Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is using the road markings that separate one lane of traffic from another to create a special lane for motorcyclists. The biker can then speed between slower-moving traffic. This helps bikers navigate traffic more effectively and can keep some motorcyclists from being involved in rear-end collisions.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in South Carolina?

Lane splitting is not legal in South Carolina.

What Is Lane Filtering?

Lane filtering happens at stop signs, traffic lights, and anywhere else where cars, trucks, and other vehicles come to a stop. “Filtering” is when motorcyclists use the space between these stopped vehicles to move to the “front of the line.” This enables them to get out ahead of traffic once it starts moving again.

Is Lane Filtering Legal in South Carolina?

Lane filtering is not legal in South Carolina, either.

In Which States Are Lane Splitting and Filtering Legal?

Lane splitting is only legal in California. Lane filtering is legal in four states:

• Montana
• Utah
• Colorado
• Arizona

There are eight other states where lawmakers are debating whether to legalized lane splitting, but South Carolina is not one of them.

Will South Carolina Ever Legalize Lane Splitting and Filtering?

It is unlikely that South Carolina will amend its laws in the near future, but dismissing it out of hand may be a mistake. The American Motorcycle Association has endorsed the practice for the last 10 years, and cites a reduced risk of rear-end collisions in heavy traffic as a primary safety benefit.

What Are the Dangers of Lane Splitting and Filtering?

There are differences between lane filtering vs. lane splitting, but both practices come with similar risks. Motorcyclists are already difficult for some drivers to see, and bikers who ride between traffic can be even less visible. This can be especially true in places like South Carolina where motorists don’t expect motorcyclists to perform either activity.

Additionally, both lane splitting and lane filtering could anger some drivers and lead to road rage incidents. Car and truck drivers frustrated by traffic jams could become unreasonably angry if they see bikers trying to move ahead of them in traffic. They could then act out by deliberately attempting to stop motorcyclists who lane split or filter.

What Kinds of Motorcycle Accidents Are Caused by Lane Splitting and Filtering?

Even if lane splitting and lane filtering were legal, it must be acknowledged that both can lead to serious, even fatal, motorcycle wrecks. The bikers themselves are not the only ones at risk, either.

There is no minimum age that a passenger must be to ride on the back of a motorcycle. Even young children can ride as passengers on motorcycles, putting them at risk of severe injuries or death in the event of a crash.

Lane Filtering Accidents

Intersections are dangerous places, and filtering puts motorcyclists directly in harm’s way. Motorcyclists who filter so they can be the first through an intersection must be careful and watch for other drivers who might enter after their light has turned red. Otherwise, they can be struck on the side in a T-bone collision.

Rear-end collisions can also happen when motorcyclists filter at intersections. An inattentive or aggressive car or truck driver might hit the back of a motorcyclist who does not proceed through the intersection fast enough, causing them to lose control of their bike and crash.

In congested urban areas, motorcyclists who try to filter to the front of traffic at intersections must also be on the lookout for parked cars. Drivers or passengers may open their doors without thinking about approaching motorcyclists. As a result, they could leave a biker with no room to maneuver to avoid a collision. These incidents can cause serious injuries to motorcyclists, especially if they are rushing through traffic to reach the intersection.

Lane Splitting Accidents

Lane splitting also allows for all of the dangers and types of accidents that can result from lane filtering. Rear-end collisions are a significant risk in stop-and-go traffic, which is when motorcyclists are most likely to engage in lane splitting.

Both vehicles and motorcycles may be forced to stop suddenly, and operators who are not paying attention can collide with cars in front of them. Motorcyclists are not the only ones who want to get out of traffic jams, though.

Car and truck drivers can also quickly and unexpectedly change lanes if they feel another traffic lane is moving more rapidly. These drivers may switch lanes without first checking to see if a motorcyclist is splitting lanes, leading to a side-impact or sideswipe collision.

Finally, road rage incidents can quickly develop in the heated atmosphere of a traffic jam. Aggravated drivers can cut motorcyclists off, intimidate them by tailgating them, or even throw their doors open in their path to harm the cyclist.

Common Injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Accidents

No matter how an accident happens, any motorcycle wreck can cause significant harm to any biker or motorcycle passenger. These injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back and spinal cord damage
• Broken bones, especially those in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
• Trauma to internal organs
• Severe abrasions, also known as road rash

Protective gear like helmets, gloves, and padded clothing can help reduce the risk of these injuries. However, it is still advisable for any rider involved in a crash to see a doctor right after it happens. Doing so allows medical personnel to detect any severe injuries and minimize their impact.

Who Is to Blame for a Lane Splitting or Lane Filtering Accident in Greenville?

Even though lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal, motorcyclists who engage in these practices are not always to blame for wrecks. While their actions may contribute to a crash, this does not always mean the biker cannot recover compensation for their injuries.

For example, suppose that a motorcyclist splits a lane to get through stop-and-go traffic. As they carefully navigate the gridlock, a driver in a parked car carelessly opens the door, hits the motorcyclist, and knocks them off their bike. The motorist’s negligent action could be seen as the wreck’s primary cause, allowing the biker some recovery.

For this reason, motorcyclists should always consult with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers about their rights after a wreck. Only by analyzing all of the circumstances that led to a crash in light of current South Carolina law can an injured biker’s legal rights be determined.

How Do I Choose the Right Greenville Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

When you have been hurt in a crash, you understandably want to hire the best motorcycle accident lawyer you can find. “But with so many motorcycle accident lawyers near me,” you might wonder, “how do I choose the right one?” The answer is simple: look for a motorcycle accident attorney with the right resources, results, and rapport for your needs.

Resources

Ask yourself: “Does this motorcycle accident lawyer have the knowledge and capacity to competently handle my case?” A skilled lawyer should have more than just experience handling motorcycle accident claims; they should also possess the ability to thoroughly investigate your wreck. This enables you to receive helpful advice and quality representation.

Results

An attorney’s past successes are no guarantee that you will experience similar results. However, the verdicts and settlements an attorney receives for other motorcycle accident victims can indicate the quality of that lawyer’s resources and services. An attorney who struggles to deliver results for clients may not be the best choice for you.

Rapport

Finally, you should be able to trust your attorney and have confidence in their advice. If you meet with a lawyer but feel they don’t understand you or your needs, it may be a sign to look for alternate representation. When working with the right attorney, you will feel as though you and your lawyer are a team working toward your recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Greenville, SC?

South Carolina has adopted a three-year statute of limitations for motorcycle injury claims. Therefore, it is essential that you speak to a lawyer for motorcycle accident victims soon after your wreck.

There are consequences for failing to file a claim for compensation within this three-year window. In particular, you could lose the ability to recover damages for your injuries entirely.

Do You Have a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me?

With a convenient location in Greenville on Pelham Road off of I-385 and other offices in Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, and Spartanburg, accessing our experienced and effective motorcycle accident attorneys is easy. Contact HawkLaw today and schedule a consultation with one of the firm’s skilled lawyers.