Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle lane-splitting has been a topic of debate for many years. Some riders believe that it can help them reach their destination faster, while others argue that it is unsafe and should be banned. In Arizona, lane-splitting has been legal for years, but a new law has changed the rules of the road. Here is what you need to know about the new motorcycle lane-splitting law.

 

What is Lane-Splitting?

Lane-splitting is when a motorcycle rider drives between two lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction. This can be done to get through traffic congestion or to reach a destination more quickly.

Old Lane-Splitting Laws

Before the new law, lane-splitting was not clearly defined in Arizona. There were no specific rules or regulations that governed the practice. Riders were left to use their judgment and common sense when deciding whether or not to lane-split.

The New Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Law Explained

Under the new law, lane-splitting is legal in Arizona, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Motorcycle riders can only lane-split when traffic is moving at 50 miles per hour or slower. They can also only travel at a speed that is no more than 15 miles per hour faster than the flow of traffic. Additionally, riders must be aware of their surroundings and use caution when lane-splitting.

Conditions for Safe Lane-Splitting

To safely lane-split, motorcycle riders should follow some basic guidelines. They should only lane-split when it is safe to do so and when traffic is moving at a slow speed. Riders should also wear protective gear, including a helmet and leather clothing, to minimize the risk of injury in case of an accident.

How Lane Splitting Impacts Car Drivers

Car drivers also need to be aware of the new lane-splitting law. They should always check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn. Car drivers should also avoid following motorcycles too closely, as riders may need to lane-split to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

Penalties for Violating the Law

Violating the new lane-splitting law can result in a ticket and a fine. The amount of the fine will depend on the circumstances of the violation. In some cases, riders may also face other penalties, such as having their motorcycle impounded.

Consult with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident while lane-splitting, it is important to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney. The team at Brad Johnson Injury Law can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

In conclusion, the new motorcycle lane-splitting law in Arizona allows for safer and more regulated lane-splitting. It is important for both motorcycle riders and car drivers to be aware of the law and to follow the conditions for safe lane-splitting. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Brad Johnson Injury Law for help.

There is nothing quite like hitting the open roads on the back of a motorcycle, feeling the adrenaline start pumping as the wind whips around you from all directions. However, while the thrill of riding a motorcycle is intense, this activity should not be one that you take on without first attempting to reduce your risk of a motorcycle accident. After all, riding a motorcycle puts you at an increased risk for serious injury or death should you find yourself in an accident. Therefore, you want to do everything you can to avoid this scenario.

How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

Don’t Speed

It’s common sense, but the faster you go, the more likely you are to come upon something in the road that will cause an accident or not see a car pull out ahead. Therefore, in general, especially when on a motorcycle, don’t speed!

Avoid Blind Spots and be Aware of Others

It’s always important to drive defensively and be aware of other drivers on the road. However, when you are on a motorcycle and are surrounded by regular-sized vehicles or even oversized ones, this becomes that much more important. You are your own best lookout in terms of seeing danger coming and avoiding it, so be aware of what is going on around you and assume that other drivers aren’t always going to follow the rules.

Don’t Drink and Drive

It’s never a good idea to drink and drive no matter what you are driving. However, when you are on a motorcycle and your risk for injury is increased, it’s that much more important that you have all your faculties operating optimally.

Be Extra Cautious At Intersections and Stop Lights

Motorcycles are regularly rear-ended at intersections or whenever motorcyclists slow down. A good idea to help ensure that you are visible when approaching a stop light or intersection is flashing your brake lights several times to get the attention of those around you. Then, when you do come to a stop, glance behind you to ensure that there isn’t a car about to hit you. It’s wise to keep your bike in gear so you can pull up or off if the car behind you doesn’t stop in time.

Wear Protective Gear

Protective gear, like helmets and jackets, are designed to protect your body from various injuries should you fall off of your bike or get into an accident. Therefore, it’s important to always wear your protective gear, even if you are just going on a quick trip or it’s hot out. It can easily mean the difference between life and death if you are in an accident.

