Motorcycle Safety Courses Can Decrease WV Accident Rates
A West Virginia motorcycle safety course is helping to decrease accident rates statewide, according to a recent article on the News and Sentinel.com. On May 19, 2010, the news outlet reported that a non-profit motorcycle safety and training course called The West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program is offering free weekend classes for beginners and experienced riders from now until October.
Funded by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the program includes classes such as a Basic Rider Course and an Experienced Rider Course. Each class is taught at one of seven sites throughout the state, including a 24,200 square-foot outdoor site on the campus of West Virginia University at Parkersburg.
Motorcycle drivers will learn safety techniques, riding skills and defensive driving methods through a combination of outdoor drills, exercises and indoor classroom work. Courses are taught either over one day (Experienced Course) or over the course of two days (Basic Course), and always over the weekend.
Those who complete the coursework will receive completion cards. These cards can then be used at the DMV in order to waive the mandatory skills test required to obtain a motorcycle license.
The need to reduce motorcycle accidents in West Virginia is being addressed by not only the DMV, but also by the staff at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, who actually developed the curriculum for both courses. The foundation has been around for more than three decades and is committed to reducing the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in the state every year.
Even with efforts like this, sadly, accidents still happen. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a West Virginia personal injury lawyer to help you fight for your rights.
Key Legal Takeaways & Summary
Essential West Virginia Legal Principles Established in This Case:
- •This analysis of "Motorcycle Safety Courses Can Decrease WV Accident Rates" highlights the essential legal protections and obligations established under West Virginia civil and statutory law.
- •Under West Virginia's modified comparative negligence framework (W. Va. Code § 55-7-13a), an injured motorist may recover damages provided their degree of fault does not exceed 50%.
- •Preserving physical evidence—including vehicle electronic data recorder (EDR) logs, witness statements, and accident reconstruction data—is vital immediately following a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and legal analysis regarding claims under West Virginia law:
What steps should I take immediately after a motor vehicle accident in West Virginia?
Seek prompt medical attention, ensure law enforcement completes an official crash investigation report, document scene photographs, and avoid providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters before consulting counsel.
How does comparative fault affect car accident settlements in West Virginia?
West Virginia follows the 51% bar rule: if a driver is determined to be 20% at fault, their total damages are reduced by 20%. If they are found 51% or more responsible, recovery is completely barred.
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