Accident Near E Street When Motorist Strikes Lane Splitting Motorcyclist
A lane-splitting accident occurred on the Capital City Freeway in Sacramento recently when the motorcyclist was struck by a pickup. The police report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said a minor injury was reported in the 9:00 a.m. incident, which occurred on northbound S.R. 51 just north of the E Street on-ramp. It occurred when the motorcyclist was struck by a GMC Sierra pickup, which left the rider down and against the center divider.
Minor Injuries Reported in Lane Splitting Freeway Accident
Emergency personnel with the Sacramento Fire Department determined the rider hadn’t suffered any serious injuries in the accident. The driver of the pickup remained at the scene, pulling off at the Expo on-ramp. The accident is being investigated to determine how it occurred and to assign fault.
What is Lane Splitting?
Motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting ride their motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. This allows the rider to save time as he or she is moving through congested traffic. This type of motorcycling comes with risks. For instance, if a vehicle in an adjacent spot decides to change lanes, the motorcyclist would have no escape route.
Other safety concerns exist when the motorcyclist lane splits next to a truck or tractor-trailer. The truck driver is likely to be unaware the motorcyclist is present due to the no-zones. A motorcyclist should make every effort to avoid lane splitting in this situation.
Safety Enhancements Due to Lane Splitting
One of the deadliest situations occurs when a motorcyclist is rear-ended by a passenger vehicle or a truck. According to studies, lane splitting helps alleviate that problem. Claims by the United States Department of Transportation show that rear-end collisions with a motorcycle are roughly 30 percent lower in California than they are in Florida or Texas. Some believe that lane splitting is responsible for road rage as driver frustration on busy highways mounts as they witness motorcyclists lane splitting.
Insurance Issues
When a lane-splitting motorcyclist has an accident, insurance companies are prone to blame it on lane split even if the other party was at fault. To prove the accident was due to another person who was acting in a negligent manner, an injury lawyer can be of considerable assistance.
Other Dangers Motorcyclists Face Every Day
The following present dangers to a motorcyclist:
- Gravel: This substance makes it difficult for a motorcycle to stay the course by interfering with the tire’s grip on the road. Sometimes trying to recover is the most dangerous phase.
- Sudden stops: In order to effectively stop without much notice means the motorcyclist will need to use the front brakes, which control 70 percent of the bike’s stopping power. This can cause the front wheel to lock and eject the rider.
- Intersection turns: All too often, a vehicle making a left-hand turn in an intersection fails to see a motorcyclist alongside them.
- Dooring: This is a major problem in urban areas. This also happens when motorists, unhappy with lane splitting, open their doors when traffic is at a standstill.
- Rear-ending: This occurs mainly at intersections where a distracted driver crashes into the rear of a motorcycle. Since bikes lack crumple zones, the rider is at risk for serious injuries. Being hit in the rear also happens when traffic slows on major roadways.
- Changing lanes: Motorists often change lanes without looking. For a motorcyclist, this can cause critical injuries.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If a motorcyclist suffered serious injuries due to the actions of a negligent motorist, I am here to help you. My investigators will make every effort to locate evidence that points to liability using accident reconstruction, and my legal team will use this to build a strong case in your favor.
Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 to schedule a free, no-obligation case review. You will be able to ask questions and get answers about your case. We will also provide you with your options moving forward. You can contact us online for free and friendly advice.
I’ve worked for numerous clients over the years in all types of car accidents, pedestrian injuries, and wrongful death cases, in addition to motorcycle traffic accidents. Our focus is to obtain the compensation our clients deserve and to protect their rights.
Learn about my practice by using the links below:
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Photo attribution: Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay
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