Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident
Birmingham Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Hurt in a Lane Splitting Collision?
Motorcycling can be a fun pastime for many people. However, some riders may be careless or unaware of the law when they are riding. Obeying laws about lane splitting can help you avoid injuries and litigation.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is defined as a situation where a motorcycle rider drives between two lanes of stationary or slowly moving cars. This usually occurs in traffic jams. Knowing your rights, responsibilities, and the law is essential to being a safe motorcyclist and avoiding liability.
Is Lane Splitting Legal In Alabama?
In Alabama, lane splitting is illegal. Suddenly changing lanes or a vehicle door opening suddenly are some of the risks posed to motorcyclists. While other motorcyclists across the country regularly practice lane splitting, the argument is that it is dangerous. Always avoid splitting, even in a state where this is legal.
Prevention of Lane Splitting Accidents
Don't lane split because of the dangerous situations it creates. Be aware of personal safety while riding and be alert to your surroundings. Keep your eyes on the road. Don't drink and ride and be particularly vigilant when you are not familiar with the area. Avoid riding in hazardous, road slick weather such as snow, wind, and rain. Wear protective riding clothing, including a helmet that fits. Always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet won't prevent all head injuries, but taking this precaution can lessen the risks of severe brain damage if you have an accident. Following these safety precautions will help you to be safe on the road. Safe riding can help you establish your credibility as a motorcyclist and help give you a reputation as a responsible driver if you are in court either as defendant challenging a lawsuit or a plaintiff seeking damages from others' negligence.
Compensation After a Motorcycle Lane Splitting Accident
If you are in a motorcycle lane splitting or unsafe lane change accident where you are not at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and property damage to the motorcycle. In the tragic loss of life, the survivors may be able for compensation for the victim's medical bills, funeral bills, and lost wages. The important thing after an accident is to document the circumstances of the incident through eyewitness testimony, police records, and medical records.
Your first action after an accident is to summon police and emergency personnel. Obtain police records of the accident. Get your medical records including records of surgeries and prescription drug costs for insurance and legal purposes. Get witness names, addresses, and phone numbers. Take photos of the accident site and the damage if you are able and this does not place you in further danger after the accident. Document the evidence of the crash as immediately as you can after the accident.
There is a two-year statute of limitations in Birmingham personal injury cases, unless the claimant is a minor at the time of the injury and the statute of limitations may be until the child is 19-years-old, plus two years, but no more than 20 years. The exception is for adult claimants who have a disability at the time of the injuries and declared incapacitated by an appropriate court. This most often applies to those who are mentally incompetent. There are other exceptions for minors under four years of age where these minors can bring a lawsuit until the eighth birthday.
For assistance to navigate the court system, hire an attorney who focuses on personal injury lawsuits. Contact Guster Law Firm, LLC at (205) 581-9777.
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