Riding a motorcycle can be exciting, but it comes with serious responsibilities. Knowing what is allowed on Louisiana roads is essential for your safety and for protecting your rights if an accident occurs.
One important rule to be aware of is lane splitting, which is a practice some riders use to navigate through traffic. However, lane-splitting is illegal in Louisiana.
If you are involved in a crash while riding, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Baton Rouge can help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is also referred to as “white-lining” or “stripe-riding” and is the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow traffic. Due to their size, motorcycles can maneuver through traffic congestion and arrive at their destination much faster.
According to Louisiana law, Louisiana Revised Statute 32:191.1(C) states that “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”
The only exception made for lane splitting is for police officers when they are on duty. If you are found guilty of lane splitting, you can be fined $200 or serve 90 days in jail.
States like California, however, permit lane splitting, while some other states allow it only under certain conditions. It’s important to be aware of your state’s lane-splitting laws when you’re on the road.
Why Is Lane Splitting Dangerous?
There are numerous reasons why lane splitting is dangerous. One reason is due to blind spots. Vehicles have blind spots, and due to a motorcycle’s size, it can be more challenging to see. A vehicle may attempt to change lanes at the same time a motorcycle is lane splitting, resulting in a devastating collision.
Speed is another reason lane splitting is dangerous. When motorcycles engage in lane splitting, they often move at a faster speed than other vehicles, which increases the chances and severity of accidents.
When traffic is congested, motorcyclists are often tempted to lane split to get through. However, when motorists are engaged in stop-and-go driving and frequently trying to change to a faster-moving lane, motorcyclists are at an increased risk of collision.
How Does Lane Splitting Impact My Accident Claim?
Because lane splitting is illegal in Louisiana, it can dramatically impact your personal injury claim in an accident. Insurance companies may deny your claim if you were lane splitting when an accident occurred.
As outlined in Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, you cannot recover damages in a Louisiana personal injury claim if you are 51% or more at fault for your injuries. Insurance companies and defense attorneys are likely to claim that your accident and injuries would not have occurred had you not been lane splitting. If they can prove this, you could be barred from recovering any damages.
If you are deemed to be 50% or less at fault, you may be able to recover damages, but the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your compensation will be reduced to $75,000.
Contact a Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. If you were lane splitting when the accident happened, you need the assistance of an experienced Baton Rouge motorcycle accident attorney who will help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and secure you maximum compensation.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, our motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience protecting the rights of accident victims and their families, and we want to help you. Call (225) 999-1111 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident claim.