Lane Splitting – A Cause of Many Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accidents

A Cause of Many Pennsylvania Motorcycle AccidentsMotorcycles are often seen as more than just a mode of transportation. There is a culture that surrounds motorcycles, and many are cherished just like any collectible car. Just as is the case with any automobile, operating a motorcycle can be safe. However, reckless and negligent operation of any motor vehicle increases the risk that someone is going to be seriously injured or killed as a result of a preventable accident.

Motorcycles in and of themselves should not be considered a problem on the roadways, as there are countless drivers out there who drive negligently on a regular basis. But, the way some motorcyclists act on the roadways can prompt negative opinions of motorcycles and motorcyclists generally. Lane splitting, or riding in between lanes on a roadway, is a dangerous activity that has resulted in some of the most severe automobile accidents, leaving injured victims scarred for life. Such accidents make motorcycles look like the problem, when in fact it is the negligent motorcyclist who should be scrutinized.

The Consequences of Accidents Caused by Motorcycle Lane Splitting

When a motorcyclist makes the decision to drive between lanes, leaving both him or herself, and other motorists and passengers at risk, deadly accidents can occur. While motorcycles are small and can fit between traffic, other motorists cannot be on high alert for motorcyclists passing between them and a car in the next lane. The inconvenience for motorcyclists is that they have to wait just as long as any other driver by driving lawfully in a lane and not between lanes. Lane splitting has caused horrific motorcycle accidents that have the potential to result in injuries including, but certainly not limited to, the following:

  • Severe head trauma, such as concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
  • Spinal cord damage;
  • Partial or complete paralysis;
  • Amputations;
  • Internal bleeding and damage to organs;
  • Torn muscles, tendons and/or ligaments, and other soft tissue injuries;
  • Broken or fractured bones;
  • Chronic pain;
  • Brain damage and/or mental incompetency;
  • Being in a comatose or vegetative state; and
  • Death.

While these injuries can result from any automobile accident, accidents caused by motorcycle lane splitting can be more difficult to deal with simply because lane splitting is completely preventable, while other accidents might not necessarily be preventable. Knowing that a motorcyclist made a choice to drive between lanes demonstrates clear negligent conduct, and any individual injured as a result of an accident caused by the motorcyclist is entitled to compensation that is fair given the severity of the injuries suffered. There will never be a way to completely eliminate all negligent conduct, but holding those accountable for reckless conduct like lane splitting is a way to deter such conduct in the future.

Contact the Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorneys of Lundy Law Today For Your Free Consultation

Lane splitting puts both motorcyclists and other motorists and passengers at risk. While lane splitting is extremely dangerous and reckless, it is just one of many causes of Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, regardless of whether you were operating a vehicle or were a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation if another party is at fault for causing your injuries. Personal injury cases can differ from one client to the next, and no two cases are ever alike. As such, if you believe you may have a potential personal injury case, you should speak with an experienced Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney as soon as possible. With offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, Lundy Law has been providing clients with outstanding legal representation for more than 50 years. Our attorneys work diligently to ensure you have every chance possible to receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have suffered. To schedule your free consultation to speak with one of our attorneys, contact Lundy Law today by calling (800) LundyLaw.