Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
Motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Tampa or elsewhere in Florida. This means that no motorcyclist can maneuver between any two moving lanes of traffic at the same time. Regardless of what type of road you are on or how busy traffic is, it is always illegal to ride your motorcycle between other automobiles in Tampa and throughout the state.
Despite the laws, lane splitting and using emergency or bike lanes is a common occurrence witnessed by fellow motorcyclists in the Tampa Bay area. One theory as to why motorcyclists are engaging in these risky behaviors in Florida is because there may be some confusion about the laws governing the practice of lane splitting. Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want to clear up any misconceptions that bikers may have about lane splitting. Even though it is legal in some states, it is strictly prohibited in Florida.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle passes between two moving automobiles traveling in the same direction. This is against Florida law and is a potentially risky maneuver that could result in a motorcycle crash and devastating consequences for the rider.
Why Do Motorcyclist Split Lanes?
Motorcyclists may split lanes for a variety of reasons, including avoiding stopped traffic, passing slower traffic, avoiding road hazards, or moving into an unencumbered lane. Bikers should always exercise caution when attempting to lane split across lanes of traffic due to the possible risks involved.
It is critical to remember that lane splitting is banned in Tampa and throughout Florida, so always ride cautiously and follow the laws of the road.
What Are the Risks of Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is a risky activity that can result in serious accidents. Motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in a collision because they have less protection than drivers and passengers in enclosed cars. Most automobile drivers are not familiar with lane splitting, so they might be even less conscious of the need to look for riders in instances where they decide to lane split. For bikers, this is a lethal mix.
Some common circumstances in which lane splitting can result in a catastrophic motorcycle accident include:
- A biker attempting to pass between traffic and a parked automobile and being doored and thrown from their bike during lane splitting.
- A rider passes between two vehicles when the vehicle in front of them abruptly changes lanes, resulting in a collision between the lane splitting biker and the other driver.
- A motorist ahead of the lane splitting biker taps on their brakes, causing the rider to lose control and crash.
- A motorcyclist who lane splits in stop-and-go traffic, traveling much quicker than the other lanes and swerves to avoid a car that suddenly changes lanes as they are passing it.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been seriously wounded in a motorcycle accident caused by lane splitting, you should get legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand the legal system and guarantee that your rights are safeguarded throughout the process.
Understanding Florida laws concerning lane splitting is critical for motorcyclists in Tampa and throughout the state. It is essential to remember that lane splitting is illegal in the Sunshine State and can result on fines and even jail time.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by lane splitting, our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 813-221-3200 or contact us online immediately to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and alternatives.