Traffic laws are applicable to anyone sharing the road, but there are special laws in place for individual types of transportation. You can’t “split the lane” while driving a car, but some states allow a motorcyclist to do so. Bicycles are required to follow basic safety laws, but there are some things they’re allowed to do. If your road rights have been infringed upon, causing an accident, Hinkle Law Offices, LLC. can help you.
According to the New Mexico Driver’s Manual, bikes are considered vehicles in that cyclists on the road have the same rights and responsibilities as car drivers. Motor vehicles are required to:
Keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist and only doing so when it is safe and legal.
Provide the cyclist with extra time and space to merge or use turn lanes
Treat the bicycle like a legal, slow-moving vehicleCyclists are required to follow regular traffic laws, but they are legally allowed to ride in the center of a lane. Only minors are required by law to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, but adults are encouraged to do so.
A person on a bicycle has as much right to use the lane of public roads as a car driver does, and other drivers have the legal responsibility of being cautious when driving near bicycles. Abruptly turning, accelerating, opening doors without warning—all of these are things that can injure or kill a cyclist.
If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a driver failing to recognize your rights to the road, Hinkle Law Offices, LLC. can help. Most accidents involving a car and a bicycle cause injury, if not death, and those injuries can cost over $50,000. That’s nearly all of the yearly income for the average American family. No one should have to pay for someone else’s mistake. Contact us today and we’ll help you get the compensation you deserve.
