Motorcycle accidents are a serious risk for riders on roads across the country. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in traffic due to their smaller size and lack of protective barriers, making collisions with cars and trucks potentially catastrophic. Practices like lane splitting—the act of riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles—can further increase the risk of severe injury.
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, so contact us at (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation.
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, often to bypass congested or stopped vehicles. While this practice is legal in California, it is illegal in Illinois and most other states in the U.S.
Even when done carefully, lane splitting remains a risky activity. Motorcyclists may be struck by vehicles that change lanes unexpectedly, or by doors opening from parked or moving cars.
Motorcyclists traveling between cars put themselves in danger of being hit if a car or truck suddenly switches lanes without seeing the motorcyclist riding between them. The automobile driver could also open the vehicle’s door only to have a lane-splitting motorcyclist crash into it and become severely injured.
The American Motorcyclist Association advocates for lane splitting as a way to avoid accidents, suggesting that it reduces the likelihood of a distracted driver in congested traffic hitting a motorcyclist during stop-and-go traffic.
Despite this argument, lane splitting is a bad and dangerous idea. Although it is a common practice in Europe and Asia, the U.S. recognizes lane splitting as a threat to everyone on the highway.
State statute 625 ILCS 5/11-703 prohibits lane splitting by those on motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. The law states that they may not pass two vehicles simultaneously on the right and the left, i.e., by lane splitting between them.
Furthermore, they are only allowed to pass two vehicles simultaneously when traveling on at least a three-lane highway in which they can make the pass using a full lane. Failure to obey this law can result in a Class A misdemeanor charge in the event of an accident with no injuries. But an accident with injuries can result in a Class 3 felony and imprisonment.
If you are hurt in a motorcycle crash through no fault of your own, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your case may involve:
Motorcycle accident cases can be complicated, especially when liability is disputed. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. has the experience and knowledge to handle your case, protect your rights, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
As a motorcyclist, you deserve to travel the open road as much as car and truck drivers, but it is necessary to be smart about doing so. Let the attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. help if you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own.
With our experience, you can be confident knowing that your case is being skillfully handled to secure the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Call us at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free initial appointment,
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
