Motorcycles, Accidents and What To Do When They Happen
The Golden State is a beautiful place with an incredible climate year round. California also has the highest number of motorcycles on the road in the US. This unfortunately also means a lot of motorcycle accidents. California has no shortage of scenic highways but the twisty roads and sweeping curves adds to the number of motorcycle accidents that occur in California every year.
You should be aware that motorcycle accidents are treated differently than lawsuits involving other motor vehicles. Too many people have a stereotype of cycle riders as reckless. It’s important that you hire a lawyer who knows how to combat this stereotype.
Motorcycles, Lane Splitting, and California
The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light. Lane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal in the state of California.
Motorcyclists who are competent enough riders to lane split, should follow these general guidelines if choosing to lane split:
1)Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials.
2)It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster – danger increases as overall speed increases.
3)Typically, it is more desirable to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes.
4)Consider the total environment in which you are splitting, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.
5)Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users.
These general guidelines are not guaranteed to keep you safe. Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. These guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience. Every rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at all times. .
It is not uncommon for motorcycle accidents to occur when a driver is careless, loses their focus, or is distracted by texting or eating. These accidents should not be taken lightly because a life is at risk and can be changed in an instant whether a drunk driver is behind the wheel or a driver fails to see a motorcycle in their blind spot. Motorcycle injuries are much more serious and traumatic because the severity of injuries can vary on a wide spectrum from injury to the spine, head, neck or brain, sometimes even leading to amputation of the limbs.
The Law offices of Daniel A. Gibalevich are dedicated to serving justice to those injured in motorcycle accidents throughout the state of California. The emotional drain that comes along with an accident can last for a long period and we promise to seek justice for you. Our attention to detail and investigation will determine the accountable party and move forward from there. Whether your injury occurred as a rider or passenger, the professional personal injury attorney Daniel A. Gibalevich is here to help you regain the losses you’ve suffered.
If you think you need the services of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles please contact us at (323) 947-2224 or visit the Personal Injury section on our website at the DAG Law Firm. Call today and we will connect you with Daniel A. Gibalevich, an experienced, aggressive, affordable Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles. After you have spoken with our Los Angeles Personal Injury Law attorney, we can schedule you a free face to face appointment to discuss your circumstances. If you have questions or are considering any aspect of Personal Injury Law, we can help! Call us now at (323) 947-2224. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with any and all motorcycle accident concerns.
