Motorcycle accidents can be among the most dangerous types of auto accidents on the road. Some motorcycle accidents are caused by lane splitting, which occurs when a motorcycle rider travels down the broken line between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic traveling in the same direction. Lane splitting can increase the likelihood of a motorcycle accident, especially on highways and freeways when vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
Discuss Your Case With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in New Mexico involving lane splitting, it’s crucial that you discuss your case with the lawyer. The assertive, skilled motorcycle accident lawyers at Hunt Law are here to help. We will carefully review your case and determine who was at fault for your injuries. Our legal team will work diligently to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in New Mexico?
Drivers, motorcyclists, and state governments continue to debate whether lane splitting should be legal or not. Currently, lane splitting is illegal in almost all of the states, including in New Mexico. California is the only state that allows lane splitting. If a motorcyclist causes an accident by lane splitting, he or she can face traffic tickets and fines for riding a motorcycle down the broken lines between lanes. The driver who engaged in lane splitting may also be liable for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.
The Difference Between Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing
It’s easy to confuse lane splitting and lane sharing. Lane sharing occurs when two motorcycle riders ride next to each other in the same lane of traffic. In New Mexico and most other states, lane sharing is legal, although no more than two riders can share the same way. However, lane sharing can still be dangerous.
Lane splitting is also different from filtering. Filtering involves a motorcyclist swerving between traffic to reach the head of the traffic line at a stop sign, stoplight, off-ramp, or intersection. Even though lane sharing is not illegal, if a motorcyclist is sharing a lane negligently or recklessly, causing an accident, the victims have a right to pursue compensation against the negligent rider through a personal injury lawsuit.
Determining Liability in a Lane Splitting Accident
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be complex. There may have been one person at fault, or multiple people may have been at fault, causing the accident. Under New Mexico law, all drivers have a legal duty to drive reasonably safely under the circumstances. When drivers breach their duty to drive reasonably safely, they can be held liable for any damages caused by their negligence.
If a motorcyclist who was splitting lanes injured you at the time of the accident, the motorcyclist might be liable for your injuries. However, it’s possible that another person’s negligence caused the accident. For example, if a drunk driver collided with a motorcyclist who was lane splitting after crossing the line, the drunk driver would be at fault.
Similarly, suppose a motorcyclist was splitting lanes when a truck driver, who was texting, swerved into the motorcyclist. The truck driver collided with a motorcyclist, causing a multi-vehicle collision on the roadside. In this case, as long as the other drivers weren’t acting negligently, the truck driver would be responsible for paying damages to the victims. On the other hand, if the lane splitting itself caused the accident, the motorcyclist will be liable for the victim’s injuries.
Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Without legal representation, there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to receive the total amount of compensation for your injuries. Motorcycle accidents often involve devastating injuries, and determining who was at fault can be difficult. At Hunt Law, we have represented many personal injury victims just like you. We understand the challenges you face, including mounting medical bills and your inability to return to work while recovering from your injuries.
Our lawyers provide every client and their case with the individual attention they deserve. We have the financial resources and professional networks to thoroughly investigate your motorcycle accident and gather evidence on your behalf. We know how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf, and we will handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery and healing.
Damages Available in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Since motorcyclists do not have the external protection of doors and a vehicle frame, they are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, road rash, and broken bones. Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim may need lifelong medical care and assistance. Lifelong medical care can cost millions of dollars over a person’s life.
Successfully obtaining compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can allow you and your family to survive financially. In New Mexico, successful plaintiffs are entitled to economic damages for their medical expenses, property damage, durable medical equipment, and lost income. They are also entitled to non-economic damages for disability, disfigurement, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering they have endured from their injuries. At Hunt Law, we will carefully determine all of the current and future damages caused by your injury so we can work diligently to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact a New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Today
In New Mexico, there are special rules for motorcyclists. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who has extensive knowledge of New Mexico laws. At Hunt Law, we have extensive experience representing clients who’ve been involved in motorcycle accidents. We are ready to help you get back on your feet financially by obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.