Lane splitting is illegal in Indiana. Lane splitting encroaches on other drivers’ space and prevents not one but two drivers from fully using their lanes. According to the Indiana Vehicle Code, “a vehicle may not be driven or controlled in a manner that denies another vehicle the right to use its lanes.”. Motorcycle accidents can be tragic when this occurs because of how dangerous it can be.
In order to navigate traffic more effectively, a motorbike may choose to drive outside its designated lane and in between other cars. This practice is known as lane splitting. Since the motorcycle effectively travels along the line separating the lanes, lane splitting is also known as “riding the white line” and “riding the stripes.”
A Fort Wayne car accident attorney can gain a valuable perspective on what happened by closely studying the facts of your case. This will empower you to build the most robust case possible moving forward.
Describe Lane Splitting into simple terms.
]Lane splitting happens when motorcycle riders travel between cars or when a motor vehicle driver tries to “squeeze” next to a motorcycle. Although motorbikes are more maneuverable and take up less space than other types of vehicles, lane splitting is dangerous and increases the likelihood of a collision for all parties involved.
What Are the Legal Implications of Lane Splitting?
Every vehicle is required to use its whole lane of traffic, according to Indiana Code 9-21-10-6. Lane splitting is forbidden under this rule because it restricts other lane users’ ability to move freely. This restriction applies to both motorcycle and car drivers. Lane splitting is illegal, and violators are subject to both criminal and civil legal action. Motorcyclists and car drivers most commonly do lane splitting.
If a motorcycle or car driver negligently engages in behavior that results in harm to third parties, a civil lawsuit may be initiated against them.
Those who claim negligence per se assert that the activities were careless in and of themselves. In contrast, civil cases often require the plaintiff to demonstrate that the defendant was negligent in their actions. Lane splitting is an unlawful act. Thus, the plaintiff simply has to prove that it occurred in order to establish negligence. Thereafter, the plaintiff must demonstrate that their injuries are connected to the legal transgression.
