If you were hurt when riding a motorcycle, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced motorcycle crash attorney can help you demand the compensation you deserve while you are focusing on recovery.
By navigating Bartlett motorcycle traffic laws, you can gain more insight into your case and protect your rights in the future. At the Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we can help you understand how these laws work and fight for fair compensation.
Motorcycle Traffic Laws for Riders
To legally ride a motorcycle in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 16 years old and obtain a Class M motorcycle license. Those who ride without a proper license may face fines and other penalties.
All motorcycle operators must carry insurance. At a minimum, riders must have:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
- $15,000 in property damage coverage
For added protection, riders can invest in comprehensive and collision insurance, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Helmet and Eye Protection Requirements
According to motorcycle traffic laws in Bartlett, all riders and passengers must wear helmets that meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. Riders can also look for Snell-certified helmets, which meet higher safety criteria.
In addition to helmets, riders whose motorcycles do not have a windshield must wear protective eyewear.
Required Motorcycle Equipment
All motorcycles must have:
- Daytime headlights for increased visibility
- A working muffler (customized pipes that increase volume are not allowed)
- Left and right mirrors that provide a clear view of the surrounding traffic
Passengers must have a designated seat and footrests or pegs.
Lane Use and Traffic Rules
While lane splitting is illegal in Tennessee, motorcyclists have the right to ride side by side in the same lane. This practice is called lane sharing.
Failing to follow Tennessee’s motorcycle laws can put riders at risk. David and Elissa can help motorcyclists understand their rights in an accident. Even if the crash is partially the rider’s fault, they can still seek compensation if they are less than 50 percent responsible.
Motorcycle Traffic Laws for Other Participants
Motorcyclists are not the only ones who have to follow traffic laws in Bartlett. All road users have a shared responsibility to prevent motorcycle accidents. When a driver fails to uphold this duty of care and causes harm, they may be held liable for damages.
Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers act negligently. They do not check blind spots before changing lanes, fail to yield the right of way to the motorcycle when making a left turn, and more. Such negligent actions can become the basis for a personal injury lawsuit.
Consult a Qualified Attorney in Bartlett about Motorcycle Traffic Laws
While Bartlett motorcycle traffic laws regulate the rider’s behavior and responsibilities, they also apply to others on the road. If another person’s negligent actions caused a motorcycle collision, the injured rider has the right to seek compensation.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle collision, you can file a personal injury claim. To get the compensation you deserve, you should consider working with an experienced attorney.
At the Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we can help defend your rights in a personal injury case involving a motorcycle crash. To schedule a free consultation, please call us at any time.
