Traffic laws are an important factor in any vehicle accident case. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, motorcycle-specific laws could affect your opportunities for compensation. Albuquerque motorcycle traffic laws and how they interact with your legal claim can be complicated. Working with a motorcycle accident attorney will make the process as smooth as possible and help you get the best outcome for your situation.
Motorcyclists in Albuquerque are required to follow all of the same traffic laws as other drivers, including speed limits and right of way at intersections. Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, there are also some motorcycle-specific laws they need to obey. For example, lane splitting is not allowed in New Mexico. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow or stopped cars. Some advocates recommend this as a way to reduce the risk of rear-end accidents and heat exposure on hot, sunny days. However, lane splitting is illegal even when traffic is slow or stopped.
Lane sharing, which is when two motorcyclists ride side by side in the same lane, is allowed as long as both riders agree to share the space. The state also requires riders to wear eye protection if their motorcycle does not have a windshield. Riders under 18 need to wear a helmet, but helmets are optional for those 18 and older.
To sue another driver for an accident, the injured person needs to prove that the other person was negligent. This means that they had a duty to behave a certain way, failed to do so, and this caused the other person’s injury. Drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws, so motorcycle accident cases are often based on a violation of these laws for one or both parties. For example, if a motorcyclist has the right of way at an intersection and a car driver does not yield and causes a crash, the car driver would probably be considered negligent.
Violating Albuquerque motorcycle traffic laws could affect a legal case. If a motorcyclist hits a car while splitting lanes, they would likely be found negligent. In many accidents, both parties are negligent to some degree. When this happens, state law still allows the injured person to receive compensation. However, the compensation is reduced based on the amount of responsibility. For example, if the motorcyclist was considered 40 percent responsible and the court awarded $50,000 in damages, the motorcyclist would receive $30,000. On the other hand, following motorcycle traffic laws can be evidence that a motorcyclist was not negligent. This can help the motorcyclist’s injury claim.
Motorcycles are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but they provide less protection than cars in case of an accident. If you are injured in a motorcycle crash and someone else is responsible, you may be able to file a lawsuit. An accident lawyer can help you understand how Albuquerque motorcycle traffic laws might affect your case. Get in touch with New Mexico Accident Firm to discuss your situation today.
