MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FAQ
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is defined as riding a motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow-moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. It is also known as white lining, stripe riding, or filtering. In Nevada, this should not be confused with lane sharing, which is legal. Lane splitting can allow riders to save time, bypassing traffic congestion. Lane splitting can also be a dangerous practice. A serious accident may occur if a car changes lanes in front of a lane-splitting motorcycle without warning.
In some states, motorcyclists are permitted to navigate around traffic by lane splitting. While many motorcyclist lane split throughout the nation, you might be surprised to find out that the only state that has formally legalized the practice is California.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Nevada?
Lane splitting is illegal in Nevada. Specifically, Nevada Revised Statutes 486.351 states that: a person shall not drive a motorcycle between moving or stationary vehicles occupying adjacent traffic lanes and shall not drive a motorcycle abreast of or overtake or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane. Currently, the state gives lane splitters a $190 fine. However, the penalties for lane splitting can increase depending on the other offenses committed. Additionally, since lane splitting is illegal, this can often lead to a lane splitting motorcyclist who gets in an accident being found 100% liable.
The Risks of Lane Splitting
Even in states where it is legal, lane splitting is a dangerous practice. In accidents where a motorcycle is only traveling at speeds below 20 miles per hour, a motorcyclist's lack of protection could lead to a severe accident.
When a lane-splitting accident occurs, multiple parties could be liable depending on the situation. First, the driver of the car that pulled into the motorcycle's path should have prevented the accident by checking if a lane change would be safe. Even if lane splitting is not legal, motorists are responsible for making sure their lane changes are safe. Additionally, motorcyclists might be responsible for an accident if they failed to operate their vehicle safely. While a motorcyclist could receive a fine for causing an accident by lane splitting, the other vehicle may also be partly responsible for the accident.
Schedule a 100% Free Case Consultation
If you were involved in an accident caused by a lane splitting motorcyclist, you should learn about your options. We encourage you to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer from Cohan PLLC immediately. Your rights to pursue compensation are essential, and there is a time limit on motorcycle accident cases, so do not hesitate to take the next step.
Have You Been Injured? We Can Help.
Suffering an injury at the hands of someone else is a profoundly disorienting experience. Many of our clients come to us because they simply don't know what to do next. What kind of claims do they need to file? What do they do to get medical care for their loved ones, or how do they afford a funeral in the wake of a wrongful death? Most of our clients ask an even more straightforward question: "with all my medical expenses, how do I provide for my family?"
Regardless of your situation, you are bound to have countless questions. Cohan PLLC will help you get answers. To help you find your feet during this difficult time, we have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions and provided general answers. For specific answers about your case, review your legal options with us in a free consultation.
Contact our accident lawyers if you were involved in a serious motorcycle accident at (888) 424-2736. We're ready to fight for what is right and get you the compensation you deserve.