Lane Splitting Accident Lawyer in Tampa

Traffic throughout Tampa is uniquely dangerous for a wide variety of reasons that include the intersection of a major freight hub with local commercial traffic arteries. The combination of very heavy trucks and commercial traffic makes our roadways even more dangerous for motorcyclists, who are among the most vulnerable motorists out there. This is why the City of Tampa and the State of Florida take a zero-tolerance stance toward lane splitting. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that involves lane splitting, our experienced Tampa lane splitting accident lawyers at Jeeves Law Group are well prepared to help.

The State of Florida Is Very Clear on the Matter of Lane Splitting

Florida law states that motorcyclists mustn’t operate their bikes between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. In other words, lane splitting is strictly forbidden.

If you’ve been injured in what’s deemed a lane-splitting accident, you can expect the involved insurance company to focus entirely on the illegality of lane splitting. But the matter doesn’t end here.

Just because the other motorist claims you were engaged in lane splitting doesn’t make it so. Florida allows every motorcyclist the full use of a lane on our roadways, and if another driver enters your lane, it doesn’t mean that you were lane splitting. Ultimately, the matter of fault needs to be proven, and that comes down to the evidence.

Even if You Were Lane Splitting, You May Be Entitled to Compensation

Lane splitting isn’t safe in Tampa, and it’s illegal. Because your safety is paramount, you’re well advised to forego the practice. If, however, you were injured by another driver’s negligence while you were lane splitting, such as if a distracted driver changed lanes without looking, you may have legal recourse.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Florida employs what’s called modified comparative negligence. This is a fancy way of saying that, as long as you are no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident in question, you can seek compensation for the losses caused by the other driver.

Your Settlement

To begin, your reputable lane splitting attorney will set to work proving that your responsibility for the accident was limited. From here, they’ll help to establish the full range of your damages, including:

• Property damage to your bike
• Your current medical bills and those that extend into the future
• Your lost earnings and any lost earning potential
• The physical pain and emotional duress you suffer in the wake of the violent motorcycle accident

During negotiations, your legal counsel will fiercely advocate for the percentage of your losses that the other driver is responsible for.