Motorcyclists often look for ways to move through traffic more efficiently and safely, especially during heavy congestion. One maneuver that sparks plenty of debate is lane splitting.

Riders use this move to pass between lanes of slower or stopped vehicles, squeezing through gaps most vehicles can’t fit through. But what happens if a motorcyclist gets injured while doing it? Is this maneuver legal in Alabama, and can it affect your ability to take legal action or receive compensation for your injuries?

Read on to discover how lane splitting can influence the outcome of a case and why working with skilled Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers is essential for protecting your rights.

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting refers to a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic, typically in slow or stopped conditions. It’s not the same as lane sharing, where two motorcycles ride side-by-side in a single lane. When lane splitting, the rider uses the space between adjacent lanes of cars traveling in the same direction as a temporary path forward.

Some motorcyclists use lane splitting to avoid stop-and-go traffic or reduce the risk of being rear-ended. But most drivers don’t expect a motorcycle between lanes, which can create sudden, unsafe situations.

Lane Splitting in Alabama: Illegal and Risky

Lane splitting is illegal in Alabama. Riders who pass between lanes can be cited for improper lane usage under Statute 32-5A-242. Unlike some states, where lane splitting exists in a murky gray area of the law, Alabama law explicitly requires motorcycles to stay within their lane like any other vehicle.

Neighboring states send a similar message. Georgia and Tennessee, for example, have laws that prohibit passing in the same lane as another vehicle and riding between rows of cars. While the language may vary, both states treat the maneuver as unlawful.

A rider splitting lanes in Alabama or bordering areas can be ticketed, and that violation may be used as evidence of reckless or negligent behavior if an accident occurs.

Can Lane Splitting Hurt My Injury Claim?

Even if another driver causes the collision, lane splitting can complicate your motorcycle injury claim in Alabama. Because the maneuver is illegal, it may shift some or all of the blame onto the rider.

Here are a few ways lane splitting may impact a claim:

  • Illegal Maneuver: Alabama law prohibits riding between lanes or between rows of vehicles. Any violation can be used to argue the motorcyclist acted unlawfully.
  • Shared Fault Argument: Insurers may say the rider acted dangerously and broke the law. In Alabama, even 1% of fault for a crash means losing the right to pursue a claim.
  • Defense Strategy: The at-fault driver’s legal team may argue that lane splitting put the motorcycle in an unexpected and hard-to-see position, making the collision unavoidable from the driver’s perspective.

Motorcyclists already deal with bias from insurance companies, and if lane splitting was involved in the crash, it could make things even harder. The insurer may push back more aggressively or deny the claim altogether.

Alabama’s Strict Contributory Negligence Rule

Alabama uses one of the toughest fault systems in the country. Under contributory negligence, an injured rider who shares even 1% of the blame can be barred from recovering damages, no matter how serious the resulting injuries or how careless the other party was.

That creates a tough situation for motorcyclists. Since lane splitting is illegal in Alabama, any finding that it contributed to the crash could cause the entire case to be dismissed. So why pursue a claim at all? Because with the help of an experienced Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer, a path may still be open to compensation.

Is There Any Way Around Alabama’s Tough Fault Rules?

Courts sometimes apply the Last Clear Chance doctrine despite the strict fault rules. Here’s how it works:

  • The other driver had the final chance to avoid the crash.
  • They saw or should have seen your motorcycle.
  • They failed to act when they had time to prevent the collision.

This argument depends heavily on the specific facts of the accident. A skilled attorney can help determine if this applies and develop the best strategy for moving forward.

Why Legal Help Matters in a Lane Splitting Case

Lane splitting may complicate your motorcycle accident claim, but it doesn’t make it unwinnable. At Tyler Mann Injury Law, our experienced attorneys know how to navigate Alabama’s tough laws and build a strong case to show the other driver was entirely at fault for your crash.

Here’s how we work to help prove your case:

  • Review traffic footage to highlight the driver’s sudden moves or lack of awareness.
  • Interview witnesses who saw the crash unfold firsthand.
  • Examine the police report for inaccuracies or biased assumptions about fault.
  • Document road conditions and vehicle positions to reconstruct what happened.
  • Counter arguments that lane splitting caused the accident.

When fault is being questioned, every detail matters. We use the evidence to challenge blame, strengthen your claim, and fight for the financial support you deserve.

Protect Your Right to Compensation

Being injured in a motorcycle crash is hard enough without legal complications. When lane splitting is involved, insurance companies will jump at any opportunity to deny your claim. That’s why you need experienced legal support on your side.

At Tyler Mann Injury Law, our firm has handled many claims involving complex crashes and disputed fault. We act fast to gather traffic footage, interview witnesses, and build a case that highlights the driver’s responsibility.

With a track record of favorable settlements for motorcyclists facing challenges like these, we’re ready to help you.

Contact us today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.