Unsafe Lane Changing Accidents

When motorists think of motorcycles and unsafe lane changes, they too often picture a rider on a sports bike zigging in and out of traffic ahead. However, the greater threat is unsafe lane changes made by drivers, who either cause a collision by violating a rider’s right of way or by swerving into a rider traveling in a vehicle’s blind spots.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, we often see these as some of the most complex cases. When lane-use and right-of-way rights are in question, a rider is often not given the benefit of the doubt. A determination of rider fault by law enforcement can be a significant obstacle to overcome if adequate compensation is to be recovered.

Insurance companies for at-fault drivers are quick to accuse riders of lane-splitting, particularly if it will alleviate fault of their client for violating a rider’s right of way.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys represent riders and families throughout Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and Port Charlotte. Contact any of our offices for a free and confidential consultation. Independent timely review of the facts and circumstances of a collision can be critical in these cases.

Lane splitting is illegal in Florida under F.S. 316.209(2)(3), which prohibits riders from passing or overtaking vehicles in the same lane occupied by that vehicle. Lane splitting is actually legal in some states and in much of the rest of the world. Advocates say it reduces congestion, gives riders more incentive to ride, helps protect them in inclement weather (by shielding them alongside other traffic instead of forcing them to ride in a vehicle’s wake) and permits more options for accident avoidance.

In reality, lane-splitting is rarely cited as cause of a collision. The greater threat is unsafe lane changes made by drivers, who either cause a collision by violating a rider’s right of way or by swerving into a rider traveling in a vehicle’s blind spots.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has been at the forefront when it comes to encouraging drivers to provide riders with plenty of room. Common causes the agency cites for lane-change collisions include:

• Riders lost in another vehicle’s blind spot or by parked cars or other obstructions.
• Misjudging distance and speed of an approaching rider.
• Mistakenly relying on brake lights or turn signals to telegraph a rider’s intentions.
• Crowding a rider out of his lane.
• Misjudging a rider’s ability to maneuver or stop.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, we’ve been representing injured motorcycle riders since 1971. We understand what it takes to make a case and have the legal, financial and medical resources built over four decades of representing the riding community.

Our veteran motorcycle injury attorneys stand behind our reputation and our experience. You’ll Pay Us Nothing Unless We Win. Contact us throughout Southwest Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte.

Motorcycle Injury Attorneys – 800-646-1210 – Free Consultation