Lane Splitting
Motorcycles are a way of life. If you're a biker, you live for your time on your hog and all related activities. But what happens when that treasured time is shaken by an accident? What can you do? Who will you turn to for help recovering compensation?
If you've been involved in a motorcycle lane-splitting accident, you can count on only one team—Steelhorse Law—the firm with unshakeable nerves and unmatched results.
What is Lane-Splitting?
Lane-splitting is described by Forbes Advisor as being the act of a biker driving in between two rows of vehicles or lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. It's also called white lining, as it usually happens when drivers cross over white lines to weave in and out of traffic. Most commonly, this form of driving occurs when traffic is crawling at a glacial speed or is at a complete standstill.
Lane Filtering vs. Lane Sharing vs. Lane-Splitting
Some maneuvers motorcyclists make may seem similar but are very different regarding their legality. For example, lane filtering occurs when a rider moves between stopped traffic, and lane sharing happens when multiple bikers share the same lane, ride beside each other, or ride in close formation. While they're all possible due to the small size of their vehicles, two are legal in many states, while lane- splitting is illegal in most.
So, where is lane-splitting legal? Technically, only California explicitly allows it. In New Mexico, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, and New Jersey, the legality is left up to local law enforcement.
What to Know About Lane Splitting
It's your responsibility as a motorcyclist to know whether lane-splitting is legal in your state. You could face legal repercussions for doing it and are potentially putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Several risks accompany motorcycle lane-splitting like:
- Startling other drivers and causing them to swerve
- Reduced reaction time and space to avoid crashing
- Misjudging the space between vehicles and sideswiping one
- Limited visibility of other drivers
- Increased chance of a rear-end accident
- Speeding increases the chance of losing control
Collecting Compensation for Your Injuries
You have the right to compensation if you've been injured in an accident. However, choosing to participate in lane-splitting can increase how much of the accident you are liable for, limiting your compensation. That's why we strongly discourage the maneuver. Generally speaking, as a victim in a crash, you have two options when seeking compensation- filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Expenses that you stand to recover in the claim include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering (including scars and disfigurement)
- Lost tips, commissions, and bonuses
- Disability
- Lost employee benefits (paid time off and insurance coverage)
- Property damage expenses
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical therapy
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental health counseling
In some instances, depending on which state you live in, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, even if you are found to be partially responsible. However, compensation will be reduced by the same percentage (i.e., 35% responsible, you'll receive 35% less than the maximum compensation).
What to Do if You're Involved in a Lane-Splitting Accident
You might not be at fault if you're involved in an accident while performing motorcycle lane-splitting. In instances where you were forced to lane split to avoid a dangerous driver's actions, this may be the case. However, avoiding lane-splitting is recommended to minimize your legal and personal risk.
If you've been involved in a lane-splitting accident, the first thing you should do is receive medical attention. Next, call Steelhorse Law to secure legal representation and refrain from talking to any other parties regarding representation or insurance. As a bike enthusiast, the blame will most likely be attributed to you, even if it's untrue. This is where our expertise in motorcycle law will be useful. We'll work to prove that another involved party caused the accident to minimize your fault.
How a Steelhorse Attorney Can Help You
A Steelhorse Law attorney will build your case to prove another party was negligent and caused the accident. Our process involves showing that the car that hit you was changing lanes, weaving, or was distracted by various means like texting, talking on the phone, or another careless action. We'll thoroughly investigate to ensure we know exactly what happened leading up to the crash. Lane-splitting accident evidence that we will collect includes:
- Photos and videos of the scene/your injuries
- Witness statements
- Police and medical reports
- Camera footage
- Property damage analyses
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for more than just the people involved. Injuries can potentially result in missing months of work, placing a strain on the victims' families. Our team of attorneys and investigators will work diligently and aggressively to ensure the right person is found at fault for all you've suffered. We will determine fault through any means necessary.
Secure Representation from the Firm with Nerves of Steel Today
When dealing with the physical and mental implications of a motorcycle lane-splitting accident, you shouldn't also have to deal with building a case. Hire an attorney from Steelhorse Law, and we'll look at your accident's evidence, build a rock-solid case, and do our best to win you maximum compensation. We'll field calls from the insurance company and make sure everything's in order so you can rest and recover without any worries.
Contact Steelhorse Law today to set up a consultation with one of our highly skilled, experienced attorneys.
