Lane Splitting Accidents: How A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
In some areas, motorcyclists can split lanes between stopped lines of traffic to pass them by instead of waiting. However, this act can be quite questionable and potentially dangerous if they run into another driver. As a result, it is necessary to understand how a motorcycle accident attorney can help.
Lane Splitting May Cause Many Motorcycle Accidents
Lane splitting isn't always legal, but it is allowed in many states. Cyclists who use this technique must be very careful as they pass between cars, though, or they may end up getting hit. For example, a driver may move slightly to reposition without seeing the motorcyclist and end up hitting them with their car in a way that can cause a lot of damage to the car, motorcycle, and cyclist.
And the unfortunate thing here is that the cyclist is likely to be the most damaged in this situation. Even worse, it is possible that they end up getting sued by the driver whom they hit or that they end up with serious medical bills that they cannot afford. As a result, it is critical to understand the types of defenses that a good motorcycle accident attorney can help a person create. Doing so can ensure that they are financially safe.
Defenses May Be Complex
Those who got into an accident because they were splitting lanes in a state where this is allowed need to understand their defenses for these types of cases. Typically, they are going to have to focus on what is known as a shared negligence defense. In these defenses, they need to show that the person whom they crashed into or who hit them was more negligent in the accident than they were.
For example, they can show that the person who ran into them was more negligent because they weren't careful with how they were driving. They changed lanes at an inappropriate time or did not check their mirror to see if anybody was coming. They can also claim that they were following the laws properly and driving at a reasonable speed when this incident occurred.
If they are careful with their defense, gather evidence, and find a good attorney who can handle this type of case, a cyclist can easily win. However, they need to make sure that they understand all of the laws here and the different ways that they affect them, including the various types of negligence concepts that make this process easier to handle.
To learn more, contact a motorcycle accident attorney.