Lane-splitting occurs when a motorcycle drives in between two lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction. If you were injured in a lane-splitting accident, we can help. You may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries, missed work, and other damages.
Please contact our office to discuss your case.
Is Lane-Splitting Legal in Nevada?
Each state has its own laws pertaining to lane-splitting. According to Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) §486.351, it is illegal for motorcycles and mopeds to split lanes.
Lane-splitting should not be confused with lane sharing, which is when two motorcycles or mopeds ride side-by-side in a single lane. Lane sharing is legal in Nevada, so long as both operators agree to it.
Lane-splitting is a hotly debated topic amongst motorcycle advocacy groups and other organizations. But make no mistake, Nevada motorcyclists who engage in lane-splitting break the law. These operators may be held accountable for any accidents they cause.
Who Can File a Lane-Splitting Injury Lawsuit?
You may be eligible if you were injured in a crash that involved a lane-splitting motorcycle. Injured parties could include other motorcycle operators, car and truck drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Marked lanes exist to maintain predictable traffic patterns. Those who choose to lane split put themselves and others at risk. According to the Nevada Departments of Public Safety & Transportation, lane departures are a factor in just under 40% of Nevada’s total fatalities.
Almost two-thirds of the state’s fatal lane departure accidents occur right here in Clark County. If you lost your loved one in a lane-splitting crash, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
Compensation for Lane-Splitting Injuries
A lane-splitting settlement can compensate you for any economic and non-economic damages that you incurred as a result of an accident.
Economic damages have a set cost associated with them, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Medical Bills
You shouldn’t have to pay for any medical costs for your accident-related injuries. That includes the medical care you’ve already received and any care that you may need in the future. A settlement should cover doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests.
Lost Wages
Accident injuries can keep you out of work for a while. People with severe injuries may not be able to work ever again. You and your family shouldn’t have to worry about money because of someone else’s negligence.
Property Damage
You rely on your vehicle to make doctor appointments and attend to other obligations for your family. If you were injured, there’s a good chance your vehicle either needs repair or replacement.
Domestic Services
An accident-related injury or disability may prevent you from caring for your minor children and doing housework or any home maintenance. You may need to hire someone to perform these tasks for you.
Non-economic damages are the subjective, but no less real, effects of a lane-splitting accident. Depending on the severity and nature of your injuries, you may be able to pursue some of these damages.
Pain and Suffering
Many people experience both physical and psychological pain after an accident. One analysis found that just over 22% of motor vehicle accident survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Loss of Companionship
An injury can interfere with personal relationships. Your significant other may qualify for loss of companionship compensation.
Permanent Disfigurement
Some injuries result in permanent disfigurement, which can cause embarrassment and a loss of self-worth. No amount of money can undo these injuries, but compensation is a way for you to seek justice.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Lane-Splitting Case?
If the insurance company approaches you and you haven’t hired an attorney, typically one of two things will happen.
- The insurance company will say that you are responsible for the accident, even if this isn’t true.
- Or, the insurance company will offer you a settlement that only covers a fraction of what you may be entitled to.
Remember that insurance companies are businesses that only have their best interests in mind. No matter how helpful they seem, their main focus is their bottom line and not your well-being.
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Lane-Splitting Accident
Our personal injury attorneys stand up to bullying insurance companies. We ensure that your legal rights are upheld throughout your case. And, we pursue justice on your behalf.
Once you hire one of our lawyers, we take over all legal aspects of your case. That means we deal with all of the phone calls, letters, and legal deadlines. Meanwhile, you continue to go to your doctor’s visits and other medical appointments.
When needed, our law firm works with other professionals to help build a strong case for you. These partnerships make it possible to recreate accident scenes, find and interview witnesses, and project long-term medical costs and lost income.
How Much does a Lane-Splitting Accident Lawyer Cost?
Unlike the insurance companies, Pacific West Injury Law prioritizes people before profits. We help injured parties on a contingency fee basis.
That means it costs you nothing upfront to have our firm get started on your case. And, we only accept payment after we have secured a settlement for you.
Time Limits for Filing a Lane-Splitting Accident Lawsuit
Each state sets its own time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits, which is called a statute of limitations. In Nevada, the statute of limitation is only two years, pursuant to NRS §11.190.
You may not be able to file a legal claim after this timeframe. That’s why it’s best to contact a lawyer right after an accident. Our law firm answers phone calls 24/7.
Get Legal Help After a Lane-Splitting Accident
Our attorneys BEAR DOWN on the insurance companies and responsible parties. We’re ready to help you pursue justice and compensation. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
