Though from a point of view, both lane splitting and lane sharing in Maryland present certain dangers, only one of them is illegal lane splitting. But what is the difference between them and what are your chances of recovering motorcycle injury compensation in Maryland if you were lane splitting when the accident occurred?

Lane splitting vs. lane sharing

According to the traffic laws in Maryland, two vehicles can share the same lane, if their size allows it. For example, two motorcyclists can ride side by side in the same lane. Of course, while this situation is legal in Maryland, it can be quite dangerous, so it is best to be avoided if possible. On the other hand, lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two vehicles that are in adjoining lanes, attempting to pass through them. This maneuver is illegal in Maryland, and it too can be very dangerous.

Your motorcycle injury claim in MD

What happens if you get injured in an accident while you were lane sharing or splitting? In the first case, since this is legal, you are likely to receive compensation. However, the insurance company may try to lessen your settlement based on the fact that you consciously engaged in a dangerous situation. If you are not satisfied with the settlement they propose, you should contact an Annapolis injury lawyer and take your case to court.

Regarding lane splitting, since this is illegal, it will weaken your motorcycle injury claim in MD. In most situations, the insurance company will not want to settle at all. But if you were gravely injured in the accident, you can contact a personal injury lawyer from Maryland and try to receive partial motorcycle injury compensation in Maryland.

Your legal obligations while riding a motorcycle

Each state has its own rules when it comes to motorcycle and it is recommended to respect them. In Maryland, as a motorcycle driver you are required to:

• Wear your helmet (unless you are a dirt-bike rider or an off-road rider)
• Passenger footrest and passenger seat, if you are carrying somebody else with you
• A muffler
• Eye protection (unless you are a dirt-bike rider or an off-road rider)

You are not obliged by the law to use your headlight during the day, and you can have helmet speakers with the condition that they are in one ear only.

If you suffered a motorcycle crash injury, you need to contact an Annapolis injury attorney. Don't let the insurance company intimidate you out of your rights. Contact the best personal injury lawyer from Maryland at (443) 569-3950 or write to us at chris@annapolisaccidentattorney.com. We offer a free assessment of your case. Reach out and let us fight so that you can get the compensation you need.