When people think about purchasing a motorcycle they do so for a number of reasons. Some feel it will be a better economic value than a car as such a vehicle can cut gas costs down tremendously. Another consideration is maneuverability—Motorcycles have an easier time jettisoning through traffic than cars and trucks.

One thing new riders the fail to consider however is how motorcycle accident laws differ from auto accident laws. These laws can vary from state to state and in fact, can be of great importance for any one who suffers a personal injury due to a car accident.

Motorcycle accident laws versus auto accident laws

Anyone who has had the misfortune of being in a vehicle accident of any kind knows the emotional, legal and financial quagmire they had to wade through. The severity of these hassles can often depend on the type of motor vehicles involved in the crash. For instance, commercial truckers and their companies are subject to rules and regulation that civilian drivers are not, and vice versa. It’s the same with motorcycles.

The most significant motorcycle accident laws are those regarding lane splitting and or sharing. This is largely due to the fact that only motorcycles can indulge in this particular practice.

Just what is lane sharing and/or splitting?

Lane sharing is when a motorcycle occupies the same space as a car, truck or van. Motorcycles do this for numerous reasons, but there has been ongoing nationwide debate as to whether or not the practice is safe.

Bikers argue that most motorcycle accident laws that limit the exercise are unfair since it is the reckless passenger car driver and not the biker that causes collisions in these instances. Passenger car drivers, however, have indicated that it is difficult to always see motorcycle riders, which increases the danger for both driver and cyclists.

The most significant motorcycle accident laws are those regarding lane splitting and or sharing.

Many states do not allow lane splitting while some do so unofficially. California and now Texas is one of the few states that legally recognize lane splitting and have designed laws around it. For instance, motorcycle laws in California require that the bike remain a certain distance from a vehicle it shares lanes with. Lane sharing can only occur at certain speeds as well.

Californian also has a mandatory helmet laws. Motorcycle riders who fail to observe the rules in this state can be greatly hampered when it comes to motorcycle accident claims and the ability to receive reparation.

A stated prior, motorcycle accident laws may vary from state to state so it pays to do your homework when buying a new bike so you know what you are up against.

Fair compensation for motorcycle accident victims

When a biker is hurt in an accident it doesn’t matter what the laws are – to victims and their families all they want is justice. That is when locating the right personal injury lawyer is important.

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident it pays to know what the motorcycle accident laws are and how they vastly differ from auto accident laws. The seasoned pros at Proner and Proner understand this and more and have been helping bike accident victims in New York and beyond receive compensation for their serious accident related injuries.

Contact us today for a free case examination and learn what you can do to get the financial compensation you need for pain, suffering and lost wages.