Lane splitting is one of the most misunderstood and controversial maneuvers in motorcycle riding. To some, it’s a smart way to navigate heavy traffic. To others, it’s reckless and dangerous. But when a crash happens while a rider is between lanes, the legal question becomes clear: Who’s at fault and can the injured motorcyclist still file a claim?
In Michigan, lane splitting is not legal, but that doesn’t mean a rider is automatically at fault for an accident. Every crash has context, and drivers often share responsibility when they make unsafe lane changes or fail to check for motorcycles in tight spaces.
If you were injured while lane splitting or accused of causing a crash by doing so, this guide will explain what Michigan law says, how fault is determined, and whether you can still recover compensation for your injuries.
What Is Lane Splitting and Is It Legal in Michigan?
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic, typically in slow or stopped conditions. This maneuver is often seen in heavy congestion, where riders weave between cars to bypass traffic. There are two related terms worth knowing:
While some states like California have formally legalized lane splitting under specific guidelines, Michigan has not.
🚫 Michigan Law on Lane Splitting
Michigan law does not explicitly mention the term “lane splitting”, but it does require motorcycles to:
That means if you’re riding between cars in traffic, whether they’re moving or stopped, you could be ticketed or cited for improper lane usage. However, this doesn’t automatically mean you’re at fault in a crash. If a driver fails to check their blind spot, changes lanes without signaling, or opens a door, they may still be liable under Michigan’s negligence laws.
How Lane Splitting Motorcycle Crashes Happen
Lane splitting accidents tend to occur in tight, congested traffic where visibility is low and space is limited. Even if a rider is moving cautiously, drivers often aren’t expecting anyone between lanes and that’s where the danger lies. These crashes are typically sudden, unavoidable, and violent, especially when cars change lanes without signaling or when a motorcyclist is forced to brake between two larger vehicles—sometimes leading to rear-end impacts while splitting lanes. Here’s a breakdown of how lane splitting crashes commonly happen and what they usually lead to:
Even though lane splitting is technically not legal in Michigan, fault isn’t always black and white. The next section breaks down how liability is assigned in these complex crashes.
Who Is at Fault in a Lane Splitting Accident in Michigan?
Lane splitting isn’t legal in Michigan, but that doesn’t mean the motorcyclist is always at fault. When a crash happens, fault is determined by looking at who acted negligently, not just whether a maneuver was allowed. Michigan uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means a rider can still recover compensation as long as they’re not more than 50% at fault. However, any compensation awarded will be reduced by the rider’s percentage of fault. In a lane splitting crash, fault often depends on the specific actions of both the rider and the driver:
Even if you were lane splitting, the other party may still be held partially or fully responsible especially if they created an unsafe situation by not looking for motorcycles.
Injuries Common in Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accidents
Lane splitting crashes often result in serious injuries because of how vulnerable riders are between larger vehicles. When one of those vehicles is a commercial truck or bus, the outcome can be even worse. Close calls with oversized vehicles often leave little room for escape. Even at low speeds, being sideswiped, pinned, or thrown from a motorcycle can lead to lasting physical damage and long recovery times. Here are some of the most common injuries seen in lane splitting accidents:
Even minor injuries can worsen if not properly diagnosed, so it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately and speak with a lawyer who understands the full value of your claim.
Can You File a Claim If You Were Lane Splitting?
Yes, even though lane splitting is not legal in Michigan, you can still file a personal injury claim if you were injured in a crash. Liability isn’t based solely on whether you were following every rule, but on who acted negligently and whether that negligence caused the accident. Under Michigan’s modified comparative fault system, you can still recover compensation if you’re 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your share of the blame. Here’s how different situations can affect your ability to recover damages:
Every case is different. The key is proving that the driver’s actions, not just the act of lane splitting itself, played a role in causing the crash.
Talk to a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer About Lane Splitting Crashes
Lane splitting crashes can be complicated. Insurance companies often assume the rider is automatically at fault, but Michigan law allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation even if they were splitting lanes when the crash happened. At The Clark Law Office, we know how to handle these gray-area cases. We take the time to investigate what really happened and build strong legal claims even when the law isn’t completely on the rider’s side. You won’t be handed off to a junior associate or pushed into a low settlement. We fight for injured riders and make sure their voices are heard. A qualified Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through your options for compensation.
🔗 View additional accident types in our full Motorcycle Accident Types resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lane Splitting Accidents in Michigan
