Posted on 03/14/23

in Car Accidents

Lane splitting and lane sharing are often confused with each other. It’s important for drivers to know the law regarding these activities; specifically that these activities are illegal under Georgia law, and those who engage in them can be held liable for any damages incurred as a result. If you were involved in an accident due to lane splitting or lane sharing, let us help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.  

What Is Lane Splitting? 

Lane splitting is a practice in which motorcyclists drive between lanes or rows of stopped or slow-moving traffic in the same direction. This practice is controversial, as it can be hazardous for riders who are not experienced in lane splitting. Additionally, it can be confusing for other drivers who may not expect to encounter motorcycles on either side of them while they’re stopped or moving slowly in traffic.

What is Lane Sharing? 

Lane sharing involves motorcyclists driving alongside one another in the same lane, either side-by-side or slightly staggered from one another. As with lane splitting, this practice can be dangerous if riders do not have sufficient experience in maneuvering their motorcycles within close proximity of each other. Additionally, cars and trucks may have difficulty passing two riders safely because they may not have enough space between them when driving side-by-side or staggered from each other.

Why Is Lane Splitting Illegal In Georgia? 

The main reason why lane splitting is illegal in Georgia is due to safety concerns. Even though it may seem like an efficient way for motorcyclists to maneuver through traffic, it can be extremely dangerous for both riders and other vehicles on the road. 

Lane splitting increases the risk of an accident occurring since it requires riders to navigate between cars. Additionally, motorcyclists who are engaging in this practice may not be able to react quickly enough if something unexpected happens on the road.

Liability in an Accident Involving Lane Splitting 

Individuals caught lane splitting could face fines and points on their license. Being involved in an accident while lane splitting could affect a personal injury case as well. 

If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident while lane splitting and is injured as a result, they may be entitled to compensation from the other driver if they can prove that they were not at fault for the accident, but they may be at least partially blamed if they were lane splitting at the time of the accident.

A motorcyclist’s liability in such an accident depends on the facts of the case – if the jury finds that lane splitting contributed to the accident then both parties could share liability. Motorists have a duty of care to others on the road which includes following traffic laws; if they fail to do fulfill this duty, they may be found liable for an accident caused by their negligence

Even when found partially at fault for an accident due to lane splitting, motorcycle riders may still be able to recover damages if the other party involved was 50% or more responsible for the accident, but the damages would be reduced by their percentage of fault: 

Where an action is brought against one or more persons for injury to person or property and the plaintiff is to some degree responsible for the injury or damages claimed, the trier of fact, in its determination of the total amount of damages to be awarded, if any, shall determine the percentage of fault of the plaintiff and the judge shall reduce the amount of damages otherwise awarded to the plaintiff in proportion to his or her percentage of fault.”

While both lane splitting and lane sharing may seem like harmless ways to save time or make travel easier on congested roads and highways, they both pose significant safety risks that far outweigh any potential benefits they might provide. If you’ve been in an accident that was caused by your own lane splitting or by someone else’s, you could be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. Contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation

Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today

For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah car accident lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.

 

We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.

Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7