If you are a motorcycle rider in Texas, you may be familiar with the practice of "lane splitting," which is the act of riding between two lanes of traffic.
While this can be a useful way to get around traffic and to your destination quicker, it can also be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. In fact, lane splitting is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas, often resulting in serious injury or even death. Working with an experienced Austin motorcycle lawyer can help make sure you gather the evidence you need.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a lane-splitting accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. In this article, we will discuss lane-splitting accidents in Texas and how to proceed if you have been wrongfully harmed by another driver who was not following proper safety guidelines.
The Dangers of Car Lane Splitting in Texas
Have you been involved in an accident recently involving lane splitting in Texas? If so, then you are not alone. Lane splitting, despite being illegal in Texas, is all too common and has led to many accidents causing injury and even death.
It’s important to remember the dangers of lane splitting and why it is illegal in Texas. Lane splitting occurs when two cars driving at different speeds share the same lane of traffic. When cars are driving at different speeds they have different rate of acceleration, meaning that regardless of who is at fault an accident can occur due to the difference in speed creating a gap between the cars. In addition, lane splitting puts drivers at risk for head-on collisions with oncoming traffic or with other cars/bicyclists who could be trying to change lanes.
Safety should be a priority when traveling on roads; so if you ever find yourself near lane-splitting traffic, make sure to slow down or move away from the area as quickly as possible. If you have been injured due to a car accident involving lane-splitting, contact our team today for assistance with your case.
Why Lane Splitting Accidents Lead to Severe Injuries
Lane-splitting on a motorcycle can be a dangerous maneuver, potentially subjecting riders to greater risks than standard riding. Lane-splitting is the practice of riding in between two lanes of traffic, often while passing slower vehicles. While it may seem like a useful way to get ahead, lane-splitting can also lead to an increased risk of accidents and severe injuries.
For starters, lane-splitting is illegal in Texas, likely because of its inherently risky nature. When cars are close together, it gives motorcyclists less room for error or an opportunity to make adjustments if something unexpected occurs. Beyond that, both cars and motorcycles move at different speeds and require drivers’ attention for their own safety; when combined this can be even more concerning. What’s more, cars may not even realize that motorcyclists are attempting to lane-split or have little warning that a rider is about to pass them on either side. All of these factors create greater potential for severe injury or even death if an accident should occur due to lane splitting on Texas roads.
Your Rights After a Lane Splitting Accident
If you've been involved in a car accident caused by lane splitting in Texas, it's important to know your rights. Though the practice is completely legal in the state, it doesn’t mean that any resulting lawsuits will be easy to win.
When filing a claim for a lane splitting accident, you'll need to focus on several things:
- Fault and negligence: You'll need to prove that the other driver was not only responsible for the accident, but also negligent or careless in their driving behavior. This can include evidence like traffic camera footage or witness testimony.
- Damages: You'll also need to prove that you suffered damages as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, or property damage. To get full compensation for these damages, you'll have to be able to show proof of purchase and types of losses incurred since the accident occurred.
- Insurance coverage: If you're unable to get full compensation from the other driver's insurance company, your own car insurance may offer additional protections depending on your type of policy and coverage limits.
Knowing your rights after a lane splitting car accident can make navigating potential claims simpler and less overwhelming - especially with an experienced lawyer by your side.
How to Prove Fault in a Lane Splitting Car Accident Claim
Lane splitting can be very dangerous and when an accident occurs, it is important to understand how to prove fault in a lane splitting car accident claim. Fault in an accident involving lane splitting will depend on different factors, such as which party had the right of way and who was negligent in their actions.
It is important to gather evidence at the scene if possible, such as photos of vehicle damage or skid marks on the road. The testimony from witnesses is also important for proving fault in these types of claims. Police reports can also be helpful and provide insight into how the accident occurred.
When assessing fault in a lane splitting car accident claim, here are some key points to consider:
- Who had the right of way at the time of the accident?
- Was one driver speeding or operating their vehicle recklessly?
- Was one driver distracted by their phone or not paying attention to their surroundings?
- Did either party try to avoid or swerve around one another?
- Was there any negligence from either party that might have contributed to the accident?
By understanding these factors, you can maximize your chances of recovering compensation after an accident involving lane splitting. An experienced attorney can review your case and determine who is liable for damages in a lane splitting car crash.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries From a Lane Splitting Crash
If you have been injured in a lane splitting car crash caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. Texas law allows victims of car accidents to pursue money from the responsible party to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
There are specific steps you must take if you are seeking compensation for a lane splitting accident:
- Gather evidence about the crash - including photos of the scene, any eyewitness accounts, police reports and your medical records.
- Document your damages - including all medical bills related to the crash, as well as lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Contact an experienced lawyer - an attorney with experience handling lane splitting cases in Texas can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation from the negligent driver or their insurance company.
The right lawyer can review the evidence in your case and help determine if you have a strong claim for damages following a lane splitting accident in Texas. An experienced lawyer can also fight for a fair settlement on your behalf or take your case to court when necessary.
Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Lane Splitting Car Accident Case
To ensure that you and your family get the best legal representation possible after a lane splitting accident, it’s important to select the right personal injury lawyer for your case. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the care you deserve:
- Research: Take some time to research different personal injury lawyers in your area and read their reviews. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have experience with legal professionals to get their feedback and opinions on the best attorneys in the area. You can also use websites like Yelp, Google My Business, or AVVO to find trusted legal professionals who specialize in car accidents caused by lane splitting.
- Ask Questions: Be sure to ask any potential attorneys questions about their experience with similar cases, how they would handle the logistical aspects of your case, and if they offer services like free consultations or a flat fee plan. You should also inquire about their availability for phone calls or emails throughout the course of your case.
- Professional Background Check: Review all of an attorney’s credentials and professional affiliations before committing to them as your counsel. It’s important that they are up-to-date with current laws and regulations in Texas related to lane splitting accidents so that they can guide you through this process as easily as possible. Additionally, investigate into any potential conflicts of interest before signing a contract with an attorney.
Selecting an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference when it comes to navigating a lane splitting car accident claim in Texas - do your research and choose someone who puts your needs first!
Contact Fletcher Law For Your Lane Splitting Car Accident Case
If you have been involved in a lane-splitting related accident in Texas, you need to contact the experienced attorneys of Fletcher Law. We understand the effects that these incidents can have on victims and their families, and strive to ensure that you receive the full compensation that you are entitled to.
The team at Fletcher Law will take into account all relevant factors to assess your case, such as:
- The driver’s negligence or recklessness;
- Whether any other parties were involved;
- Any damages or injuries suffered by the victim;
- Any relevant traffic laws or regulations.
Our experienced attorneys will fight tirelessly for your rights and help ensure that you get the compensation required to cover medical expenses, repair costs, lost wages and/or pain and suffering damages. We are committed to seeking justice on behalf of our clients no matter how complex the case. So don’t wait - contact Fletcher Law today for a free consultation to get started with your lane splitting car accident case!