The Impact of Lane Splitting in Motorcycle Accidents
While riding between lanes of vehicles may seem like an efficient way to avoid the endless Atlanta traffic, it puts motorcyclists at risk. This practice is not only dangerous, but against the law here in Georgia. Read on to learn more about lane splitting’s potential impact on your personal injury claim, and if you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact Ross Moore Law today.
Cons of Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is motorcyclists’ practice of riding between two lanes of stationary, or slower moving, vehicles. Often done to avoid traffic, lane splitting decreases drivers’ reaction times and can be particularly dangerous if they change lanes.
Lane splitting not only threatens motorcycle riders’ safety but the outcome of their personal injury claim. Because it is illegal, motorcyclists who are injured while splitting lanes may be assigned the blame for the injuries that result. The insurance company will likely claim that the motorcyclist was acting recklessly, which may prevent them from receiving full compensation.
Lane Splitting Laws in Georgia
For personal injury cases, determining fault is a crucial step. Every motorist owes a duty of care to others sharing the road, meaning they will take “reasonable care” to avoid causing harm. This duty of care includes following the rules of the road – like the one that bans lane splitting.
Because the Peach State observes a modified contributory fault law, motorcyclists found to be 50% or more at fault are not eligible to receive compensation. If their portion of the blame is less than 50%, however, damages will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault.
How Lane Splitting Can Affect a Personal Injury Claim
As mentioned above, lane splitting can negatively affect your personal injury claim, especially if it contributed to your accident. Unless the motorcyclist is not assigned any blame at all, they will likely receive reduced damages – or in some cases, none at all.
Contact Ross Moore Law Today!
If you were injured in an accident while splitting lanes, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys today. After learning more about your accident, our team will advocate on your behalf, working to determine fault and calculate damages. Just because you were injured while splitting lanes, do not assume that there is no compensation available.
Looking for a local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Let the trusted team at Ross
Moore Law put our experience to work for you! Call us today or book a free consultation online!
Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well! Get in touch today.
Attorney Ross Moore and our personal injury team handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Wrongful Death
- Catastrophic Injury
- Car Accident
- Pedestrian Accident
- Bus Accident
- Rideshare Accident
- Bicycle Accident
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