Lane splitting refers to when motorcyclists drive in between occupied lanes of traffic. This allows bikers to move through traffic more efficiently, especially when roads are congested.

While the maneuver may save motorcyclists time, the practice is incredibly dangerous for a number of reasons. A biker looking to save a few minutes may cause a devastating collision that ultimately injures themselves and others. 

Because lane splitting is widely considered dangerous, the practice is illegal in many countries and states. In this blog, we cover Indiana lane-splitting laws as well as liability after a lane-splitting traffic accident. 

Is It Legal to Lane Split In Indiana?

Like most of the United States, it is illegal to lane split in Indiana. The only state where this practice is legal is California — the other 49 states strictly forbid motorcyclists from driving in between lanes of traffic. 

Indiana Code § 9-21-10-6 states that “a vehicle may not be driven or operated in a manner that deprives another vehicle of the full use of a traffic lane.” When a biker lane splits, they hinder two other drivers from making full use of their traffic lanes. 

This law also extends to lane filtering in Indiana. Many use the terms “lane splitting” and “lane filtering” interchangeably, but lane filtering usually refers to motorcyclists driving in between two lanes of slow or stopped traffic. Despite the reduced speed, this practice is still forbidden by Indiana lane-splitting laws. 

Motorcycle Safety and Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is incredibly dangerous for everyone on the road, but it’s especially deadly for motorcyclists. Unlike standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles don’t offer a protective external structure and airbags, leaving riders more vulnerable in the event of a collision. Additionally, these vehicles lack seat belts, and even a minor collision has the potential to eject a rider from their motorcycle.

The practice of lane splitting or filtering is also especially dangerous for riders because their vehicles are much harder to spot on the road. Even if a biker drives through two lanes of traffic with great caution, one of the other drivers may not even notice the biker and drift to the other side of the lane, leading to a serious accident. Further, a biker may lose control of their motorcycle while lane splitting, which may lead to a deadly multi-vehicle accident. 

Even driving in between two lanes of slow or stopped traffic can lead to serious injuries. Others on the road aren’t expecting motorcyclists to drive in between lanes of traffic, especially because the practice is illegal in Indiana. A driver or passenger may open their vehicle door suddenly during stand-still traffic, causing a lane-splitting motorcyclist to crash.  

Who is Liable After a Lane-Splitting Accident?

Because lane splitting is strictly illegal in Indiana, road authorities will likely blame the motorcyclist after a lane-splitting accident. There may also be situations in which both the motorcyclist and another driver are partially at fault after a lane-splitting accident. For these situations, we can refer to Indiana’s modified comparative negligence system.

With modified comparative negligence, a driver or rider who’s partially at fault for an accident may still be able to recover damages. As long as you’re considered under 51% liable for a crash, you can still recoup compensation for losses, such as property damage, medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and more. 

That said, your percentage of blame directly impacts the amount that you can recover. For example, if you’re considered 25% at fault for an accident, that will reduce your reward amount by 25%. 

Contact an Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you sustained injuries from a traffic accident caused by a negligent driver or rider, you need to file a claim to recover compensation. Unfortunately, the at-fault party’s insurance company will do everything it can to avoid compensating you for the full amount that you deserve. For that reason, you need to build an airtight case that proves that the other party was at fault and that you suffered damages as a direct result. 

For expert legal support after a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis, contact the lawyers at Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery Attorneys at Law. We can help you gather evidence for your claim, and we’ll negotiate the maximum amount of compensation on your behalf. You can schedule a free case review with our team today online or by calling 1-800-265-9881.