There is no question that California is beautiful and a wonderful place to ride a motorcycle. However, along with the fun of riding comes the danger of being involved in a motorcycle accident. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we believe it is imperative for everyone who rides to know exactly what their rights are – especially when involved in an accident. Keep reading to get the facts. Then contact us at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
Lane Splitting is Legal
Not long ago, it was not legal for a motorcycle rider to lane split in California. This practice, which involves a motorcycle riding between two lanes of traffic which are moving in the same direction, has been shown to reduce congestion. Unfortunately, cars are not always looking out for motorcycles and collisions can occur.
Motorcycle riders are legally allowed not only to travel between two lanes of traffic (assuming the traffic is traveling the same way), they are also allowed to move from one lane to the in-between lane position, and can drive faster than cars while doing so.
The Case for Lane Splitting
While many people assume lane splitting is dangerous because it sounds that way to them, the truth is that it makes the roads safer. It allows motorcycles get stay out of the way of trucks, cars, and other large vehicles. It allows them to act fast if a car brakes too suddenly in front of them, or another emergency occurs.
Lane Sharing is Legal as Well – In Some Cases
Lane sharing, which refers to two motorcycles driving side by side in the same lane, is legal – but only in certain situations. For example, it is legal on larger roads with at last wo lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction. It is legal whether it involves two motorcycles side by side in the same lane, or a motorcycle and other motor vehicle sharing a lane.
The Easy Explanation of Your Rights: You Have a Right to the Road
Put simply, as a motorcyclist you have as much a right to be on the roads as other vehicles. In some cases, you even have additional rights. The bad news is that other vehicles often do not realize this. They assume that they have more of a right than you do and they may act dangerously.
If they have done so and an accident has occurred, then you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now and we can provide a free legal consultation to give you more information about your rights.
