Lane Splitting and Motorcycle Accidents in Temecula: What the Law Says

Lane splitting is legal in some states and outlawed in others. Like all of California, the law in Temecula says that lane splitting is permitted. However, motorists and motorcycle riders must learn to share the roadway to prevent collisions.

Continue reading for more information on lane splitting and what to do if you are in a motorcycle accident in Temecula.

What the Law Says About Lane Splitting

CVC § 21658.1 states that lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between vehicles in the same lane, whether the other vehicles are stopped or moving, on a divided or undivided road, or on a local road or major highway. This practice is also referred to as lane filtering.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the state has allowed lane splitting since Jan. 1, 2017. It is permitted in Temecula and throughout Riverside County.

Lane Splitting Safety Tips

The CHP warns that lane splitting can be dangerous. When lane splitting, motorcycle riders should use extreme caution and adhere to the following safety guidelines:

• Consider your environment, including the lane width, the size of the surrounding vehicles, and the current lighting, weather, and roadway conditions
• Understand that there is a greater chance of injury at higher speeds and at higher speed differentials
• It is usually safer to split lanes between the far left lanes than between other traffic lanes
• Riding on the shoulder is not lane splitting and is illegal
• Avoid blind spots or lingering between vehicles
• Avoid lane splitting next to larger vehicles, such as mobile homes, buses, and large trucks
• Wear bright colors, reflective gear, or use your headlights during the day to make yourself more visible to motorists

In addition, the CHP states that:

• It is illegal for vehicle drivers to intentionally block or impede a motorcycle in a way that could harm a rider
• It is illegal to open a car door to impede a motorcyclist (also called “dooring”)
• Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of the lane to give motorcycles room to pass

When motorists interfere with motorcyclists who are safely lane splitting or engage in negligent driving behaviors, like speeding, making an improper turn, or failing to yield the right of way, injured riders can hold them financially liable if their actions cause an accident.

Is Lane Sharing Legal?

Lane sharing is a term often heard alongside lane splitting. Lane sharing is when two motorcycles ride side-by-side in the same lane. California does not have a law prohibiting motorcyclists from lane sharing, and they can ride two abreast. Other motor vehicles should not lane share with bike riders.

What Does the Law Say About Helmets?

According to the California Motorcycle Handbook, by law, all riders must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant motorcycle safety helmet. Though not legally required, the state also encourages riders to wear face and/or eye protection and protective clothing, such as long-sleeve pants and jackets, leather gloves, and closed-toed shoes.

What To Do If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in Temecula?

In California, motorists are financially liable for accidents they cause. If you suffered injuries in a lane splitting collision or other type of motorcycle accident in Temecula, you may have a claim for compensation against a negligent driver.

You should do the following to safeguard your health and the right to recover damages:

• Document the accident scene: If you are physically able to, gather as much information as you can at the accident scene, including the license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and contact information of the other involved parties. Note the date, time, place, and current conditions, and take photos of your injuries and the damaged vehicles.
• Report the accident: If a Temecula Police officer was at the scene, they have made an accident report. If not, you must report the accident, in writing, to the police or the CHP. You, your lawyer, or your insurance broker must also report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles by completing the SR-1 form.
• Seek medical treatment for crash injuries: If you did not receive treatment at the time of the crash, see a doctor about your injuries as soon as possible. Save medical bills and records, follow your physician’s orders, do not miss future appointments, and do not participate in work or activities that could worsen your injury.
• File your case promptly: You should immediately file an auto liability insurance claim against the at-fault driver. If you must pursue damages with a civil lawsuit, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death case is usually two years, according to CCP § 335.1.
• Do not accept an initial offer or give a recorded statement: Insurance companies usually have their profits, not your best interests, at heart. If an insurer contacts you, do not go into detail about the accident, admit fault, agree to give a recorded statement, or accept an initial (often lowball) settlement offer.

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

No law requires you to hire a personal injury lawyer. However, an attorney with our law firm can use their skills, experience, and resources to relieve your legal burden. Our team can investigate the collision, identify liable parties, prove negligence, and manage case details. At every stage, we will fight for the maximum compensation possible, which may include the following:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and the loss of your future earning capacity
• Household services
• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering

We offer free consultations, so contacting us to learn more about your legal options will cost you nothing.

Connect With a Temecula Motorcycle Accident Lawyer With Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers

Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers has advocated for victims harmed by negligence for over a decade. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Temecula can help if you or someone you love sustained injuries in a lane splitting accident or any other type of motorcycle collision. We will fight to ensure that the liable party pays for your damages.

Contact us online or call today for a free consultation. We do not get paid until we win your case.