How to Practice Lane Splitting Safely
I’m Ed Smith, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento. Lane splitting, filtering, white lining or lane sharing are all terms used in California when a motorcyclist rides between the lanes of traffic. California is the only state that allows this practice. However, the question remains of how to lane split safely.
Lane Splitting by Motorcycles in California
Under California Assembly Bill 51, which was approved and filed in August 2016, lane splitting was defined. The bill also authorized the development of guidelines by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for the safety of both motorcycle riders and those in other vehicles who are sharing the roadway. While the CHP did publish some guidelines, they have since been removed. Representatives of the CHP reported that they intend to work in conjunction with different organizations for motorcycles to help define safe and unsafe behaviors while lane splitting.
Recommendations on Lane Splitting
Guidelines published under the California Motorcycle Safety Program included the following:
- Only practice lane splitting between the first and second lanes.
- Avoid lane splitting near exits and on-ramps.
- Do not attempt lane splitting at toll booths.
- Do not attempt lane splitting between two wide vehicles such as buses.
- Do not travel over 10 mph above the traffic speed.
- Consider weather, lighting, traffic and other factors when lane splitting to avoid dangers.
- Stay alert and watch the movements of other drivers for lane changing, slowdowns and distracted drivers.
- Never drink and ride a motorcycle while impaired.
- Do not lane split when traffic is moving faster than 30 mph. Higher speeds increase the severity of injuries in a crash.
Proving Fault in a Lane Splitting Accident
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in traumatic injuries. This is because of the lack of protection afforded a motorcycle rider, particularly when involved in a collision with a larger, heavier vehicle. An experienced injury lawyer can assist by examining the evidence in a collision and conducting an investigation to build a strong case for fair compensation. Seasoned injury lawyers have a wide range of techniques to build a case, from using accident reconstruction and using witness accounts and police records, among other things. While financial compensation does not make up for a motorcycle rider’s injuries, it does help remove financial worry. Areas that are covered that can be reimbursed include medical expenses, lost wages and other costs associated with the crash.
Comparative Negligence
Even if the motorcyclist is partly at fault, California is a comparative negligence state under California Civil Code 1714(a). This means that each individual involved in a crash is responsible for that portion of the accident they caused. For example, if an injured person is found to be responsible for 20 percent of an accident, he or she would still be able to collect 80 percent of an award.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento. Motorcycle accidents can have tragic consequences that cause terrible injuries or result in the death of a loved one. If you have suffered an injury through the negligent actions of another, please give me a call at , for free and friendly advice. Outside the Sacramento area, call (800) 404-5400.
Checking reviews of a legal practice before phoning is a good idea. You can find reviews of mine at Avvo, Google and Yelp. You are welcome to look over some of our prior cases and their results at the Verdicts and Settlements page, located on my website.
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Since 1982, I have served the residents of Sacramento and Northern California to obtain compensation for catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries, in wrongful death cases and in other types of personal injuries.
Photo Attribution: By SplitShire via Pixabay
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