Traffic Laws for Motorcyclists In Fort Worth

It is important to follow the Texas traffic laws to prevent accidents and avoid situations beyond the individual’s level of comfort and skill. Inexperienced motorcyclists are likely to get into accidents, especially in busy traffic or when road conditions are dangerous. Motorcyclists should stay on roads with lower speed limits and less traffic. Knowing one’s limits could save their life.

Every motorcycle is different, and that is why one should always exercise extra caution. It is best to reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to learn about how the traffic laws for motorcyclists in Fort Worth could affect your case.

License Requirements for Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycle riders must obtain a Class M driver’s license to operate a motorbike on a public highway in Texas. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older and pass the basic motorcycle operator training course approved by the Department of Public Safety.

To qualify for a license, drivers must pass a written test covering motorcycles, specific traffic laws, and a road test. Established drivers with a Class A, B, or C license may present an MSB-8 completion certificate or a completion card from a course that meets the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s curriculum standards in lieu of taking the test.

What Constitutes Contributory Negligence?

In a personal injury action brought by an injured motorcyclist, the opposing motorist might raise an issue with regard to traffic laws and he biker’s own negligence. The motorcyclist’s legal recovery might be barred or reduced as a result of their contributory negligence in causing the accident. Not following the traffic laws could potentially be a negligent act on the motorcyclist.

For example, many states have regulations prohibiting or governing lane-splitting, which is a situation where two separate motorcycles drive side by side in the same lane. The State of Texas forbids this type of activity. The Texas Transportation Code mandates that individuals who are caught lane-splitting may find themselves ticketed, fined, and liable if an accident occurs.

In defining what constitutes contributory negligence, there is an important distinction between negligence contributing to the accident and negligence contributing to the injuries sustained. An act or omission that increases or adds to the extent of the injuries suffered by the motorcyclist does not itself defeat a legal recovery.

All of these concepts and systems might seem confusing, but a knowledgeable Fort Worth lawyer could help plaintiffs understand comparative negligence as it relates to motorcycle accidents and the relevant traffic laws.

Impact on a Case When the Biker Is Not at Fault

It is always best to seek the counsel of an experienced lawyer and let them determine who is at fault for the accident. Sometimes, the crash report may put the motorcycle driver at fault, but the analysis could be wrong. It is in the injured claimant’s financial and legal best interests to acquire professional assistance when dealing with the situation.

Call Out Attorneys about Traffic Laws for Motorcyclists in Fort Worth

People should stay abreast of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to keep up to date with the new laws. The Texas Department of Transportation can also help one keep abreast of any new motorcycle laws. Additionally, a knowledgeable attorney could help claimants understand the traffic laws for motorcyclists in Fort Worth. Injured motorcyclists should seek legal advice, especially is they are wrongly accused of being at fault, their insurance claim is denied, their damages exceed the limits of their insurance coverage, or they incurred severe physical injuries and associated costs as a result of the accident.

Schedule a consultation with a proactive motorcycle accident attorney today.