Lane splitting is illegal in Pennsylvania. This means that motorcyclists are not permitted to weave between traffic lanes while the other vehicles are moving or stationary. Lane splitting in Pennsylvania may lead to severe injuries and other legal complications.
An experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you if you have failed to comply with lane-splitting laws in Philadelphia. It is essential that motorcyclists be aware of safety regulations in order to avoid legal consequences. Furthermore, doing so may contribute towards road safety for all those on the road. Additionally, motorcyclists must use motorcycle safety gear and follow motorcycle helmet laws in Pennsylvania to avoid severe injuries.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting refers to driving between two lanes to avoid stopped or slow-moving traffic. Although it often happens between stopped vehicles, it can also be done on the shoulders and sides of the medians.
Regardless of where or how it happens, lane splitting can result in serious and and sometimes fatal types of motorcycle accidents. It’s natural to be frustrated when traffic slows to a crawl or stops completely, and it’s impossible to predict when it will start moving again. However, if you are lane splitting, other motorists may not see you since you’re not in your own lane.
Who Is Liable In The Event Of An Accident?
If lane splitting isn’t expressly prohibited in most states, how is liability determined in the event of an accident? Although the driver of a car could technically be held liable, motorcyclists who lane split or violate other driving laws, may be held liable if the counterparty in an accident is injured. The motorcyclist maye even be precluded from recovering damages if they themselves have sustained injuries, but violated traffic regulations.
To ensure safety it is critical to not weave frequently between cars, to be attentive, and abide by all traffic regulations. It will also be helpful to complete a motorcycle safety course.
Various types of evidence may be used to determine liability. If it can be shown that the driver of the car acted negligently or recklessly, the driver may be found liable.
Risks Of Lane Splitting
Lane splitting can result in all kinds of physical injuries and bodily harm . When an accident happens, the rider could be thrown from the bike. Therefore, it is crucial that motorcyclists follow lane-splitting safety tips as many lane-splitting accidents happen, causing catastrophic injuries to riders and others on the road.
How Do You Pursue Compensation In a Lane Splitting Accident?
Pursuing compensation in a lane-splitting accident can be challenging. The insurance companies may blame a motorcyclist for a motorcycle lane-splitting crash.. However, if you consult an experienced lawyer, they will negotiate with the insurance company to get fair compensation for certain damages you may have sustained as the result of a motorcycle accident, or potentially take your case to trial.
They may be able to help you prove that the other motorist was driving recklessly or negligently and led to the accident. In other situations, you may be able to prove that the other driver did not comply with the laws of the state in which the accident occurred, , such as by speeding or driving under the influence. . In all these circumstances, you may potentially be able to pursue a motorcycle accident settlement for economic and non-economic damages.
Involved In a Lane-Splitting Accident? Contact The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman
If you were involved in an accident after lane splitting, seeking experienced legal representation is crucial. Lane splitting isn’t technically illegal in some jurisdictions, but it could be considered reckless driving. . Therefore, it is critical to retain a talented Personal injury law firm to protect your rights.
Don’t wait until later to hire an accident lawyer; never speak to insurance company representatives without an attorney.
An experienced personal injury attorney will gather all the available information and evidence to develop a strong case for you.. Schedule a free case consultation to learn more about your legal options. Call us today at 267-498-5683 or complete our contact form online to discuss your case.
FAQs on Lane Splitting In Philadelphia
1 . What if I was partially to blame for my motorcycle accident?
Even if a motorcyclist is partially blamed for the motorcycle crash, they may still be able to pursue compensation. Pennsylvania is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that a plaintiff can still recover damages, so long as they are less than 51% at fault for an incident.
2. Can I file an injury claim if I was a passenger on a motorcycle during an accident?
The short answer is yes. You may be able to file an injury claim against the driver’s insurance even if you were a passenger on the motorcycle.
3. What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet in my accident?
In Pennsylvania, if the driver is over 21 years or older, they need not wear a helmet,However, if you get injured in a motorcycle crash and you were not wearing a helmet, a certain degree of fault may be imputed to you, thereby impacting the amount of damages you may be able to recover.
4. How is lane splitting different from lane filtering?
Lane splitting refers to riding a motorcycle between two traffic lanes, moving rapidly. In comparison, lane filtering refers to driving a motorcycle between two lanes where traffic moves slowly.
5. What is lane sharing?
Lane sharing refers to using a single lane for multiple types of transportation. This practice is commonly used to describe motorcyclists or cyclists who share a lane with no dedicated lane for the bikers.