What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is considered a noncriminal traffic violation in Florida, yet it’s a common practice that motorcyclists and even bicyclists engage in. Although it may appear harmless, it can lead to various accidents. But what is lane splitting?
Here is what you need to know about lane splitting from the seasoned team at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in Ocala, FL. If you’ve been involved in an accident, reach out to our attorneys for a free consultation at (352) 351-3258. We have 100 years of combined experience and have secured hundreds of millions for our clients.
How Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, Can Help After a Lane Splitting Accident in Ocala, FL
After a lane-splitting accident in Ocala, Florida, it’s vital to contact a reliable motor vehicle accident lawyer. At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers our award-winning Ocala motorcycle accident lawyers are qualified to help you every step of the way.
When you turn to our team, we can provide the following:
- Preliminary legal advice during a free consultation
- Gathering of evidence to prove your claim
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Representation in court if the case goes to trial
You deserve to have people on your side ready to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. With tenacity and compassion, we are well-equipped to help you through the difficult aftermath of a lane-splitting accident. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in Ocala, Florida, to schedule your consultation today.
Understanding Lane Splitting in Ocala, FL
Lane splitting refers to a motorcycle weaving in and out of lanes of slow or stopped traffic, or between adjacent rows of vehicles traveling in the same direction.
In most states, lane splitting is illegal, and Florida is no different. Florida law allows motorcycles to use full lanes of traffic, meaning no vehicle can force them out of the lane, and it allows two motorcycles to share a lane.
It’s common to see lane splitting during high traffic congestion, with many motorcyclists claiming it can be more efficient and safer for them. Still, there are many dangers associated with lane splitting.
For example, cars and other vehicles don’t expect to see motorcycles between lanes of traffic, so they may not spot them in time to avoid a collision. Cars also have blind spots that could completely hide the bike.
If a collision does occur, lane splitting can leave motorcyclists trapped between cars, potentially leading to life-threatening injuries.
Contributory Fault in a Florida Lane-Splitting Accident
Most people assume that because Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to traffic accidents, establishing fault isn’t so crucial. In fact, Florida’s modified comparative negligence statute makes it vital that you prove who was at fault if you’re eligible to file a claim against the driver responsible for your crash (and recover more compensation than what your insurance can offer).
Under this statute, you’re able to recover damages from your insurance company as long as your percentage of fault is no higher than 50%.
In accidents involving lane splitting, the person who committed the lane splitting will usually be at least partly to blame, but they may not bear all of the blame. For instance, if a driver hits a lane-splitting motorcycle because they didn’t check their mirrors, the driver is partly at fault.
Having a skilled motorcycle and car accident lawyer on your side is vital because your degree of fault is essential in determining what you can recover.
Step To Take After an Ocala Lane-Splitting Accident
If you’ve been involved in a lane-splitting accident, you first need to check yourself for visible injuries. It’s always a good idea to contact emergency services so that they can come to the scene. Even if you don’t feel pain or notice injuries, you will want a medical professional to evaluate you. Often, adrenaline can mask injuries.
You want to contact the police, too. This helps ensure that you adhere to the law and that there’s a record of the accident that your lawyer can use when filing a claim.
If you’re well enough to do so, gather evidence of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicles, the road condition, your injuries, and anything else that might make a difference in proving fault. If there are eyewitnesses, get their contact information, too.
You then want to reach out to a personal injury lawyer experienced with lane-splitting accidents. It’s necessary to have representation in these types of claims because of the complexities of Florida law.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Ocala, FL, Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Going through a lane-splitting accident can mean dealing with serious injuries, property damage, and other losses. By turning to a motorcycle accident lawyer, you can get the qualified help you need to file a claim and get compensation.
At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in Ocala, Florida, we take pride in providing trusted legal guidance and resources to our community. With free consultations and a team that works on a contingency fee basis, we strive to ensure you get the help you deserve. Contact our Ocala motorcycle accident attorneys today.
