How Can A Motorcyclist Prevent injuries From Lane Splitting

Motorcycle accidents happen regularly throughout Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation. Whilst the majority of people would hope to avoid a crash, this will not always be the case. There could possibly be a time in which the negligent or careless actions of another driver causes you harm. When this happens, it is vital to contact a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer in order to thoroughly investigate the incident and help you understand the legal statutes involving motorcycle lane splitting incidents.

Can I safely be lane splitting?

Lane splitting is the method of driving a motorcycle between two currently occupied lanes of traffic that are heading in the same direction. Lane splitting has also been known as traffic filtering. Lane splitting is illegal in Pennsylvania. In fact, it is illegal in every state other than California, where this practice was recently legalized.

Commonly, lane splitting has been used in the roadways as a means of avoiding traffic and congestion. This method would also allow for motorcyclists to drive ahead of two occupied lanes that have both slowed or traveled at the same speed and to avoid being rear-ended by approaching vehicles.

However, with the potential advantages of lane splitting, such as a decrease in congestion, it is still viewed as an illegal and unsafe maneuver in Pennsylvania. There are multiple potential dangers of the practice, including:

• Placing smaller distances between motorcycles and other vehicles
• Causes changing lanes to be more of a hazard
• More difficulty in avoiding collision
• Placing motorcyclists in the blind spot of a vehicle
• Creates more confusion at intersections

Common Injuries

With data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, we can see that there was a significant impact from motorcycle accidents on the Commonwealth. From the most recent reporting year of data, there was seen to be:

• 2,714 motorcycle accidents
• 2,611 injuries
• 159 fatal accidents

Due to these accidents, those who survive a Philadelphia motorcycle accident are left with numerous potential injuries, such as the following:

• Spinal cord injuries or possible paralysis
• Traumatic brain and open head injuries
• Internal organ damage or bleeding
• Dislocated or broken bones
• Severe lacerations or amputations
• Road rash

In addition to a motorcyclist sustaining injuries in a lane-splitting crash, those inside passenger vehicles that are struck could also be injured.

Let our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers help

If the negligent actions of another driver in a motorcycle accident have caused injury to you or somebody your care about, contact the Dan Doyle Law Group today. We are also here to help if you were struck and injured by a motorcyclist illegally lane splitting. Our experienced and knowledgeable team will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case and work on your behalf in order to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to, such as:

• Your medical expenses related to the accident
• Any income or benefits you lost from an inability to work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of personal enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages against those responsible

If you need a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling us at 215-987-3730.