Bakersfield, a city in Southern California with a growing economy, is home to many motorcycle enthusiasts. With its wide-open roads and warm climate, it’s no surprise that Bakersfield has become a haven for motorcyclists.
However, even in this idyllic setting, there are inherent risks associated with riding a motorcycle. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, consult a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer. This legal professional takes care of all the legal steps involved in the compensation claim.
This article will provide essential information about lane-splitting laws and how they may affect your case if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
The Legality of Lane Splitting in California
California has legalized lane splitting, making it the only state in the US to permit this practice. Importantly, though, California law does not specifically indicate that lane splitting is allowed. Instead, it’s a gray area interpreted differently by courts and police enforcement.
In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill No. 51 into law, which mentions that lane splitting is “riding a motorcycle between lines of cars that are moving or halted.” The measure directed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop safe and responsible lane-splitting guidelines.
These guidelines include recommendations such as not splitting when traffic moves at 50 mph or faster and maintaining a speed no more than 10 mph above the surrounding traffic.
What are Your Rights as a Motorcyclist in California?
As a motorcyclist in California, knowing your rights regarding lane splitting is important. While the practice may be legal, it does not guarantee that you are safe from liability in case of an accident. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, here are some things you need to know:
- Any vehicle collision in California, including motorcycle accidents, is subject to comparative negligence regulations. This means that your compensation can be reduced depending on the percentage of fault attributed to you if it was determined that you were somewhat to blame for the accident.
- Lane splitting is considered risky and can affect your compensation in an accident. For example, suppose you were found to be lane splitting at high speeds or weaving in between vehicles recklessly. In that case, it may be argued that you contributed to the accident and, therefore, have lower grounds for receiving full compensation.
- Even if you followed all safe and responsible guidelines for lane splitting as outlined by the CHP, there is no guarantee that a court will not find you partially at fault for an accident. Therefore, it comes down to the case’s specific circumstances and how much responsibility each party holds. It’s important to have a skilled and experienced Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer on your side to argue for your rights in court.
What are the Risks of Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting has risks, even though getting through heavy traffic could be convenient. As per a study from the University of California, Berkeley, motorcycle riders who engage in lane splitting do not have a higher risk of sustaining an injury.
This does not imply that lane splitting is risk-free, though. Road hazards, abrupt movements from other cars, and distracted drivers are still threats to motorcycle riders. Due to these risks, riders should always ride responsibly and safely.
Final Word
Even though lane splitting is permitted in California, it’s still important for motorcycle riders to be aware of their rights and the possible dangers. Motorcyclists should ride sensibly and adhere to all suggested rules when lane splitting.
If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, a motorcycle accident attorney can defend your rights and assist you in getting the money you are due.
