Lane splitting is a practice in which motorcyclists ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic to move ahead. While it is common in some places, lane splitting is a topic of much debate in Texas. Motorcyclists face significant risks when engaging in this, and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
Knowing your legal rights is essential if you’ve been involved in a lane-splitting accident. Patterson Law Group is here to help, offering experienced support through our San Antonio lane-splitting motorcycle accident lawyer.
We fight for motorcyclists, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve after a crash. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to discuss your case and your available legal options.
Understanding Lane Splitting in Texas
Lane splitting, or “white-lining,” occurs when a motorcyclist rides between lanes, passing stopped or moving vehicles. While it’s legal in some states like California, Texas doesn’t have specific laws that make lane splitting either fully legal or illegal. This lack of clarity can complicate lane-splitting accidents from a legal standpoint.
There is ongoing debate about whether lane splitting should be legalized in Texas. Supporters argue that it can reduce traffic congestion and keep motorcyclists safer by reducing the chance of being rear-ended. However, opponents worry about its risks to motorcyclists and drivers.
Our San Antonio motorcycle accident attorney understands the complex nature of lane-splitting laws and is prepared to help motorcyclists injured in these accidents.
Causes of Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accidents
Lane-splitting accidents happen for many reasons, some of which include the following:
- Driver Inattention: Many drivers aren’t expecting a motorcyclist to be riding between lanes, making it easy for them to miss the rider in their blind spots.
- Sudden Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes without signaling can hit a motorcyclist who is lane-splitting.
- Road Rage: Some frustrated drivers may intentionally block or cut off a lane-splitting motorcyclist, creating dangerous situations.
- Narrow Lane Spaces: The small space between cars can make it difficult for motorcyclists to pass through safely, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Speeding: If a motorcyclist is lane splitting at high speeds, they have less time to react to obstacles or sudden movements by other vehicles.
- Unexpected Obstacles: Debris, potholes, or other hazards may not be visible when a motorcyclist navigates between lanes.
A San Antonio lane-splitting attorney can help investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable.
Common Injuries in Lane Splitting Accidents
Lane-splitting accidents can result in serious injuries, some of which may have long-term effects.
Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures in a collision.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, leading to lifelong disabilities.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones are frequently broken in motorcycle accidents.
- Road Rash: Sliding across the road surface can result in severe skin abrasions and infections.
- Internal Injuries: Collisions can cause damage to internal organs or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
If you’ve been injured in a lane-splitting accident, a San Antonio motorcycle injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Liability in Lane Splitting Accidents
Determining liability in lane-splitting accidents can be tricky, especially since lane-splitting laws in Texas are unclear. Here are some key factors that may affect liability:
Driver Negligence
If the driver of a vehicle was distracted, speeding, or failed to check their blind spot before changing lanes, they may be held responsible for the accident.
Motorcyclist Responsibility
If the motorcyclist was speeding or behaving recklessly while lane splitting, they might be found partially at fault.
Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if a motorcyclist is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
A Texas lane-splitting accident lawyer can help assess the details of your case and work to establish liability, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Lane Splitting Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a lane-splitting accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Future medical expenses
A Texas motorcycle accident attorney can help you calculate the total compensation you are entitled to and fight for your right to receive it.
How a San Antonio Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you hire a San Antonio motorcycle wreck lawyer, they will take several necessary steps to strengthen your case:
Investigating the Accident
Your lawyer will gather important evidence, like traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements, to determine exactly what happened. This helps build a strong case that shows who was at fault and why. They may even work with accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your claim.
Proving Liability
Even though lane splitting is a gray area in Texas, your lawyer will work hard to prove that the other party’s negligence caused the accident. They’ll focus on showing how the other driver was responsible, despite the controversy around lane splitting, making sure your side of the story is clear.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to offer less money than what you deserve. Your lawyer will handle negotiations, ensuring they don’t take advantage of you. They’ll fight to get you a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Litigating the Case
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be ready to take your case to court. They’ll represent you before a judge or jury, fighting to get the best possible outcome and protect your rights every step of the way.
A Texas lane-splitting motorcycle lawyer is experienced in dealing with these cases and will work hard to protect your rights.
Challenges in Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident Cases
Several challenges can arise in lane-splitting cases, including:
- Ambiguity Around Lane Splitting Laws: In Texas, lane splitting isn’t legal or illegal, making it harder to prove who’s responsible when an accident happens. Without clear laws, it’s tough to determine fault, and that can complicate the case.
- Bias Against Motorcyclists: There’s often a bias against motorcyclists. Insurance companies and juries may see lane splitting as dangerous or reckless, even though it’s sometimes a safe way to navigate traffic. This bias can affect how much compensation you get.
- Insurance Disputes: Insurance companies will sometimes try to argue that the motorcyclist is at fault just because they were lane splitting, hoping to reduce the amount they have to pay. They might try to avoid paying the full amount you deserve by blaming you for the accident.
An experienced San Antonio motorbike accident lawyer can help you overcome these challenges and fight for the compensation you deserve. They know how to deal with biases and disputes, so you don’t have to face it alone.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
At Patterson Law Group, we have a proven track record of success in motorcycle accident cases, including those involving lane splitting. Here’s why you should choose us:
Experienced Legal Team
Our team has years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases in San Antonio. We know the ins and outs of the law and understand the challenges motorcyclists face on the road. This experience helps us build strong cases and fight for what’s fair.
Proven Track Record
We’ve helped many clients get significant compensation after serious accidents. Our success speaks for itself, and we’re committed to working just as hard to help you recover what you deserve. You can trust that we’ll do everything possible to get you the best results.
Client-Centered Approach
We take the time to get to know our clients and their situations. We understand that every case is unique, so we provide personalized attention and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for you.
No Fees Unless We Win
You won’t have to worry about paying anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us a dime unless we win your case. This way, you can focus on healing while we take care of the legal side.
Contact Patterson Law Group for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a lane-splitting motorcycle accident, don’t wait to take action. Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so acting quickly is important.
Contact Patterson Law Group today for a free case evaluation with a San Antonio lane-splitting motorcycle accident lawyer. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
