Lane splitting is a common maneuver that motorcyclists use to pass between slow or stopped cars or get ahead of slower traffic. In this case unfortunately, it resulted in the tragic accident. The legal questions here will focus on the speed involved (the speed of traffic is a component of lane splitting) as well as the behavior of the other vehicle involved in the accident. Did the car change lanes without looking for the motorcyclist? Did the car attempt to block the path of the biker?
If so, the driver of the vehicle would be responsible for the death of the biker, and in California this is known as a “wrongful death.” The family of the motorcyclist would bring the wrongful death action against the driver of the other vehicle to hold them legally and financially accountable.
My name is Rivers Morrell and I have more than 40 years of experience with a fatal accident in San Juan Capistrano and throughout Southern California. If your family has lost a loved one due to the negligence of another I invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call 949-305-1400 to speak with me personally for a free consultation. There is no cost to you out of pocket as we work on a contingency fee basis.