Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Maryland?

Lane splitting is illegal in Maryland, and if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, understanding how this law affects your case is essential. Whether or not lane splitting was involved, you may be facing serious concerns about medical bills, lost income, and how to recover compensation for your injuries.

 A Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges, investigate who was at fault, and work to secure the financial support you need. In this article, we’ll explain Maryland’s lane splitting law, how negligence is determined after an accident, and what steps you can take to protect your health and finances moving forward.

Maryland Motorcycle Laws That Could Affect Your Claim

When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, the laws that apply to motorcyclists can have a significant impact on your ability to pursue compensation. In Maryland, motorcycle riders are required to follow the same traffic laws as all other drivers, along with a few motorcycle-specific rules. 

Understanding these laws, especially how they relate to safe and legal riding practices, can help you see how your actions, as well as the actions of the other driver, are evaluated after a crash.

Motorcyclists Have a Right to a Full Lane

One of the most important laws to know is Maryland Transportation Code § 21-1303, which makes lane splitting illegal. This law clearly states that motorcyclists must not ride between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. 

Motorcyclists Must Wear a Helmet

In addition, helmet use is mandatory for all riders and passengers in Maryland under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-1306. Additionally, all riders must wear protective eye gear unless their motorcycle has a windscreen. Riding without required safety gear or violating traffic laws, such as speeding or failing to signal, can be considered negligent behavior and may affect how responsibility is assigned after an accident.

On the other hand, if you were following all applicable laws and riding safely, and the other driver acted negligently, you may have a strong case for recovering damages. The key takeaway is that liability is determined by behavior on the road, and legal violations like lane splitting can play a role in that process. Knowing the laws and how they apply to your situation is an essential step toward protecting your health, your finances, and your legal rights.

Why Lane Splitting Matters to Your Health and Finances

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, your focus is likely on recovering from injuries, paying medical bills, and figuring out how to get back to work or daily life. It’s a stressful and uncertain time, especially when you’re worried about how the accident happened and whether it will affect your ability to get compensation. If lane splitting played any role in the crash, it’s important to understand how that could impact legal responsibility and your financial recovery.

This is why every detail of the crash matters. Even if lane splitting occurred, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re to blame or that you have no options. Understanding your rights and having the accident thoroughly investigated can make a major difference in how your case is resolved and in your ability to get the support and compensation you need.

Can You Recover Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, one of your biggest concerns is likely how to cover the costs, including medical expenses, bike repairs, lost wages, and ongoing treatment. The good news is that you may still be able to recover compensation, even if questions have come up about how the accident happened or whether you were lane splitting.

The most important factor in any personal injury claim is determining who was at fault for the crash. If the other driver was negligent, you may have a valid claim for compensation, regardless of the type of vehicle you were operating. The key is proving that their actions caused the accident and your resulting injuries.

However, if you were engaging in illegal or risky behavior, such as lane splitting or speeding, the situation becomes more complicated. A motorcycle rider who was driving negligently may be held partially or fully responsible for the crash, depending on the evidence. That’s why it’s so important to have the accident thoroughly investigated. Our Maryland personal injury lawyers can handle an investigation on your behalf. Every case is different, and a thorough legal review can help clarify your options and next steps.

Proving the Other Driver in Your Maryland Motorcycle Accident Was Negligent

When you’re trying to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, proving that the other driver was negligent is critical. Insurance companies and courts rely on evidence to determine who caused the crash and whether you’re entitled to financial recovery. Even if there are concerns about your own actions, such as lane splitting, a strong investigation can uncover proof that the other driver’s behavior was the true cause of the accident.

Here’s how fault is typically investigated:

• Police Reports: Officers who respond to the scene document their initial findings, note any traffic violations, and include statements from those involved.
• Witness Statements: Independent accounts from people who saw the accident can provide unbiased insight into what actually happened.
• Traffic or Dash Cam Footage: Video evidence can be invaluable in showing the sequence of events, including speed, lane changes, and traffic conditions.
• Accident Reconstruction: Experts can analyze the physical evidence, such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions, to recreate how the crash occurred.
• Medical Records: Detailed documentation of your injuries helps establish a clear link between the accident and the harm you’ve suffered.

A Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer plays a key role in gathering and preserving this evidence, challenging any unfair assumptions about your actions, and building a case that clearly shows the other driver’s negligence. This process is essential to protecting your right to a fair settlement and ensuring that the full impact of the accident on your life is taken into account.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

After a serious motorcycle accident, you may feel overwhelmed—not just by your injuries and recovery but by the stress of dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. 

Our team at Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers can help by conducting a thorough investigation into your accident, gathering crucial evidence to establish what really happened and who was at fault. We work to protect your rights, especially in cases where insurers may try to shift blame or minimize your injuries. From handling all communication with insurance adjusters to negotiating maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, we’re here to support you at every step.

Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

The Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers with Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers are here to help you understand your situation. We can recommend high-quality medical professionals and provide a unique text number to reach us. 

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can support your recovery.