Virginia Beach motorcycle traffic laws exist for the safety of riders, their passengers, and others with whom they share the road. Violations of motorcycle traffic laws can have a major impact on civil claims for personal injury following an accident. The Law Office of Carlton Bennett has 50 years of combined experience litigating personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents. Learn more about the motorcycle traffic laws that could impact compensation in a case and how our dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys can pursue compensation on a client’s behalf.
Virginia Code Sections 46.2-909 to 46.2-916 outline additional regulations specific to motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles, such as mopeds. Riders must comply with these motorcycle laws when operating a motorcycle in Virginia Beach. Key regulations under these sections include:
The state also requires motorcycles to have headlights, horns, and rearview mirrors for riders to legally operate on public highways.
Riders who violate motorcycle traffic laws and cause an accident in Virginia Beach are liable for injuries to others. This liability also applies when reckless riding leads to an accident, even if the motorcycle is not directly involved. For example, motorcyclists who pass vehicles between lanes or fail to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic endanger others and may face legal consequences. The damages an injured party can claim depend on the severity of the injury and personal circumstances. Common recoverable damages include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and other losses.
Conversely, an injured motorcyclist may not be able to recover compensation against others if their negligence in violating a Virginia Beach motorcycle traffic law caused their injury. The state’s strict contributory negligence rule prevents compensation for any party found even partially at fault, regardless of the percentage. Disputes over fault often complicate motorcycle accident cases. Following motorcycle traffic laws helps reduce the risk of contributory negligence claims in a personal injury case.
If you have questions about how Virginia Beach motorcycle traffic laws may impact your case, our attorneys are available to help. The Law Office of Carlton Bennett has significant experience representing clients in motorcycle accident cases involving violations of traffic laws. For example, the firm recovered $3.75 million in a wrongful death case of a motorcyclist killed in an accident on Interstate 64 in 2016. Read more about our strong history of recovering compensation for injured parties and their families, and schedule a free case review with our office today.