In Pueblo, traffic laws apply to motorcyclists in the same way they apply to other drivers using public roads. The only laws that are specific to motorcyclists are regulations that are exclusive to the operation of a motorcycle, such as helmet laws and helmet endorsements.
Otherwise, all the same regulations regarding traffic patterns, traffic lights, yielding, and other driving behaviors apply equally to motorcycles and other motor vehicles on the roads. However, knowing the specific laws applicable to motorcyclists, as well as how to abide by universal traffic laws while riding, can be important to mitigate the risk of a serious accident.
The most important reason a motorcyclist should follow traffic laws in Pueblo is that motorcycles are harder to see than the typical commuter car. Because of this, motorcyclists need to make sure they do not ride where other drivers may not be able to see them or engage in risky behaviors with the same result. For example, motorcyclists should not drive between lanes, or lane-split, to pass multiple vehicles at once.
That being said, while driving safely and maintaining visibility is a good decision for a motorcyclist in terms of their health and safety, being extra careful is not specifically required of motorcyclists by law. Traffic officers in Pueblo enforce traffic infractions against motorcyclists in the same way they enforce other traffic infractions against drivers on public streets.
In Colorado, when someone is partially at fault for an accident, the degree to which they are at fault may reduce their damages regardless of whether they were driving a car, motorcycle, or truck. Therefore, if someone is 25 percent at fault for an accident, they may only recover 75 percent of their total damages.
However, it is important to note that under state law, a plaintiff’s damages are only reduced down to 50 percent. If a plaintiff is 50 percent at fault or more, they cannot get any compensation at all.
Because of this, insurance companies can be aggressive at assigning fault to injured claimants in an attempt to reduce the amount they have to pay. For instance, if someone riding a motorcycle drives through an intersection and a driver turns left in front of them and hits them, the insurance company of the at-fault driver may claim that the motorcyclist should have seen the vehicle coming, or that they went through the intersection too fast. Their objective is to pay the motorcyclist as little money as possible, which is why representation from a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer is helpful.
When a traffic law that applies to the operation of a motorcycle changes, local law enforcement is not required to announce the changes. A motorcyclist should know the law when they are operating a motor vehicle in Colorado.
People in Pueblo looking to keep up to date on new motorcycle laws that could impact them can check for changes in the law through the Colorado Secretary of State’s website or the state government’s website. News outlets and media are other good sources to utilize.
One of the best ways for a motorcyclist in Pueblo to avoid complicating their accident claim is to follow all applicable traffic laws. While wearing a helmet is not required by law, adhering to all the same rules as normal drivers most certainly are.
Knowing what rules apply to you as a motorcyclist can both help you avoid accidents and, if one does occur, give you a stronger case for compensation. Get in touch with a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer if you have any questions about which rules and regulations may be relevant to you or your case.
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Springs Law Group is an amazing group to work with! I got into a rough accident, and they never ceased to let me know they were there working hard to help me in my hour of need. It was always very easy to reach out to someone if I had any questions, and they were always happy to answer any questions I had.
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