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Driving, in general, offers a great deal of freedom to most. But motorcycles add even more freedom and excitement to the road. However, others often give motorcycles and their riders a bad reputation, which can make accidents involving them a little more complicated. With the help of a motorcycle accident attorney, you can sort through the complications and get the compensation you deserve. It’s easy for most car drivers to try and pin any accidents on a motorcyclist’s actions, but that doesn’t mean you have to give in or own up to their mistakes.
Specific Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents for many reasons, but chief among them are the specific laws that motorcyclists have to follow. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, if you were breaking these laws, you may not be able to receive compensation for injury or property damage. There are three main laws that can affect accidents and their rulings.
Helmets
Riders over the age of 21 are not legally required to wear a helmet. However, they must have proof that they have completed a motorcycle safety course. Riders under the age of 21 are legally required to wear a helmet regardless of any safety courses taken.
Lane Splitting
Texas law does not allow riders to drive between lanes to pass vehicles. Even if a car changes lanes without using an indicator, if a rider was lane-splitting when hit, the driver of the vehicle would not be liable for compensation.
Insurance
Operating any vehicle in Texas requires some level of insurance, but for motorcyclists, it’s a bit more specific. All motorcyclists must follow the 30/60/25 coverage rule. This means that you must have a minimum of:
- $30,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Failure to have proper insurance can greatly affect whether or not you can receive compensation.
A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help with Determining Fault
Because drivers and insurance companies see motorcyclists as naturally reckless or dangerous, it can be difficult to determine and prove fault in an accident. But your motorcycle accident attorney can help. Evidence to help prove fault can include:
- Witness testimony
- Photos or video of the accident (such as a dash cam)
- Reports or statements from repair shops (if the culprit was a faulty machine part on the motorcycle)
Proving the responsibility for the accident, and thus the financial compensation, falls on someone else can be tricky. But you deserve the right to get the compensation to which you’re entitled.
Get a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured or suffered property damage after an accident, don’t try to fight the insurance company alone. As a qualified motorcycle accident attorney, Attorney Vickery is here to help. With his years of experience, Attorney Vickery has all the know-how about motorcycle accidents that you need to get the compensation you deserve. To get started on submitting your insurance claims or preparing a lawsuit, call the Vickery Law Firm today at (903) 504-5490.