Take a Safety Course

Take a safety course that will go over various ways to keep yourself safe while on a motorcycle. This includes various tips and important elements like using your signals and then expands into other steps you might not think of to protect yourself.

Avoid Driving at Night or During Inclement Weather

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety stated that 28% of all fatal motorcycle accidents occurred between 9 pm and 3 am in 2017. Therefore, it’s a good idea to avoid taking your motorcycle out at night. It’s also wise to avoid inclement weather as well.

Call An Attorney

If you do find yourself, despite your best efforts to avoid it, becoming involved in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced motorcycle lawyer to learn about your rights.

Arizona’s new motorcycle law SB 1273 permits lane filtering by motorcycles. The law allows a motorcycle to proceed at a safe speed and filter between stopped or slower moving vehicles if the rider feels it is safe to do so.

This new law brings Arizona in line with many other states that have already legalized lane filtering, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas.

Lane filtering can be a great way to avoid being stuck in traffic, and it can also help riders stay safe by keeping them out of the blind spots of other vehicles. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and use caution when lane filtering, as it can be dangerous if not done properly.

Lane Filtering vs. Lane Splitting or Lane Sharing

Lane filtering is sometimes confused with lane splitting or lane sharing, but there are important differences between the three.

• Lane filtering occurs when a motorcycle rider moves between lanes of stopped traffic.
• Lane splitting, on the other hand, refers to a motorcycle rider passing other vehicles by riding in-between them while they are traveling in the same direction.
• Lane sharing is when two motorcycles ride side-by-side in the same lane.

Is lane splitting legal in Arizona? According to Arizona motorcycle laws, lane splitting is still illegal.

The Pros and Cons of Lane Filtering

Lane filtering can have both positive and negative effects. Some of the potential pros of lane filtering include:

• Allowing motorcycles to avoid being stuck in traffic, thereby reducing congestion on the roads
• Helping riders stay safe by keeping them out of the blind spots of other vehicles
• Giving riders the opportunity to get where they are going more quickly

However, there are also some potential cons of lane filtering, which include:

• Distracting other drivers and causing accidents
• Making it difficult for other vehicles to traverse intersections
• Causing motorcycle riders to crash if they filter too closely to other vehicles

Importantly, whenever laws change, it can take a while for drivers and even other cyclists to be aware of them.

Safety Tips for Lane Filtering

Some safety tips for lane filtering:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and use your mirrors to check for vehicles in your blind spot before changing lanes.
• Use caution when filtering around trucks and buses, as they have large blind spots.
• Do not filter through red lights or stop signs.
• Use caution when filtering in rainy or wet conditions, as it can be more difficult to see around other vehicles.
• Don’t attempt illegal maneuvers such as lane splitting; only filter when vehicles are fully stopped.

You should always drive with caution especially when lane filtering, as it can be an inherently dangerous maneuver.

Tips for Avoiding an Accident with Motorcyclists

There are a few things drivers can do to avoid accidents with motorcyclists, whether they are lane filtering or not:

• Be aware of motorcycles on the road and give them space when passing.
• Check your blind spots for motorcycles before driving.
• Use extra caution when turning, as motorcycles may be in your blind spot or passing you.
• Be extra cautious in bad weather, as road conditions can be more difficult for motorcycles.
• Drive defensively and always expect the unexpected from other drivers and cyclists.

What to Do If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to stay calm and call 911. Try to move your motorcycle out of the roadway if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. If you are able, exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information. Take pictures of the scene of the accident but do not talk to anyone about the accident until you have connected with an experienced motorcycle attorney.

Motorcycles offer a wonderful way to get around town and enjoy the fresh air. However, riding on a motorcycle carries a number of risks. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident case. Distracted driving or driving under the influence can lead to serious accidents as well.

