According to Florida Statutes § 316.209 (3), no, lane splitting is not legal in Florida. However, it is not a criminal offense—it is a traffic violation.
If you were injured during a lane splitting accident with a motorcyclist, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Your motorcycle accident lawyer with our firm can give you further insights into the civil – and criminal – repercussions of these types of accidents.
Lane Splitting Can be Very Dangerous
It is easy to see why lane splitting is such a dangerous practice. Colliding with open car doors, getting side-swiped by merging vehicles, the margin for error with this type of behavior is extremely slim.
Lines are painted on the road for a reason. When a motorcyclist takes advantage of their small vehicle size and drives in-between the established lanes, they are subjected to increased risks that they may not face otherwise.
Common Injuries in Lane Splitting Accident
Because lane splitting is so dangerous, it can lead to severe injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations and contusions
- Road rash
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken arms and legs (the result of being run over by a nearby vehicle)
- Whiplash
For drivers of other vehicles, the injuries typically come from trying to avoid the motorcycle at the last second, resulting in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Other traumatic accidents
To consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today
855-780-9986
Documenting the Scene of the Crash After a Lane Splitting Accident
To document the scene of your accident, take pictures and video of the surrounding area. That includes any damage to your body, your vehicle, and the motorcycle.
From there, we encourage you to gather the following types of evidence to get a kickstart on building your case:
- Make sure to get a copy of the police report.
- Write down any contact information from the offender, as well as any eyewitnesses from the nearby area.
- Save all medical files related to your diagnosis and treatment.
- Do your best to preserve the scene of the accident until police arrive, as long as it is safe to do so.
- Never admit fault.
As any motorcycle accident attorney will tell you, proving your version of events is a major step on your journey to compensation.
How Our Accident Lawyers Can Help You Build Your Case for Compensation
While you focus on recovering from the accident, our lawyers take over the tasks listed above and others. These include:
- Keeping you posted on the status of your case
- Tracking down cell phone data, accident reconstruction experts, and other useful sources of evidence
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Naming the liable party and proving their negligence
- Handling emails, phone calls, and other communicative tasks with involved parties
- Negotiating a settlement with the insurer
- Meeting all deadlines
- Filing a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial, if necessary
We can carry out all these services on a contingency-fee basis, so don’t expect to be charged hourly, upfront, or out of pocket. Instead, we will only collect our fee if you win compensation. Otherwise, you won’t owe us anything. When you work with our motorcycle accident lawyers, there is no financial risk involved.
Compensation You May Be Eligible for After a Lane Splitting Accident
Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit after a lane splitting accident can give you access to compensation for different types of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Past lost wages
- Making up for your diminished earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
- Short-term and long-term medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Disfigurement
- Disability assistance
- Medical devices
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages if your loved one lost their life in the lane splitting accident
Some parties can resolve vehicle accident cases without going to court, but that is not always the case. In the event that you need to continue with a lawsuit to pursue compensation, make sure you file it within Florida’s two-year statute of limitations. If you ignore these deadlines, you may forfeit your right to compensation.
Get in Touch with Bogin, Munns & Munns for a Free Case Review Today
Since our law firm was founded in 1979, we have proudly stood up for victims of injustice throughout Central Florida. From negotiating settlements to gathering evidence and beyond, our team of attorneys is here to assist you with multiple aspects of your legal case.
To learn more about our legal services for motorcycle accident victims in Central Florida, contact a Bogin, Munns & Munns team member today at (407) 578-9696. Obtain your free consultation and pay no fees unless we receive compensation.
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