Anyone who has operated or even been a passenger on a motorcycle can tell you that riding on two wheels is very different from driving on four or more. However, despite the unique experience of riding a motorcycle, it is not treated much differently from driving a standard motor vehicle under the traffic laws that apply in Iberville Parish and throughout Louisiana.
That said, there are specific motorcycle traffic laws in Iberville Parish that are worth highlighting, as they can play a significant role in determining who is legally at fault in a motorcycle accident. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, even after following all applicable rules, a motorcycle injury attorney from Tomeny | Best could help you pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injuries.
Basic Rules for Motorcycle Operation
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:191.1, motorcyclists have the same right to the full use of a traffic lane as any driver of a standard vehicle. This means that when a motorcyclist is riding near other traffic, they are entitled to occupy the same amount of space on the road as a car. If another driver intrudes into that space and causes a collision, they have violated the motorcyclist’s rights.
However, motorcyclists are also expected to follow the same traffic laws as drivers of other vehicles in Plaquemine. For example, when overtaking another vehicle, a motorcyclist must move fully into an adjacent lane and stay in that lane until they have safely passed the vehicle ahead. They are not permitted to pass within the same traffic lane, even if there is technically enough space to do so.
What Are Motorcyclists Allowed to Do That Other Drivers Cannot?
In some states, motorcyclists are allowed to engage in lane splitting, which means riding between lanes of traffic to move ahead during stoplights or traffic jams. However, in Louisiana, lane splitting is prohibited for all motorcyclists under any circumstances. The only exceptions to this rule are for police officers on motorcycles who are performing their official duties.
One unique right motorcyclists have in Iberville Parish is the ability to ride two abreast in a single lane of traffic. This allows two riders to occupy the same lane side by side. However, three or more motorcyclists riding next to each other within the same lane is a violation of the law and could result in all riders being stopped and ticketed by law enforcement.
How Motorcycle Traffic Laws Impact Civil Claims
Even when motorcyclists follow every traffic law, it does not always protect them from the negligence of other drivers. In fact, many motorcycle crashes occur because other drivers fail to respect a motorcyclist’s right to the road or do not see them at all. In these situations, determining who is at fault can be complicated, especially when traffic laws specific to motorcyclists in Plaquemine are involved.
A lawyer from Tomeny | Best could provide critical guidance in these situations, helping to shape a claim based on the circumstances of the crash. Whether the other driver failed to yield, intruded on your lane, or was otherwise negligent, we could work with you to hold them accountable and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
An Iberville Parish Attorney Can Answer Questions About Motorcycle Traffic Laws
Unfortunately, staying firmly within the boundaries of Iberville Parish motorcycle traffic laws can only do so much to protect you from the negligence of other drivers around you.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, the team at Tomeny | Best is here to help. We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and are committed to helping you pursue compensation for your injuries. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