According to a study of 2017 data, the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents make up 14% of motor vehicle-related fatalities. Moreover, per miles driven, motorcycles have a fatality rate that is 28% higher than passenger vehicles.

The personal injury lawyers at Brad Johnson Injury Law have significant experience representing people who have been in motorcycle accidents. Our law firm will work with you to maximize your settlement to ensure that you will have the best recovery possible.

Here is what you should do if you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident:

1. Seek Medical Treatment

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you should seek immediate medical treatment. Motorcycle drivers in Arizona over 18 years old are not required to wear helmets. If you hit your head when tossed from a motorcycle, you could have a concussion or a severe brain injury. You may also have internal bleeding, broken bones, or severe road rash.

Related article: Common Car Accident Injury Symptoms

In addition to treating your injuries, having medical documentation showing the extent of your injuries will be important when it comes time to negotiate your settlement amount. If you wait too long, insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries are not serious enough to avoid paying your medical costs.

2. Document Everything

A common stereotype about lawyers is that they love paperwork and documentation. This is true because having documentation is the best way to maximize a settlement claim.
After the accident, take photographs of the site of the accident, your motorcycle, the other car, and your injuries. You should also keep track of any property that was damaged as a result of the accident. Did your cell phone screen crack, or will you need to replace your helmet, gloves, or riding boots?

Create a special folder to keep track of all the medical bills you receive, not only from the hospital but also from the pharmacy, the chiropractor, the physical therapist, and any other medical professional you see. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to recreate this documentation later. Your bills and receipts are necessary to maximize your motorcycle accident claim against the other driver’s insurance company.

Don’t forget to track other expenses you incur as a result of the accident. These can include:

• Lost wages from the time you spent away from work at doctor’s appointments or in recovery
• Gas spent driving to and from medical appointments
• Additional childcare costs
• The cost to repair your bike
• The rental fees for a new vehicle while yours is in the shop
• Replacement motorcycle gear and clothing
• Repairing or replacing your cell phone and other personal property damaged in the accident

If you are in doubt of the relevancy of any particular bill, hang on to the receipt and discuss it with your personal injury attorney.

Finally, document your day-to-day aches and pains. Use an app on your phone or a physical calendar to rate the amount of pain you have on any given day. This can be a useful aid to document the pain and suffering you have as a result of the accident. This will show how many days you were in pain, but also the extent of your pain.

You should note that this is not the only way to calculate pain and suffering. Your lawyer may also suggest that pain and suffering be calculated based on the expenses you incurred from the accident. Make all your records as accurate as possible in order to maximize your settlement.

3. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

The other driver’s insurance company is not your friend. The company’s job is to maximize its profits while minimizing the amount it pays. Insurance agents may actually receive bonuses for denying claims and settling cases for less than they are worth. They may offer to settle with you quickly, before you are aware of the final cost of your medical bills and other expenses.

Because of this, you need an attorney who is on your side and knows the ins and outs of settlement negotiation.

You should meet with your attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Many insurance companies require that you file a claim within a short period of time after the accident. You may not know the full cost of the accident when you file your claim, but do not fret. The settlement negotiation phase will take some time. Continue to get the medical treatment you need and keep documenting your expenses.

Related article: Car Accident Injury Settlement Process

Your lawyer will help you calculate how much your claim is worth. Remember: the goal of a settlement is not to make you rich. Instead, it is to put you in the position you were before the accident occurred.

Your settlement may be lowered, depending on your contributory negligence. In a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona, a jury will determine what percentage of the accident was the plaintiff’s fault, and lower the award by that amount. An insurance company may try to perform the same calculation during the settlement process. Your personal injury attorney will discuss this and other strategies the insurance company may use in order to avoid paying your claim.

Sometimes, insurance companies are not willing to pay a fair settlement. If this happens, you should ask your attorney about suing the other driver for damages. A motorcycle accident claim must be filed within two years of the date of the crash.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. If you were in a motorcycle accident, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys for a free consultation today.