Lane splitting is not legal in Virginia. However, lane sharing is permissible. Here’s what you need to know about lane splitting so that you can protect your right to compensation for your injuries if another driver causes your motorcycle accident.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rider rides between rows of motor vehicles going in the same direction as the motorcycle that are traveling at a slow speed or are stopped. Lane splitting is illegal in Virginia and is considered reckless driving. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense that is punished by a jail sentence and fines.
What Is Lane Sharing?
Lane sharing is the practice of motorcycle riders riding side-by-side with other motorcyclists in the same lane. Motorcycle riders are permitted to lane share with other motorcycles in our state.
It can be safer for motorcycle riders to lane share. They are more visible to other motorists when riding in a group in the same lane. In addition, drivers are more likely to keep a safer distance between their vehicles and motorcycles when there is more than one motorcycle in a nearby lane.
What Happens If You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident When Lane Splitting?
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, you may have difficulty obtaining compensation from the at-fault driver who caused the collision. Under Virginia’s harsh contributory negligence laws, a motorcyclist who was at all at fault in causing a crash—even one percent—cannot recover any damages from another driver. However, the lane splitting must have been one of the causes of the crash for this rule to apply.
Contact Tavss Fletcher Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney who will fight for your rights and obtain the maximum recovery you deserve for your injuries. To learn how our legal team can help, call our Norfolk office or fill out the convenient online form on this page to schedule your free consultation today.
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