger on your motorcycle, the bike must have a passenger seat and footrests. Both you and your passenger must also wear helmets.
• Insurance requirements — Like all motorists in West Virginia, motorcycle riders are required to carry liability insurance. This insurance must meet certain minimum coverage levels.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are preventable. As a rider, it’s important to be aware of these common causes of motorcycle accidents so that you can take steps to protect yourself.

Here are some of the most common West Virginia motorcycle accident causes:

• Distracted driving — Distracted driving is a leading cause of all types of accidents, including motorcycle accidents. When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distracting behaviors, they may not see motorcycles and can cause accidents.
• Impaired driving — Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a major cause of motorcycle accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and may not be able to see motorcycles on the road.
• Speeding — Speeding is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to changing road conditions and may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Lane changes — When drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling, they can collide with motorcycles. This is because motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than other vehicles on the road.
• Left-turn accidents — Left-turn accidents are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers turn left in front of oncoming motorcycles, they may misjudge the distance and speed of the motorcycle and cause a collision.

Your Rights as a Rider

As a motorcycle rider, you have certain rights under the law that are designed to protect you and promote safe riding practices.

Here are some of the key rights that riders have:

• The right to wear protective gear — In most states, including West Virginia, riders have the right to wear protective gear such as helmets, gloves, and boots. These items can help prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.
• The right to use the full lane — Motorcycle riders have the right to use the full lane, just like any other vehicle on the road. This means that other drivers should not try to squeeze past you or force you to ride on the edge of the lane.
• The right to ride two abreast — In West Virginia, motorcycle riders are allowed to ride two abreast in a single lane. This can help increase visibility and make it easier for riders to communicate with each other.
• The right to fair treatment — Motorcycle riders have the right to fair treatment under the law. This means that you should not be discriminated against because you ride a motorcycle, and you should be held to the same standards as other drivers on the road.

Contact Miley Legal Today

Understanding West Virginia motorcycle laws and your rights as a rider is essential for staying safe on the road. By following the rules of the road, wearing appropriate safety gear, and being aware of common causes of motorcycle accidents, you can help protect yourself and others while enjoying the freedom of riding a motorcycle.

Remember, if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident or have questions about motorcycle laws, it’s important to speak with a West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer. They can help you understand your legal options and fight for your rights.

If you have any questions or concerns about motorcycle laws or have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.