Choosing to ride a motorcycle comes with significant responsibility. It requires you to not only take steps to protect yourself but also to follow all applicable traffic laws to ensure the safety of other motorists on the road. Traffic regulations exist to bring an element of predictability to riders’ actions and lower the overall risk of a collision.
Understanding Olive Branch motorcycle traffic laws is essential for being proactive in preventing hazards and being aware of your rights and obligations in the event of a wreck. Speaking with a qualified motorcycle accident attorney from the Law Office of David E. Gordon can give you the guidance you need. Reach out today to schedule a consultation to learn more.
Motorcyclists Must Follow All Common Rules of the Road
Motorcycle riders have the same ability to use public roads as all other travelers. This means that they have an obligation to follow all traffic laws that apply to larger motor vehicles such as cars or trucks. As a result, many of the Olive Branch motorcycle traffic laws are the same as those that apply to motorists using other means of transportation. Speed limits, rules regarding proper yielding, refraining from driving while under the influence, and prohibitions on distracted driving are common examples.
Laws that Only Apply to Motorcycles
In addition to the standard rules that apply to all motorists, state law places additional requirements on motorcycle riders. For example, Mississippi Code Annotated § 63-7-13 states that a motorcycle must have at least one but no more than two headlamps. Similarly, Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-51 requires that motorcycles have at least one operable brake as opposed to other vehicles, which must have two.
One of the more controversial motorcycle traffic laws concerns the practice of lane splitting. As the law currently stands, lane splitting, or moving to pass vehicles within one’s own lane, is illegal. This means bikers cannot pass other cars even when stopped at a red light without moving into another lane. Experienced attorney David E. Gordon can provide more information about current laws and their impact on bikers who become involved in a collision.
Potential Impact of Motorcycle Laws on Personal Injury Claims
A traffic law violation while riding a motorcycle is unlikely to result in more than the payment of a fine. However, a biker’s failure to uphold Olive Branch traffic regulations may profoundly impact a demand for compensation after sustaining injuries in a crash.
Mississippi recognizes the concept of comparative negligence to assign fault following an accident. This means that if an injured party is found to be in any way responsible for their own harm, their compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. One way to prove that another driver was to blame for a wreck is to show that they were in violation of a traffic law in the moments before the incident. This could result in at-fault driver’s attempt to escape liability by arguing that a biker was speeding, lane splitting, or otherwise disregarding safety regulations at the time of the crash.
Having competent legal representation in instances like this can mean the difference between being able to recover for one’s losses or having to walk away empty-handed.
Call to Learn About Olive Branch Motorcycle Traffic Laws
The motorcycle traffic laws in Olive Branch aim to protect the well-being of all people on the road, including bikers, pedestrians, and other travelers. Motorcyclists must follow the general traffic rules as well as special laws that control the proper maintenance and operation of their bikes. Failures to do so can increase the chances of an accident and may also limit your ability to collect fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact the Law Office of David E. Gordon today for a free consultation if you were harmed in a collision or have other questions regarding your legal rights.
