Motorcycling is a popular hobby and mode of transportation in Syracuse, allowing riders to enjoy the beautiful scenery and open roads of Upstate New York. However, motorcyclists face unique risks and challenges on the road, including the temptation to engage in lane splitting or filtering. If you’ve been involved in an incident where these maneuvers lead to serious accidents and injuries, allow the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Porter Law Group to help your case.
The attorneys at The Porter Law Group have recovered millions of dollars* for vehicular accident victims in Syracuse and throughout the State of New York. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in the numerous traffic and road safety laws, and have a proven track record of recovering compensation for our clients.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to a motorcycle lane splitting or lane filtering accident in Syracuse, or anywhere in New York, call us at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com for a free case evaluation today.
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic, often on the line dividing the lanes. Lane filtering is a similar practice, typically involving a motorcyclist weaving between stopped vehicles. This often happens at a traffic light or in heavy congestion to position themselves at the front of the line.
Lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal, not only in Syracuse but throughout the state of New York. While lane splitting and filtering may allow motorcyclists to bypass traffic jams, engaging in these maneuvers significantly increases the risk of a collision, as car and truck drivers do not expect vehicles to be passing them in the same lane.
VAT § 1252 provides that:
Police officers in the performance of their duties are exempt from the last 2 prohibitions. This may be necessary when they need to chase down offenders or for responding to accidents and emergencies.
When motorcyclists ride between lanes of traffic, they put themselves in a highly vulnerable position. Drivers may not see the approaching motorcycle and could suddenly change lanes, open a vehicle door, or make another unexpected maneuver that leaves the rider with no time or space to avoid a crash. Some of the most common dangers include:
Due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to occupants of cars and trucks, accidents resulting from lane splitting or filtering often result in severe, life-altering injuries such as:
Tragically, many of these collisions are fatal for the motorcyclist. But they may also prove fatal for anyone they may hit when losing control and falling.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries and losses due to an accident caused by a motorcycle lane splitting in Syracuse or anywhere in New York, you will generally have to take it out of your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance. This applies whether you were in a car, truck, or another motorcycle.
New York is a ‘no-fault insurance’ state, which requires all drivers, even motorcycle riders, to have PIP. This is so that in the event of a vehicular accident, immediate financial compensation is available without the need to clog the courts. However, these insurance payouts may not be sufficient to cover medical treatment and damages for severe injuries.
In case of serious injuries, as defined by law, you have the option to waive your right to the insurance claim and sue the driver at fault instead. The threshold for serious injury is defined in section 5102(d) of New York’s insurance law, which involves incidences such as:
If you have been seriously injured and suffered greater losses than what the insurance covers, or if you are being hassled by the insurance company and are being blocked from claiming the fair compensation you deserve, you need a personal injury lawyer with experience and skill. Call The Porter Law Group.
If you’ve been severely injured in a vehicular accident caused by lane filtering or lane splitting and decided to sue the driver at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
These lawsuits can get complicated, especially in the state of New York, so it is important to have experienced legal counsel on your side. There can be multiple layers that add to the difficulty of resolving these problems, such as uninsured or underinsured drivers, or teen drivers who are still under the care and supervision of their parents.
At The Porter Law Group, our knowledgeable Syracuse motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience advocating for injured motorists. We thoroughly investigate each case, gather evidence and consult with experts to build a strong claim on your behalf. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators, ready to take on the insurance companies, or whoever is at fault, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Dealing with the aftermath of a severe road accident is overwhelming. Let the dedicated legal team at The Porter Law Group handle your lane-splitting accident claim while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. We offer free consultations and work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your complimentary case review today.
*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
