Lane changing accidents are becoming more prevalent. And the number of such incidents is rising at a rapid pace. As of 2021, only a few states (Montana, Hawaii, California, and Utah) have legalized some form of lane sharing in the United States. However, in all other states, lane splitting is still not legalized. In all other states, lane splitting is still a banned practice.
Lane splitting refers to the act of a motorcycle rider driving between two lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic, usually in heavy traffic. A fatal accident or an accident with severe injuries could easily occur if a driver is not careful while lane splitting.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you can take legal guidance. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio can help you gather all the evidence and build a strong case to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common causes of Lane Splitting Accidents
There are many reasons why lane splitting accidents occur. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Speeding Drivers: A common cause of lane splitting accidents is speeding drivers. When a driver is speeding and weaving through cars with their motorcycles at high speed, they could easily lose control and crash. It can lead to dangerous and even fatal consequences.
- Reckless Drivers: Reckless drivers are also a common cause of lane splitting accidents. We often see that when drivers get angry or frustrated, they drive their motorcycles recklessly weaving through carelessly. This could easily lead to an accident. When a driver is not following the rules of the road, they are more likely to make mistakes that could cause an accident.
- Intoxicated Drivers: Intoxicated drivers are also a common cause of lane splitting accidents. When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to make mistakes that could cause an accident. If drivers are impaired while lane splitting, they could easily crash into another vehicle because they are not able to make sound decisions.
- Inclement Weather Conditions: Weather conditions are also a common cause of lane splitting accidents. When the weather is bad, drivers are more likely to make mistakes that could cause an accident.
Inexperience or Lack of Control & Balance: Many motorcycle riders who are inexperienced or lack control & balance while lane splitting, they could easily lose control and crash. If a rider is not experienced in lane splitting, they should not do it.
There are many other possible causes of lane splitting accidents. If you have been in a lane splitting accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
Who is liable in a Lane Splitting Accident?
The first thing that needs to be determined is who is at fault in the accident. If a motorcyclist was lane splitting and crashed into another vehicle, the motorcyclist would likely be at fault. However, if a car driver was speeding and collided with a motorcyclist who was lane splitting, the car driver would likely be at fault.
It is important to note that even if a motorcyclist is found to be at fault in a lane splitting accident, the motorcyclist may still be able to recover damages from the other driver if the other driver was also at fault. This is because of the doctrine of contributory negligence. Under this doctrine, even if a plaintiff is found to be partially at fault in an accident, the plaintiff can still recover damages from the defendant if the defendant is found to be more at fault than the plaintiff.
Not every state allows lane splitting, so it can be difficult to prove who is at fault. If you have been in a lane splitting accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
Safety measures that need to be taken while Lane Splitting
If you are riding a motorcycle and going to lane split, make sure that it is legal in your state and not prohibited. This way, you can protect yourself and avoid any unpleasant accidents. Also, you should always make sure that you understand the traffic conditions before speeding and changing lanes.
Following are some of the safety measures that you should take while lane splitting:
- Look out for blind spots– When you are riding in between two vehicles, always be aware of the blind spots. If a vehicle changes lanes without signaling, it could easily collide with you.
- Use your signals– When you are changing lanes, always use your signals. This way, you can let the other drivers know what you are doing and avoid any accidents.
- Be visible– When you are lane splitting, make sure that you are visible to the other drivers. You should wear bright clothing and use your headlights.
- Follow the rules of the road– When you are lane splitting, make sure that you follow all the rules of the road. This includes obeying the speed limit and not riding in between two vehicles that are stopped at a red light.
Lane splitting can be dangerous, but if you take the proper safety measures, you can avoid any accidents. In addition, you should always wear a helmet and other safety gear when you are riding a motorcycle. This can help protect you in the event of an accident.
If you have been in a lane splitting accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. You may be entitled to recover damages for your injuries.
