Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Lane splitting, also known as white-lining, is a practice where motorcyclists ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While lane splitting can help riders navigate congested roads and avoid rear-end collisions, it also comes with significant risks. Many drivers are not accustomed to motorcycles passing between lanes, which can lead to dangerous accidents. If you’ve been involved in a lane splitting motorcycle accident, you need a knowledgeable lawyer on your side who understands the complexities of these cases and can fight for the compensation you deserve.

At InjuredBikerLaw.com, we specialize in representing motorcycle riders who have been injured in lane splitting accidents. Our experienced team of attorneys is committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward.

Understanding Lane Splitting: Is It Legal?

One of the most complicated aspects of lane splitting accidents is that the legality of lane splitting varies by state. In some states, lane splitting is explicitly allowed, while in others, it may be illegal or fall into a legal gray area. This creates confusion for both drivers and motorcyclists, leading to accidents and disputes over liability.16

For example, in California, lane splitting is legal under specific conditions, but in many other states, the practice is not permitted. Understanding the laws in your state is crucial when determining liability in a lane splitting accident.

Motorist Responsibility to Drive Safely

Regardless of whether lane splitting is legal in your state, drivers are required to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. This includes checking blind spots, signaling lane changes, and being aware of motorcyclists. If a driver fails to notice a motorcycle lane splitting or makes a sudden lane change without signaling, they may be held liable for causing an accident.

At InjuredBikerLaw.com, we understand the nuances of lane splitting laws and will work to build a strong case on your behalf, regardless of your state's specific regulations.

Common Causes of Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accidents

Lane splitting can be risky because drivers often fail to anticipate motorcyclists traveling between lanes. Some of the most common causes of lane splitting accidents include:

• Sudden lane changes: Drivers may change lanes without signaling or checking their blind spots, cutting off motorcyclists who are lane splitting.
• Driver inattention: Distracted drivers are less likely to notice motorcyclists lane splitting, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Road rage or aggressive driving: Some drivers may intentionally block motorcyclists from lane splitting or react aggressively, creating a hazardous situation for the rider.
• Narrow lane gaps: In tight traffic situations, the space between cars may be too narrow for safe lane splitting, leading to accidents when motorcyclists attempt to squeeze through.
• Unpredictable traffic patterns: Stop-and-go traffic can be unpredictable, with drivers accelerating or braking suddenly, making it difficult for motorcyclists to safely navigate between lanes.

Common Injuries in Lane Splitting Accidents

Motorcycle accidents that occur during lane splitting can result in severe injuries, particularly because the rider may be struck by vehicles on either side or thrown from the bike. Some of the most common injuries in these types of accidents include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Even when wearing a helmet, motorcyclists can sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from a collision or fall.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A crash during lane splitting can cause serious damage to the spine, potentially leading to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a collision can cause motorcyclists to suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and other fractures.
• Road Rash: When a rider is thrown from their motorcycle and slides across the pavement, they may experience severe skin abrasions and lacerations known as road rash.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to organs are also common in serious motorcycle accidents and can be life-threatening.

These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. If you’ve been injured in a lane splitting accident, it’s essential to work with an attorney who can help you recover the full compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Who is at Fault in a Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident?

Proving Liability

Determining fault in a lane splitting accident can be challenging, particularly in states where lane splitting is not clearly legal or illegal. Insurance companies may argue that the motorcyclist was engaging in unsafe or illegal behavior by lane splitting, while the rider may contend that the driver failed to operate their vehicle safely. At InjuredBikerLaw.com, we will thoroughly investigate your case to determine who was at fault for the accident.

We’ll gather evidence such as:

• Police reports: These reports often provide important details about how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.
• Witness statements: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident can offer valuable testimony to support your case.
• Traffic camera footage: If available, video footage can help establish the sequence of events leading to the accident.
• Accident reconstruction experts: In complex cases, we may work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash and determine who was responsible.

Comparative Negligence

In many cases, both the motorcyclist and the driver may share some degree of fault for the accident. This is known as comparative negligence. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by 20%.

At InjuredBikerLaw.com, we have experience handling lane splitting cases and will fight to ensure that you are not unfairly blamed for an accident caused by a negligent driver.

How InjuredBikerLaw.com Can Help You

Specialized Knowledge of Motorcycle Accident Laws

Motorcycle accidents, especially those involving lane splitting, require a deep understanding of specific motorcycle laws and the challenges motorcyclists face on the road. At InjuredBikerLaw.com, we focus exclusively on representing motorcyclists, giving us the expertise needed to handle these complex cases. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims and will work to build a strong case on your behalf.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Lane splitting accidents can result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. Our team of experienced attorneys will fight to secure the maximum compensation for:

• Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical costs such as surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll pursue compensation for lost income and reduced earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: We’ll seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: We’ll help you recover compensation for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle.

Handling Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out in motorcycle accident claims. They may argue that lane splitting was unsafe or illegal in your case. At InjuredBikerLaw.com, we’ll handle all communications with the insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that your rights are protected.

Contact InjuredBikerLaw.com for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a lane splitting motorcycle accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. The team at InjuredBikerLaw.com is here to help. We offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options. With no upfront fees and no payment unless we win your case, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights. Contact us today by phone or fill out our online form to get started.