Lane splitting, the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is a controversial topic among motorists and motorcyclists alike. While some riders argue that it is a safe and efficient way to navigate congested roads, motorcycle accident lawyers in Kansas City suggest that it is a dangerous maneuver that puts both motorcyclists and other drivers at risk.
What Are the Laws on Lane Splitting in Kansas City?
Kansas City straddles the state line between Missouri and Kansas. If a lane splitting accident happens, the area where the crash occurred can have a major impact on a motorcyclist’s legal options. In Missouri, for example, lane splitting exists in a legal gray area. While not explicitly prohibited by Missouri law, it remains risky and inadvisable. Missouri Section 304.015 requires vehicle operators to drive within a single lane when possible and only change lanes when safe.
The situation is much clearer in Kansas, where lane splitting is definitively illegal. Two Kansas statutes effectively prohibit this practice: K.S.A. 8-1522 requires vehicles to be driven entirely within a single lane, while K.S.A. 8-1595 forbids motorcycles from operating between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows of vehicles. While Kansas law does permit two motorcycles to ride side-by-side in a single lane, motorcyclists may never share lanes with cars.
Common Causes of Lane Splitting Accidents
Lane splitting creates significant risks for motorcyclists and other road users alike. The narrow spaces between vehicles leave little room for error, and the unexpected presence of motorcycles between lanes often surprises drivers who are not actively looking for riders.
Common causes of lane-splitting accidents include:
- Unexpected lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Poor visibility and driver blind spots
- Insufficient space to maneuver safely between vehicles
- Doors opening into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist
- Excessive speed that leaves little time to react to unexpected hazards
- Road debris that causes riders to swerve or lose control
How Lane Splitting Affects Motorcycle Accident Claims
As a motorcyclist, you already face bias when pursuing compensation after an accident. When your collision involves lane splitting, <something>. In Missouri, a fault-based state where you can file claims against negligent drivers for an accident, engaging in lane splitting may reduce your compensation. Even though this practice is not explicitly illegal, insurance companies will likely argue you operated your motorcycle negligently and use this information to lower your settlement or deny your claim entirely.
In Kansas, a no-fault state, you have the right to recover compensation under your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance regardless of fault. For very severe injuries, you can file a claim against the at-fault party. However, lane splitting can severely hamper your ability to pursue additional compensation because it is a violation of state traffic laws.
Discuss Your Case with Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe
Lane splitting accidents come with unique legal challenges and persistent bias against motorcyclists. If you were involved in one of these collisions, you deserve robust representation to help you secure the compensation that you deserve.
The Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe have successfully represented riders in the most complex motorcycle accident claims. We work tirelessly to overcome the unfair prejudices against motorcyclists and prove your right to a fair settlement. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 today for a free consultation with our Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers.