If you are a motorcyclist, we know that you do everything you can to stay safe when you hit the roadways. This includes following all law and regulations regarding safe motorcycle operations. What many people do not know, especially traditional vehicle drivers, is that lane splitting is legal in California.

If you do now know what lane splitting is, you have certainly seen it and probably wondered if it is in fact legal. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle is allowed to share the same lane with other motorists. This includes passing them. Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law allowing this in 2016 in an effort to cut down on traffic.

The problem is that many motorists are not aware that this is legal and they certainly do not operate with care around motorcyclists who choose to legally lane split. This can lead to serious accidents.

Unfortunately, this is just one more danger that motorcycle riders face on a daily basis. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we want to help you if you have been injured on your motorcycle due to someone else’s negligence. When you need a San Diego motorcycle accident attorney, you can count on us to be by your side.

PLENTY OF DANGER

If you are a regular motorcycle rider, then you are no stranger to the myriad of dangers lurking on every roadway. Whether it is reckless drivers or poorly maintained roadways, there is no telling what will come next.

During the latest reporting year for California, there were 548 motorcyclist fatalities and 14,418 motorcyclist injuries in traffic-related incidents. Motorcycle crashes tend to be deadlier and cause more severe injuries than those involving just regular vehicles. Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet, they are incredibly exposed to the violence of an impact with a vehicle and the ground.

Many people simply do not pay attention to motorcyclists on the roadway. They are careless around them. This is especially dangerous when a rider is legally lane splitting.

We know that drunk drivers pose a risk to everyone on and around the roadway. Motorcycle accidents involving drunk drivers tend to be far worse. Distracted driving is becoming more of a problem, despite government efforts to cut down on talking and texting while driving.

Many people think that speeding is not a big deal, but it is the number one cause of injury crashes and the biggest problem on state roadways according to survey results.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another motorist’s negligence, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, our qualified and experienced team is ready to step in to secure the compensation you need for all of your accident-related expenses: