Each year, Indiana witnesses a significant amount of motorcycle accidents, some of which tragically result in fatalities given the heightened vulnerability of riders. One contentious issue on Indiana’s roads is the practice of motorcycle lane splitting, where motorcyclists navigate between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic. While lane splitting may seem like a time-saving maneuver, it is important to note that it is currently illegal in the state of Indiana. Currently, California is the only state in the country where lane splitting is an explicitly legal practice.
Indiana’s road regulations stipulate that vehicles and motorcycles must utilize an entire traffic lane while in operation. Lane splitting, although tempting for its time-saving benefits, has proven to be extremely hazardous. Many accidents involving lane splitting typically involve both a vehicle and a motorcycle, making it a safety concern that cannot be ignored.
One of the key reasons why lane splitting can be perilous is the close proximity of cars to motorcycles. Oftentimes, car drivers do not anticipate or are unable to react swiftly when a motorcycle engages in lane splitting through congested traffic. This lack of anticipation and reaction time contributes significantly to the heightened risk of accidents.
Despite these safety concerns, there has been an ongoing debate about whether lane splitting actually reduces the likelihood of a motorist being involved in an accident or sustaining injuries. Proponents argue that by allowing motorcycles to filter through traffic, it reduces overall congestion and the chances of rear-end collisions. However, this viewpoint remains highly contentious.
From a legal perspective, responsibility for a lane splitting accident in Indiana most commonly falls on the motorcyclist. This is primarily due to the clear illegality of lane splitting in the state. While liability can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, if the motorcyclist’s behavior is proven to be negligent and the direct cause of the accident, they are likely to be held legally responsible.
For those who have been involved in lane splitting motorcycle accidents, there may be avenues for seeking compensation. Forms of compensation can include covering medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Hurst Limontes to discuss your options. We have over a century of combined experience fighting for our clients in any number of personal injury claims. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Call 317-636-0808 or complete the form below for a FREE and confidential consultation.
