Legal Options for Motorcycle Accidents Involving Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is legal in California, but that doesn’t mean every driver knows or respects that fact. In our experience, motorists often behave aggressively or carelessly when motorcycles move between lanes.
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries and long-term setbacks. When lane splitting is involved, things often get even more tense. Riders are frequently blamed for crashes, even when they were obeying traffic laws and riding responsibly.
At G. Aldrich Law, many Californians come to us after being injured during lane splitting, unsure of whether they have the right to file a personal injury claim. We serve clients in Lakeport and Woodland Hills, including Lake County, Los Angeles County, Colusa County, Riverside County, and surrounding counties in Northern and Southern California.
When these drivers cause crashes, they should be held accountable. We help injured riders understand their legal rights, prove fault, and pursue compensation for their injuries.
Let's explore how California law treats lane splitting, how fault is determined in accidents involving this maneuver, and what options you have after a crash.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting—also called “white-lining”—refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, typically when vehicles are slowed or stopped. California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting is explicitly permitted, provided it is done safely and reasonably.
In 2016, California passed Assembly Bill 51, which granted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) the authority to develop lane-splitting guidelines. While CHP has provided recommendations, the law does not define exact speeds or spacing limits. Instead, riders are expected to assess conditions and split lanes with caution.
That legal recognition helps injured riders pursue personal injury claims when a crash occurs during lane splitting. Still, fault isn’t automatic. The facts of each case matter.
When Lane Splitting Leads to a Crash
Motorcycle accidents during lane splitting often happen when drivers change lanes without signaling or checking their blind spots. Sometimes, a driver sees a rider coming and intentionally blocks them. Other times, a door opens unexpectedly, or a driver swerves due to traffic frustration.
When these crashes occur, law enforcement and insurance adjusters may be quick to blame the motorcyclist. We often see cases where the injured rider is treated as if they were in the wrong simply for splitting lanes—despite it being a legal practice.
Our attorney examines the entire story—how the crash occurred, the traffic conditions at the time, whether the rider acted responsibly, and whether the driver failed to share the road properly. When we prove that a driver’s behavior caused or contributed to the crash, we push for personal injury compensation.
Determining Fault in Lane Splitting Accidents
Fault in a motorcycle accident is determined by examining the actions of everyone involved. In California, we operate under a system of “comparative negligence,” which means that both parties can share responsibility.
Even if a motorcyclist is found partially at fault, they can still recover damages, though their percentage of fault may reduce the final award.
For example, if a rider was splitting lanes at a high speed and a driver changed lanes without signaling, both may be considered partially responsible. If the rider is found to be 30% at fault and their damages are $100,000, they could still recover $70,000.
This system works in favor of injured motorcyclists, but only if the case is built with substantial evidence. Insurance companies will try to shift as much blame as possible onto the rider to lower their payout. We know how to push back with the facts.
What We Focus On When Building a Case
In every personal injury case involving lane splitting, we focus on gathering evidence that shows the rider was operating their motorcycle responsibly and that the driver acted carelessly. We know what information makes the difference in these cases.
Here's what we prioritize:
Police reports: These documents often contain valuable details about how the accident occurred. If an officer blames the motorcyclist unfairly, we review body cam footage, 911 calls, and eyewitness accounts to challenge that report.
Witness statements: Independent witnesses can confirm what really happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Their perspective can be key in proving fault.
Traffic conditions: We evaluate whether traffic was moving slowly, whether vehicles were bumper-to-bumper, and how much space was available between lanes. These factors support our position that the rider split lanes safely.
Video footage: Dash cams, surveillance cameras, and even helmet cams provide clear visual evidence. If available, video can eliminate doubt about who caused the accident.
Medical records: We document all injuries linked to the crash and work with medical professionals to understand the long-term impact of those injuries.
Motorcycle maintenance and equipment: We check whether the motorcycle was in proper working order, had functioning lights, and complied with safety requirements. This helps show the rider was operating responsibly.
We use this information to construct a strong personal injury claim that reflects the true nature of the crash—not the assumptions some people make about motorcyclists.
Legal Options for Injured Riders
Motorcyclists injured in lane-splitting accidents have the same legal rights as anyone hurt in a motor vehicle crash. In most cases, we start by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, we may file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Here are some of the damages we pursue on behalf of injured riders:
Medical expenses: This includes emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and follow-up care.
Lost income: We calculate the wages lost due to missed work, as well as any future reduction in earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: Injuries from motorcycle accidents often involve intense pain and long recovery periods. We pursue compensation for physical and emotional suffering.
Property damage: We seek the cost of repairing or replacing the motorcycle and any gear damaged in the crash.
Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent riders from engaging in hobbies, physical activities, or everyday tasks, we make that loss part of the claim.
Disfigurement or disability: Scarring, loss of mobility, and permanent injuries are all factors that increase the value of a personal injury case.
Our goal is to recover full and fair compensation, not just a quick payout that leaves you struggling later.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often look for reasons to blame the rider, especially in lane-splitting accidents. They may argue that the motorcyclist was moving too fast, weaving through traffic, or violating some safety guideline. These tactics are meant to reduce how much they pay—or deny the claim altogether.
We don’t let insurers control the narrative. When we handle a case, we speak directly to the insurance company, provide clear evidence of fault, and demand the compensation our client deserves. If the insurer refuses to act fairly, we’re ready to take the case to court.
Our experience with California personal injury law gives us the knowledge to challenge these unfair tactics and highlight the true cause of the crash.
Time Limits to File a Personal Injury Claim
California law sets a deadline of two years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. In some cases involving government entities—such as a crash caused by poor road maintenance—the deadline is even shorter.
That’s why we recommend speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner we start working on your case, the more evidence we can preserve and the stronger your claim will be.
Call a Lawyer Today
At G. Aldrich Law, our attorney supports injured motorcyclists, especially when lane splitting is involved. We’re proud to serve Lakeport and Woodland Hills, California, and the surrounding areas of Lake County, Los Angeles County, Colusa County, and Riverside County. If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident involving lane splitting, call now to pursue justice and compensation.