California Lane Splitting Laws: Liability, Rules & Accident Claims

California Lane Splitting Laws Explained

“Lane splitting,” also known as “white lining,” is the act of passing between vehicles in adjacent lanes of traffic. For example, if there are two lines of vehicles moving in the same direction and they stop at a red light, a motorcyclist may “split the lane” and ride between them, moving to the front of the line so they can proceed first once the light turns green. A motorcyclist may also lane split in moving traffic to pass slower-moving vehicles in adjacent lanes.

California law expressly permits lane splitting as long as it is done responsibly, but advises caution whenever a motorcyclist attempts this maneuver. Motorcyclists should avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles like commercial tractor-trailers, and riding on the shoulder is illegal; this does not qualify as lane splitting. Motorcyclists are advised to avoid lingering in other drivers’ blind spots longer than necessary to complete a lane splitting maneuver. If you get into an accident involving a commercial vehicle, understanding trucking company liability for driver negligence in California is essential.

Other drivers may not intentionally impede nearby motorcyclists attempting to split a lane. Opening vehicle doors to impede lane splitting is also prohibited. Other drivers are also expected to move as far to the left as they can in their lane to provide more room for a lane splitting motorcyclist to pass them.

Determining Liability for a Motorcycle Accident in California

If a motorcyclist attempts to split a lane and an accident results, the parties involved will need to determine fault for the accident before any injured party can claim compensation for their damages. The driver of the other vehicle may claim that the motorcyclist was at fault because they attempted to split the lane, but if the motorcyclist performed their lane split responsibly, they may not be at fault for the accident.

Resolving motorcycle accident cases in California can be challenging, and an injured victim may need various forms of evidence that they do not know how to obtain on their own. Additionally, some crucial evidence may not be obtainable for very long, so if you are injured in an accident, you need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer right away so they can start building your case.

California enforces a pure comparative negligence law, so if the facts in a personal injury case show that the plaintiff shares fault with the defendant, this will result in a diminished recovery for the plaintiff. The percentage of fault assigned to them will be the percentage taken from their case award or settlement to reflect their shared liability. These regulations are closely tied to the broader car accident fault laws in California.

Ultimately, resolving any motorcycle accident case in California can be challenging, and it is important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with proven experience to have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Bentley & More LLP has years of experience representing injured riders throughout California, including those injured in lane splitting accidents. Reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn how we can help with your case.

FAQs

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Deadlier Than Car Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are deadlier than car accidents because a motorcycle provides very little protection to the rider in a crash. The California Office of Traffic Safety reported that in 2023, there were 583 motorcycle accident deaths statewide. While motorcycles are less common than passenger cars and there are fewer motorcycle accidents each year, the risk of fatal injury is much greater in a motorcycle accident.

What Is the 12-Second Rule on a Motorcycle?

The 12-second rule on a motorcycle is a general piece of advice to all riders to be alert for the traffic conditions around them and to anticipate any potential road hazards within 12 seconds ahead of them. This amount of time is usually enough for a motorcyclist to identify a potential hazard and take appropriate action to avoid it.

Is a Motorcyclist at Fault for a Lane Splitting Accident?

A motorcyclist could be at fault for a lane splitting accident if they were negligent in their attempt to split a lane. While California law allows lane splitting for motorcyclists, the law advises that this should not be attempted by inexperienced riders, and that any rider who attempts to split a lane must do so carefully, and only when traffic conditions allow them to complete the maneuver safely and without endangering others.

What Damages Can I Claim in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

The damages you can claim in a motorcycle accident case depend on the nature and severity of the injuries you suffered. If you can prove another driver caused the accident, you may have grounds to claim compensation for vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you experienced. Your California motorcycle accident attorney can estimate the full potential value of your case.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to have a better chance of proving fault for your accident and recovering compensation for your damages. Your attorney will know how to secure the evidence needed to prove fault, and they can help you pursue as much compensation as state law allows for your damages. You significantly increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case with an attorney representing you.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

The attorneys at Bentley & More LLP have years of experience representing injured riders in their motorcycle accident cases, and we know that the issue of lane splitting can complicate an accident case in California. We can explain the California lane splitting laws that may apply to your case and help you pursue compensation for your damages. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney.

About the author: Greg Bentley

Co-Founder & Trial Lawyer at Bentley & More LLP

Greg Bentley is Co-Founder of Bentley & More LLP in Newport Beach, California. With 36 years of experience, he represents plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance bad faith, dangerous road and property conditions, and construction-site failure cases. Admitted to the State Bar of California, Greg earned his J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of several invitation-only trial organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is active in multiple statewide and regional trial lawyer associations.

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