Motorcyclists may be tempted to drive between lanes of heavy traffic on Houston, TX roads. However, the practice of driving between lanes (also known as “lane splitting”) can be dangerous. Motorists may not see motorcycle riders riding between lanes or darting into another lane of traffic. The result could be a life-altering accident for the rider.
The Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers have been fighting for the rights of motorcycle riders for decades. We’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of accident victims.
Contact us or call at (713) 500-5000 our law firm to request a free consultation with one of our Houston personal injury attorneys. We want to help you recover the compensation you deserve for motorcycle accident injuries.
How Can Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help After a Lane Splitting Crash?
Motorcycle rides can turn deadly in an instant. Lane splitting, in particular, puts riders at risk of a crash. If you were in a motorcycle accident, you need skilled legal representation to help you recover compensation for your losses. Our Houston personal injury lawyers can be your advocates.
When you hire Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers you can expect us to:
- Investigate the cause of the motorcycle accident to determine who was at fault for the collision
- Gather and preserve evidence that proves the other driver was responsible for the crash
- Document your damages and calculate the maximum value for your injury claim
- Consult with leading experts in Houston, Texas, for help
- File insurance claims and monitor deadlines for filing lawsuits
- Negotiate for the top amount available for your personal injury claim
- Prepare and file a lawsuit to argue your case in court when the other parties act in bad faith
No one wants to be involved in a motorcycle accident. However, a negligent driver may not give you a choice. That driver should be held liable for damages caused by the wreck.
Call our law office for a free appointment with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer near you. Let’s discuss legal strategies for winning your personal injury case.
For a legal consultation call (713) 500-5000
Lane Sharing vs. Lane Splitting in Texas
Lane splitting occurs when motorcycle drivers move between vehicles in different lanes of traffic. Many riders do this to avoid traffic congestion.
On the other hand, lane sharing is the practice of sharing a single lane of traffic with another motorcycle. The vehicles ride side-by-side in the lane.
Some states allow lane sharing but make lane splitting illegal. Texas law prohibits lane splitting and lane sharing. Section 545.060 of the Texas Transportation Code states that vehicle operators must drive within one of the lanes of traffic when a road is divided into two or more marked lanes.
California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. A Texas Senator introduced a bill in 2016 that would have allowed lane-splitting for motorcycles. However, it did not make it out of committee. A similar bill introduced in 2018 also did not make it out of committee.
Houston Lane Splitting Accident Lawyer Near Me (713) 500-5000
Lane Splitting Accidents in Houston and Comparative Negligence
Even though lane sharing and lane splitting are illegal in Texas, some riders ignore the law. Unfortunately, if they are involved in a motorcycle accident, lane splitting could hurt their chances of recovering compensation for injuries.
Under Texas comparative negligence laws, a victim’s damages may be reduced if they are partially to blame for the cause of their injury. If you contributed to the motorcycle accident, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If your percentage of fault is more than 50 percent, you are barred from recovering any money for your damages.
Comparative negligence could be an issue in a motorcycle case. For example, if a driver fails to yield the right of way and causes an accident, that driver is generally held financially liable for damages.
However, if a motorcyclist is lane splitting or lane sharing at the time of the crash, the defense may argue that the rider contributed to the cause of the accident. If the jury members agree, the motorcyclist could receive much less than the case is worth.
Because you were breaking the law, the defense may allege negligence per se. This theory of negligence shifts the burden of proof to you. You’d have the burden of proving your actions did not contribute to the accident.
If you are being blamed for causing a motorcycle accident due to lane splitting, the best thing you can do is to contact a Houston lane-splitting accident lawyer for help.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Lane splitting accidents are challenging personal injury cases. However, our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers do not back down from a fight.
Call us to discuss how we can help you with your injury claim. Your initial consultation is free, so it does not cost you anything to receive legal advice about your motorcycle accident claim.
Call or Text (713) 500-5000 or Complete a Case Evaluation Form
