Lane Splitting Accident Attorney in Glendale & Los Angeles
California is the only state in the nation that explicitly permits lane splitting — the practice of motorcyclists riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While legal, lane splitting creates unique accident scenarios and liability questions that require specialized legal knowledge. Attorney Anand Desai has represented injured motorcyclists across Glendale, Los Angeles, and Southern California for over 20+ years, and he understands the nuances of California’s lane-splitting laws. If you were hurt while lane splitting or were struck by a lane-splitting rider, call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation.
California’s Lane Splitting Law
In 2016, California officially codified lane splitting through Assembly Bill 51, which added Vehicle Code Section 21658.1. This law authorized the California Highway Patrol to develop guidelines for safe lane splitting. Key points include:
- Lane splitting is legal but must be done in a safe and prudent manner
- The CHP issued general guidelines suggesting riders split at no more than 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic
- Lane splitting is safest when traffic is moving at 30 mph or less
- Riders should avoid splitting near large vehicles, off-ramps, and merge zones
The fact that lane splitting is legal does not mean the motorcyclist is always blameless in an accident. Conversely, a car driver who opens a door or changes lanes into a lane-splitting motorcyclist may bear primary liability.
How Lane Splitting Accidents Happen
Los Angeles freeways — the 134, the 5, the 101, the 405, and the 2 — are prime lane-splitting territory due to chronic congestion. Common accident scenarios include:
- Sudden lane changes by car drivers — a motorist moves laterally without checking mirrors, directly into the motorcyclist’s path
- Door openings — a passenger in a stopped vehicle opens their door into traffic
- Excessive speed differential — a rider splitting at high speed through slow traffic has almost no reaction time
- Narrow gaps — riding between large vehicles like trucks or buses with minimal clearance
- Mirror clips — a motorcycle’s mirror or handlebar catches a car’s mirror, destabilizing the rider
Injuries in Lane Splitting Accidents
Motorcyclists lack the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and crumple zones. Lane-splitting accidents, even at lower speeds, can cause serious harm:
- Road rash — severe skin abrasion from sliding on pavement
- Fractures — wrists, hands, ankles, and collarbones are particularly vulnerable
- Traumatic brain injuries — even with a helmet, impacts can cause concussions or worse
- Spinal cord injuries from being thrown from the bike
- Leg and knee injuries from being squeezed between vehicles
- Internal injuries from handlebar impacts to the torso
Determining Fault in a Lane Splitting Accident
Liability in lane-splitting cases depends on the specific circumstances. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system (Civil Code Section 1714), both the motorcyclist and the car driver may share fault. Factors that influence fault allocation include:
- The speed differential between the motorcycle and surrounding traffic
- Whether the car driver signaled before changing lanes
- Whether the motorcyclist was splitting in a safe location (not near off-ramps, intersections, or construction zones)
- Visibility conditions and time of day
- Whether the car driver checked mirrors before moving
Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently try to blame the motorcyclist automatically. Attorney Desai pushes back aggressively against this bias, using dashcam footage, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction to prove the car driver’s negligence.
Anti-Motorcyclist Bias and How We Fight It
One of the biggest obstacles motorcyclists face is jury and adjuster bias. Many people view lane splitting as inherently dangerous or reckless, even though it is perfectly legal in California. Anand Desai’s 50+ jury trials and 13 years as an LA County Public Defender have equipped him with the persuasion skills to overcome this bias and present your case in the most favorable light.
Compensation for Lane Splitting Accident Victims
Injured motorcyclists across Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley may recover:
- Emergency care, surgery, and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages during recovery and future income loss
- Pain and suffering
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Scarring and disfigurement — particularly from road rash
California’s two-year statute of limitations (CCP Section 335.1) applies. File your claim promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lane Splitting Accidents
Is lane splitting legal in California?
Yes. California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 permits lane splitting. It is the only state that has formally legalized the practice. However, riders must split lanes in a safe and prudent manner.
Will I lose my case if I was lane splitting when the accident happened?
Not necessarily. Since lane splitting is legal in California, doing so does not automatically make you at fault. The key question is whether you were splitting safely and whether the other driver acted negligently. Even if you share some fault, you can still recover damages under comparative negligence.
What if the car driver says they did not see me?
Drivers have a legal duty to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. “I did not see the motorcycle” is not a defense — it is evidence of negligence. California Vehicle Code Section 22107 requires signaling and checking before any lane change.
How can I prove the car driver was at fault?
Dashcam footage (your own or from nearby vehicles), witness statements, the car driver’s failure to signal, and the location of vehicle damage all help establish fault. Attorney Desai will conduct a thorough investigation to build the strongest case possible.
Should I hire a motorcycle-specific accident attorney?
You should hire an attorney experienced with motorcycle cases and familiar with California’s lane-splitting laws. Anand Desai has extensive experience representing motorcyclists and understands the unique legal issues these cases present.
Free Consultation — No Win, No Fee
Lane splitting accidents require an attorney who understands both the law and the physics. Call Anand Desai at (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation, or contact us online. 5.0 stars on Google. BBB A+ rated. Available 24/7.