WHEELING MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Did you know that most motorcycle accidents occur when riders are on a short ride of 5 miles or less and when motorcycle riders are going less than 30mph? 2017 reports show that there were 26 motorcycle fatalities in West Virginia, which was slightly down from 28 motorcycle fatalities in 2016. Our Wheeling motorcycle accident attorneys have helped many clients secure compensation for injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and we understand how devastating these injuries can be. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to schedule a consultation.

WEST VIRGINIA MOTORCYCLE LAWS

In an effort to keep our motorcyclist clients safe on the roads, our motorcycle accident attorneys want to remind you of the importance of following West Virginia motorcycle laws including these listed below:

• Lane splitting, where motorcycles drive between two lanes of traffic in traffic backups, is not allowed.
• Two riders may ride side by side in a lane if it is not dangerous for the traffic and road conditions at the time.
• Helmets are required for drivers and passengers with no exceptions.
• Passengers may only ride on bikes designated for two people.
• You must have a motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle on West Virginia roads. Specific written and driving tests must be passed in order to get your motorcycle license or endorsement with additional requirements for those under 18 years old.
• West Virginia has laws that require shatter resistant protective eyewear and windscreens/windshields must also be shatter-resistant.

WEST VIRGINIA MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS

Because of their vulnerability in accidents, motorcyclists, more than other motor vehicle drivers on the road, must practice extreme caution and defensive driving. We have seen many types of motorcycle accidents and injuries in our practice and we have learned that motorcycle accidents can be avoided and injuries can be lessened in many cases by following these safety tips provided in the West Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual:

Be visible – Between clothing, motorcycle lights, and lane position, you can make yourself visible to drivers who may not otherwise be aware of you.

Communicate to others on the road – Let others on the road know where you are going and what you are doing by using turn signals, proper brake light, and lane position.

Crash avoidance – Stay alert and carry out crash-avoidance skills.

Maintain adequate space cushion – Maintain adequate space in front of you, behind you, and on both sides to avoid collisions with other vehicles operating or parked on the road.

Look ahead – Keep your eyes scanning 12 seconds ahead of you so that you can identify dangers ahead and you are able to act accordingly.

Of course, you cannot avoid all motorcycle accidents, especially those caused by someone else’s fault, but it is important to ride as safely as possible. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact a Wheeling motorcycle accident attorney so that we may review the facts of your case and understand the extent of your injuries. We want to be sure that you receive compensation for the totality of your injuries and damages such as property damage, medical bills, future medical bills, loss of income, pain, and suffering.