How Does Lane Splitting Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents in FL?

Motorcycles are an exhilarating way to get from place to place, but they can also be dangerous. With 5,014 motorcycle-related deaths reported in 2019, it is vital to adhere to safe driving practices to prevent an accident.

Baker Legal Team is an award-winning team of motorcycle accident attorneys with experience helping victims in Florida. While many motorcyclists choose to lane split to get to their destination quicker, this practice is not only unsafe, but it is also one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.

What is Lane Splitting On a Motorcycle?

When a motorcycle driver goes in between two lanes, split the two lanes in the middle, this is called lane splitting. Many motorcyclists will utilize this driving technique to cut through traffic, especially on highly congested highways like Florida’s infamous I-4. While this practice is dangerous and often the cause of motorcycle crashes, it is also illegal in Florida.

How Can Lane Splitting Cause a Motorcycle Accident?

Lane splitting is an illegal and dangerous practice but is still commonly done by motorcycle drivers in Florida. Lane splitting is a common cause of motorcycle accidents because motorcycles may not always be immediately visible to drivers. A driver may not see a motorcyclist as they try to switch to another lane or may be distracted and not properly check their blind spot. Additionally, if a driver sees a motorcycle driver lane-splitting, they may slam on their brakes to avoid hitting them, causing another accident to occur if a rear driver can not stop in time.

Why Do Motorcycle Drivers Lane Split?

Despite the dangers of lane splitting, there are numerous reasons a Florida motorcyclist may choose to make this illegal move:

They are stuck in traffic
The driver is running late
The driver is frustrated
They are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The driver is inexperienced

Lane splitting is dangerous to both the driver on the motorcycle and the drivers around them. If they lose control of their motorcycle or are not seen by another driver, an accident may occur, resulting in injury or death.

Common Injuries Resulting From Lane Splitting Accidents

Accidents involving motorcycles can be treacherous for victims. Some common lane splitting accident injuries include:

Head injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Back, neck, and spine injuries
Paralysis
Cuts and lacerations
Internal bleeding
Burns
Broken or fractured bones
Loss of limbs
Internal bleeding
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Death

If you have been injured in a lane splitting motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries you have suffered.

Can You Be Compensated For a Lane Splitting Accident?

If you were injured in an accident caused by lane splitting, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the following damages:

Medical expenses
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Lost earning potential

An experienced injury attorney may be able to help you understand what damages you may be eligible to collect compensation for.

Florida Lane Splitting Accident Attorneys Are On Your Side

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a motorcycle driver illegally lane splitting, you may be entitled to receive compensation for any damages you have suffered as a result of the crash. To build a strong injury claim, you may want to contact a Florida injury attorney.

Baker Legal Team is proud to be led by board-certified attorney Robert Baker. With over 30 years of helping victims of accidents in Florida, our legal team provides each client with award-winning representation. For a free case evaluation, contact us here or call (561) 320-0000.