Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Illinois

Lane splitting—when a motorcycle rides between lanes of traffic—is illegal in Illinois. When a motorcycle accident involves lane splitting, liability questions become complex. The Crannell Law Group represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Illinois. The firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered. Call [phone-number linked=true] for a free consultation.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Illinois?

Lane splitting is illegal in Illinois. Motorcyclists who split lanes violate traffic laws and may face citations. However, lane splitting alone does not prevent an injured motorcyclist from recovering compensation if another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident.

Why Choose The Crannell Law Group for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

The Crannell Law Group brings courtroom experience to motorcycle accident cases. The firm was founded by Jonathan P. Crannell, an experienced trial attorney who has recovered millions for clients. The firm also includes Meenaz I. Pradhan, an associate attorney with defense-side experience, and Antonio Arriola, a trial attorney.

The firm states that it has secured a $1.18 million brain injury verdict in DuPage County and is available 24/7 with same-business-day responses. It works on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.

The firm serves DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook counties from its Naperville office at 55 Shuman Boulevard, Suite 525, Naperville, IL 60563.

Lane Splitting Accidents: Liability and Comparative Negligence

When a lane-splitting motorcycle accident occurs, liability depends on the specific facts. Even if the motorcyclist was lane splitting, another driver may still bear responsibility if that driver failed to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic or made a sudden lane change without checking mirrors.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured person may recover damages if they were 50% or less at fault. If a motorcyclist was lane splitting but another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, the motorcyclist may still recover, though any award would be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Common Causes of Lane Splitting Accidents

Lane splitting accidents result from various factors:

• Sudden lane changes by other drivers who fail to check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes.
• Drivers opening car doors into the path of a lane-splitting motorcycle.
• Failure to see the motorcycle because of the motorcycle’s smaller profile and the driver’s inattention.
• Distracted driving by other motorists who do not notice a motorcycle between lanes.
• Aggressive driving or road rage incidents involving motorcyclists and other drivers.
• Poor road conditions that make lane splitting more dangerous.

Lane splitting is just one of several dangerous riding scenarios on Illinois roads. Left-turn collisions are another common cause of serious motorcycle injuries, and understanding how liability works in a left-turn motorcycle accident can help protect your claim.

Injuries From Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accidents

Lane splitting motorcycle accidents cause severe injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries can cause lasting cognitive changes, memory loss, and personality changes.
• Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones and fractures require surgery and rehabilitation.
• Road rash and lacerations can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Wrongful death.
• These injuries often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.

How The Crannell Law Group Can Help

The firm investigates motorcycle accidents thoroughly by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police reports. It also works with medical professionals to document injuries and evaluate damages.

The firm handles settlement negotiations with insurance companies and prepares cases for trial if settlement does not resolve the matter. It also keeps clients informed throughout the process and explains available legal options clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lane splitting motorcycle accident claim in Illinois?

You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit and five years to file a property damage claim. Acting quickly can help preserve important evidence.

What compensation can I recover?

You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In serious cases, additional damages may be available for permanent disability or disfigurement.

Do I have a case even if I was lane splitting?

If another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, you may have a claim. A consultation can help evaluate the facts and possible options.

How much does it cost to hire The Crannell Law Group?

The firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered, and the fee comes from the settlement or verdict.

How long does a motorcycle accident case take?

The timeline varies. Some cases settle in months, while more complex cases may take longer.

What is comparative negligence in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, though recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Contact The Crannell Law Group Today

You do not have to handle this alone. The Crannell Law Group represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Illinois. Call [phone-number linked=true] for a free consultation.

The firm serves DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook counties. Its office is located at 55 Shuman Boulevard, Suite 525, Naperville, IL 60563, and it responds to calls 24/7 with same-business-day responses.