What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is illegal in Florida, yet it’s a factor those driving in the state still have to deal with. Motorcycles riding between two lanes of traffic, especially during high-traffic hours, puts everyone on the road at risk, making rear-end collisions and property damage like broken side mirrors more likely.
If you’ve been involved in a crash involving lane splitting, turning to experienced accident lawyers can help you get compensation for any property damage or injuries you sustained. At Allen Law Firm, P.A. in Gainesville, Florida, we’re ready to offer guidance and answer questions like, “What is lane splitting?”
Contact us today in Gainesville, FL. at (877) 255-3652 to set up a free consultation and learn about your legal options.
How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help After a Lane Splitting Accident in Gainesville, FL
At Allen Law Firm, P.A. in Gainesville, Florida, we’re here to fight for your rights after a car, motorcycle, or any other type of motor vehicle accident. Our group of Gainesville personal injury lawyers has over a century of combined experience providing representation for those who have been wrongly injured, and we are ready to help you.
When you turn to Allen Law Firm, P.A., the lawyers representing your case provide many services, including:
- Evidence-gathering to prove negligence
- Communicating with the at-fault party’s insurer
- Organizing your medical records and bills
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurer
- Representing you at trial if needed
Our lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including winning thousands of insurance limit cases that were paid either through settlements or trials. Contact our personal injury law firm today to set up a free case review.
How Common Is Lane Splitting?
Although lane splitting is illegal in Florida, it occurs every day. Florida is the state with the second-highest number of registered motorcycles in the country. Each year in Florida, there are an average of 8,200 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 500 fatalities.
Out of those who engage in lane splitting during rush hour, 14.9% were hit by another vehicle or hit one themselves. Up to 69% of all motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting exceed the speed of the rest of traffic by 15 mph. The risk of having an accident involving someone who is lane splitting increases if their speed is above that of the surrounding traffic.
Overview of Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, which occurs mostly when there’s congestion on the road. This is a potentially dangerous practice that is illegal in Florida and can put the lives of motorcyclists and other people on the road at risk.
Many times, cars can’t see motorcyclists swerving through the lanes, and there are many blind spots a motorcyclist may not be able to avoid, even if taking precautions. This can lead to a car making a lane change, not seeing the motorcycle, and hitting it.
A motorcyclist lane splitting is more likely to rear-end a car than to be rear-ended. They often suffer injuries with the severity depending on the speed of the motorcycle and the vehicle they collide with. The road conditions also contribute to the dangers of lane splitting, making it more likely for motorcycles to slide out of control.
Some common injuries motorcyclists can sustain when lane splitting include:
- Broken wrists
- Lacerations
- Broken arms or legs
- Blunt force trauma
- Broken ribs
- Traumatic brain injury
Drivers in the surrounding cars are also in danger from lane splitting. Suddenly braking to avoid a motorcycle can lead to whiplash injuries, as well as sprains and strains. More serious injuries can occur at higher speeds or if the road conditions make it easier to lose control of the car when it collides with the motorcycle.
When you’re considering a case involving lane splitting, looking at all of the factors is vital to know who was at fault.
Lane-splitting accidents, for example, often occur when a car is turning left. Even if the motorcycle was involved in lane splitting at the time, the majority of vehicle drivers making the left-hand turn would be at fault. That is why having a lawyer helping you is vital.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted Gainesville Accident Attorney
Accidents involving lane splitting in Gainesville, Florida, are complex, especially when dealing with serious injuries or property damage. If you were not at fault, you may be able to get compensation.
At Allen Law Firm, P.A., we offer the chance to get help paying for medical bills, repair bills, and more. Contact us today if you were involved in a car or motorcycle accident in Gainesville, FL.
