Virginia motorcycle lane-splitting accident attorneys

If motorcyclists are hit while lane-splitting in Virginia, can they get compensation?

Motorcycles are a great way to take in Virginia’s beauty - from our breathtaking mountains to our scenic coastline here in Eastern Virginia. Motorcycles are also great for commuting in heavy traffic (and it’s much easier to find parking for them).

But bikes have to share the road with much larger vehicles. When riding in traffic, a motorcyclist may be tempted to practice "lane-splitting." Lane-splitting - also known as "whitelining," "stripe-riding," "filtering," and "lane sharing" - is a motorcycle being ridden between rows or lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. It’s usually done when the vehicles are moving slowly or stopped at a red light, in a motorcyclist’s attempt to move up through traffic.

If you are riding a motorcycle in traffic and are tempted to try lane-splitting - DON’T!

Lane-splitting is not only illegal in Virginia - it’s dangerous. In fact, within the United States, lane-splitting is only legal in California.

Lane-splitting in Virginia is a lose-lose situation. Not only can you be ticketed for doing it, but if you’re in an accident while lane-splitting, even if it’s not your fault, your chances of getting compensation for your injuries are slim. Don’t take that chance.

Back to Top

What are Virginia’s rules for motorcyclists?

To ensure that you’re riding safely and within the law, let’s go over some of Virginia’s motorcycle laws:

• Lane Sharing: We’ve already said that lane-splitting is illegal in the Commonwealth; however, two motorcycles ARE allowed to ride side-by-side in the same lane.
• Helmet Laws: All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved safety helmets. Riders of motorcycles without windshields are required to wear face shields or goggles.
• Insurance Requirements: Motorcycle riders in Virginia aren’t required to carry insurance if they pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee to the Virginia DMV (currently $500). Minimum coverage for motorcyclists who choose to carry insurance is as follows:
  • $20,000 for property damage
  • $25,000 for death or bodily injury of one person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury of two or more people
• Traffic Signal Laws: Most two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, bicycles) are not heavy enough to trip the sensors under the road surface that cause a traffic light to change. Virginia law allows two-wheeled vehicles to go through a red light IF there’s no oncoming traffic, and only after the rider has stopped and waited two minutes or allowed two cycles of the light to pass.

Back to Top

Speak with a Virginia motorcycle lane-splitting crash lawyer

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, our goal is for all of Virginia’s motorcycle riders to make it safely home to their families at the end of ride.

But if you are injured in a Gloucester motorcycle lane-splitting accident, we consider it a calling to help those who are hurt. Just call us at (804) 413-6777 for a free consultation.

If you choose to hire our firm to represent you in a Virginia motorcycle accident claim, you pay no retainer fees, upfront costs, or out-of-pocket expenses. We only get paid if we successfully recover money on your behalf. That’s our Zero Fee Guarantee. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so give us a call today to discuss your best course of action.

Back to Top

Recent Motorcycle Accident Case Results

DISCLAIMER. Each case is handled based on the individual facts and circumstances of the case. These results are NOT indicative of the outcome of any potential case. All case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case, and these case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case undertaken by our firm.

• $300,000 Compensation - Motorcyclist suffered fractured bones in a crash after a driver failed to yield the right of way.

See more case results here.