Who is Responsible for a Lane Splitting Accident in California?

California is the first state to allow lane splitting, which is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic in the same direction. As a result, it has been a pioneer in terms of determining what works and what doesn’t when it comes to lane-splitting. Allowing motorcyclists to travel between lanes, according to lawmakers,…
110+ positive reviews from our clients. Average Rating: 4.9
Schedule a Free Consultation
No Recovery | No Fee
highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
$4,970,000
Driver v. Bus Settlement
Driver v. Bus Settlement
$4,750,000
Head on Collision
Head on Collision
$4,000,000
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accident
$2,000,000
Slip and Fall
Slip and Fall
$1,560,000
Slip & Fall
Slip & Fall
$1,000,000
Dog Bite Injury
Dog Bite Injury

Who is Responsible for a Lane Splitting Accident in California?

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

California is the first state to allow lane splitting, which is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic in the same direction. As a result, it has been a pioneer in terms of determining what works and what doesn't when it comes to lane-splitting. Allowing motorcyclists to travel between lanes, according to lawmakers, lowers traffic and congestion.

Understand Lane Splitting in California

Any road that has been “divided into two or more clearly designated lanes for traffic in one direction” is acceptable for lane splitting. Motorcyclists can ride a two-wheeled vehicle “between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane” under California law, as specified in Vehicle Code 21658.1 VC. In other words, when it is safe to do so, motorcyclists can lawfully ride between lanes of traffic.

There are no official laws that govern how fast a motorcycle rider can switch lanes or whether it is unsafe to do so. The California Highway Patrol did, however, issue safety advice in 2018 to make lane splitting safer for everyone on the road.

Who is at fault for a Lane-Splitting Accident in California?

Since lane-splitting is not illegal in California, a biker will not be held liable for these accidents just because he or she broke the law. If a motorcyclist was riding while inebriated, for example, he or she may be held liable for any future accidents. To put it another way, the victim would not need any other proof of negligence other than the breached law to hold the motorcyclist accountable. It is not against the law to split lanes. As a result, assessing responsibility becomes more complex.

California is a state that strictly applies the theory of comparative negligence. This means that in a vehicle accident case, the courts will look at both parties' probable negligence. Both parties have the ability to absorb percentages of fault, which might impact a plaintiff's ability to obtain damages. In California, a plaintiff who is partially at blame for a motorcycle accident (even if they are 99 percent at blame) may still be eligible for some compensation under exceptional circumstances. For maximal financial recovery, both sides must strive to show the other party's majority fault.

Like other sorts of vehicle accidents, police will investigate the facts and evidence of a lane-splitting collision. In the police report, they may express an opinion of fault, such as careless driving or a motorbike riding in a truck's blind area. Insurance firms may undertake their own investigations to establish who is at blame. The evidence will aid in proving blame and/or negligence in the lane-splitting collision. The plaintiff and defendant must then dispute the question of liability in order to get financial recompense.

Consult a Los Angeles Attorney after a Lane Splitting Accident

Lane splitting accidents aren't usually the fault of a single biker or driver. A crash is frequently caused by a combination of circumstances. More than one individual can be held responsible in California. Fault is simply distributed among those who share some of the blame for the accident. The greater your role in an accident, the more responsibility you bear.

You may be able to obtain compensation even if you share fault. The amount of money you may receive, however, is limited by your own level of fault. To discuss a lane splitting accident case, contact the experienced attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm.

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

We Have Over 40 Years Experience in Employment & Personal Injury Law

Our Team is Comprised of Well-respected Lawyers Who Have Been Involved in Several Multi-Million Dollar Settlements
best personal injury lawyer in LA

Our employment & personal injury attorneys recognize that the individuals we work with are typically going through overwhelming and stressful times in their lives. When an individual hires us, we strive to provide the client with the strong legal representation and effective counsel they need to receive fair and just compensation. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients in their time of need. Our employment & personal injury team is comprised of well-respected lawyers who have been involved in several multi-million dollar settlements, earning us membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. This further demonstrates our ability to take on complex accident cases.

Meet the Team

What Do Our Clients Say About Us?

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Wow. This past year was a rough year for me. I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle back in June and then was laid off in November. But Jasmine Jackson, Cory Hernandez and the rest of the team at the Ghozland Law Firm really turned that around for me. Within a day after...

