Lane splitting, also known as lane filtering, is the practice of motorcyclists riding between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic, allowing them to navigate congested roads more efficiently. This maneuver is legal in some jurisdictions, where it is regulated to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion. However, in many states, including Connecticut, lane splitting is illegal.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289b specifies that a rider may not operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. Nor may a motorcycle pass a vehicle other than a motorcycle in the same traffic lane. Violation of this statute can be considered negligence per se if an accident should result. This significantly affects the apportionment of fault and therefore of damages that an injured rider might be entitled to. 

Lane splitting can result in collisions due to any of the following:

• Motorcyclists riding between lanes can move into the blind spots of other vehicles. 

• Drivers may not anticipate motorcyclists moving between lanes, leaving reduced reaction time.

• A lane-splitting motorcyclist is usually going faster than the surrounding traffic.

• Lane-splitting often involves quick and unexpected maneuvers that can catch drivers off guard. 

• In heavy traffic, drivers are less likely to notice a motorcyclist between lanes.

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that an injured party's compensation can be reduced by their percentage of fault in causing the accident. If a motorcyclist is found to be more than 50 percent at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages. In the context of lane splitting, if a motorcyclist engages in this illegal maneuver and an accident occurs, they may be deemed partially or wholly at fault. If a court determines that the motorcyclist's decision to lane split contributed 30 percent to the cause of the accident, the motorcyclist's recoverable damages would be reduced by that 30 percent. However, if the motorcyclist is found to be more than 50 percent at fault due to lane splitting, they may be prohibited from recovering any compensation for their injuries. 

Each accident is unique, and fault is determined based on the specific circumstances of the case. Factors such as the behavior of other drivers, road conditions, and adherence to traffic laws are all considered when assessing negligence. While lane splitting is illegal and can contribute to a finding of negligence, the overall determination of fault will depend on a comprehensive analysis of all contributing factors.

Defense attorneys frequently try to shift blame to motorcyclists for accidents, painting them as risk-takers who do not observe the rules of the road. An experienced Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney can analyze the extent to which lane splitting or your other conduct might have caused your accident and can make the strongest case possible for other drivers or factors being primarily at fault.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven represents Connecticut motorcyclists injured in accidents. To discuss your case, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.