Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcycle rider maneuvering between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic. This technique allows motorcyclists to navigate congested roads more efficiently. Lane splitting can reduce traffic congestion and prevent rear-end collisions for motorcyclists stuck in stop-and-go traffic. However, the practice raises safety concerns and contributes to motorcycle accidents. When performed in unsafe conditions, lane splitting increases the risk of collisions with vehicles that may change lanes or open doors unexpectedly, as well as with distracted or inattentive drivers.

In Tennessee, lane splitting is illegal. Tennessee Code 55-8-182 prohibits motorcycles from operating between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Motorcyclists must remain within a single lane and avoid riding on lane lines. Violations of this law can result in citations and fines. Additionally, riders engaging in lane splitting may face legal challenges if involved in an accident, as their action is seen as a violation of traffic laws. What’s more, the practice can be found to constitute negligence.

Tennessee personal injury claims are adjudged under the principle of modified comparative negligence. Under this system, a plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault in causing the accident, and if they are found to be 50 percent or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.

Lane splitting can significantly influence a determination of comparative negligence in motorcycle accident cases. If a motorcyclist involved in an accident was lane splitting at the time, the courts might consider whether this action contributed to the collision. For instance:

  1. Unlawful conduct — Since lane splitting is illegal in Tennessee, engaging in the practice may be viewed as negligent per se. This presumption can weigh heavily against the motorcyclist in determining fault.

  2. Risky maneuvers — If the rider was splitting lanes at high speeds, in heavy traffic, or without sufficient space, their actions might be deemed reckless, increasing their share of liability.

  3. Driver behavior — However, fault is not automatically assigned entirely to the motorcyclist. Courts will examine whether other drivers involved in the collision acted negligently, such as by failing to check mirrors or signaling lane changes.

The degree to which lane splitting is deemed a negligent act depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. For example, if a car suddenly veered into a motorcycle while the rider was lane splitting, both parties might share responsibility.

For injured riders, engaging in lane splitting can complicate their ability to recover damages. This is why it is essential to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney fighting to prove that you were not significantly at fault.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in the Tri-Cities area, the personal injury lawyers of Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, P.C. in Bristol work hard so you obtain full and fair compensation. Call our office today at 423-797-6022 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. If you cannot come to our Bristol office, we offer home and hospital appointments to injury victims and their families.