Tanner Gordon

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Good firm that takes care of their clients. I highly recommend them if you need a lawyer. They will treat you like family

Lorie Jackson

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I definitely recommend Ghozland Law firm. I have been a Client for yrs. Michael is extremely patient, cares for his clients, and very good with communicating and Jasmine is the best She goes above and beyond. She is so attentive and caring. She’s the Goat.

Janae Love100

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was involved in an automobile accident 6 months ago, I didn’t know where to turn. A friend recommended me to Michael Ghozland, I don’t regret it. Michael got me the compensation I deserved, will definitely recommended him to all my family and friends.

Sherrie Rosenberg

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

They have been super helpful and on top of my case. Everyone that I have dealt with at this law firm have taken the and been patient with answering all of my questions and concerns. I highly recommend this law firm.

Dolores Ochoa

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I sent a client to Michael and Nathan and cannot express how simple the process was and my client was so happy. It is the only law firm I have ever been able to get ahold of the attorneys directly and cannot explain how great it is to be able to have that service!

Dr. Joseph Fair DC

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was involved in a motorcycle and 3 car crash that was caused by some guy with a suspended license and no insurance. This law firm saved my life- literally. Insurance was refusing to help cover anything but my car damage and 3 chiropractor visits. It ended up that I had...

Isabella Dino

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

After getting being a victim of a hit and run I decided it would be a good idea to look up an injury lawyer. One of my friends suggested me Ghozland Law Firm I gave them a call. Jasmine Jackson was in charge of my case and she did an amazing job helping me through all the...

Tina B. Connors

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

A friend of mine referred me to Michael after I was in a car accident. It was a complicated case that involved several cars. I mostly communicated with Jasmine, who was so kind and helpful. We were immediately able to get medical care and time off from work. They even sent...

Maria C.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Very professional, Michael and Nathan helped me out when I was in a major accident, I needed physical therapy. No more than six months later I was in another accident that aggravated my prior injuries. Non the less the driver was uninsured. I turned to the Ghozland firm...

Jimmy A.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Everyone knows when you are in a car accident your life is frazzled and you don't know who to trust or what to do in this situation. The first thing that impressed me with the Ghozland Law Firm is they sent one of their staff out to my house to help me. It took 3 years to...

Patrice W.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

The Ghozland Law Firm, have done an amazing job, having this to be my first mayor accident they were attentive, helpful and always trying to make it easy as possible. Everyone that works at the firm has been friendly. In addition thank you to Jasmine J. And Michael for all...

Derek M.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Experiencing a car accident is horrible and the unexpected twist and turns that follow only get worse and more frustrating very quickly. . We were happy when the Ghozland Law Firm was recommended to us by a good friend after we were hit by a car that ran a red light...

Annette And Bobby O.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Amazing, Professional and Honest. The Ghozland Law firm has showed me why I made the right choice. Jasmine was helpful every step of the way to make sure that my case went smooth as possible. They handled everything since day one and did not stop until I was satisfied. Thanks...

Edwin M.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Jasmine J. And Michael have been amazing. From the date of my accident till today's date they have been by my side every step of the way. I am happy to say that i can refer them to friends and family and have faith that they will take care of other clients just as well as...

Marilyn L.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I highly recommend the Ghozland law firm. He represented my family after a car accident where multiple injuries were sustained. He made a complex process simple and efficient. It was so nice to just concentrate on recovering and leaving all the rest up to Michael and his...

Chris M.

5

-Stars

We Are Proud of the Work We do for Our Clients

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
Awards and Recognitions
Ghozland Law Firm AwardsGhozland Law Firm Recognitions
Schedule a Free Consultation
No Recovery | No Fee
highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

We Stand Up To Greedy Insurance Companies

Get more compensation from your slip and fall injury with expert legal representation
best personal injury lawyer in LA
With over 40 years of experience, we have handled many slip and fall cases. I can provide you with the caliber of legal services that is normally available only to large companies, due to my experience in large-scale litigation that has resulted in awards of millions of dollars on many occasions. In 2014, Michael Ghozland was named “Street Fighter of the Year” by Consumer Attorneys of California in 2014. Because of my outstanding trial record, winning your case will probably mean obtaining a private settlement, with no need to ever step into a courtroom. Insurance companies know my reputation, and most of them would rather settle than face me in a slip and fall lawsuit.