Daniel Petrov | July 7, 2025 | Motorcycle Accident
Lane splitting accidents in San Diego can be complex. Whether you’re a motorcyclist or a driver involved in a crash, figuring out who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, we help everyday people understand their rights and get real support after an accident. With a client-first approach and clear, reliable communication, our team is here to help you move forward after a motorcycle crash.
What Is Lane Splitting, and Is It Legal in San Diego?
Lane splitting means a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slower or stopped traffic. In California, it is technically legal. However, legality doesn’t always mean the rider is free from blame if a crash happens. Liability depends on how both the rider and the driver behaved at the time of the accident.
What Causes Lane Splitting Accidents?
These crashes often happen because of:
- Drivers changing lanes without signaling
- Motorcyclists weaving too quickly between cars
- Cars opening doors into traffic
- Heavy congestion and low visibility
No matter what the cause of the accident, the outcome is often serious, especially for the rider.
Who’s at Fault in a Line Splitting Accident in San Diego?
California follows a contributory fault system, meaning multiple people can share responsibility. Some examples:
- The driver may be at fault if they changed lanes without checking mirrors or signaled too late.
- The motorcyclist may share blame if they were speeding or riding recklessly between cars.
- Both may be partially responsible, which could impact the amount of compensation available.
Having a personal injury attorney can help sort out the facts and protect your claim from being unfairly minimized. An attorney will work with the insurance companies to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to so that you can heal.
What to Do After an Accident
Insurance companies often try to downplay lane-splitting claims, especially when a motorcycle is involved. If you’re in a lane-splitting accident in San Diego, it is recommended to take these steps:
- Get medical attention
- Call the police
- Collect photo and video evidence
- Avoid posting about or discussing the crash
- Talk to a lawyer before speaking to your insurance company
What Injuries Are Most Common?
Even low-speed crashes can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries after a lane-splitting accident include:
- Broken bones
- Head or spine injuries
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
Medical bills and recovery time can add up quickly. If someone else’s carelessness contributed to the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for those losses.
Can You Still Recover Compensation If You Were Lane Splitting?
Yes, even if you were lane splitting at the time of the crash, you may still be eligible to recover compensation. Under California’s comparative fault system, injured individuals can seek damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident.
Depending on your situation, you could receive compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle. An attorney can help you understand what a fair outcome looks like based on the full impact the accident has had on your life.
Why Legal Support Makes a Difference
Motorcycle accidents are often misunderstood, and riders are sometimes unfairly blamed. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash
- Deal with the insurance companies
- Make sure your story is heard
- Help you pursue fair compensation
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, we treat you like a person, not a case number. Our team will walk you through each step, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported during this difficult time.
Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle lane splitting accident in San Diego, the dedicated attorneys at Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to help. We offer a clear path forward and support you can trust. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve to heal and recover after your accident.