by Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? What Every Rider Should Know
By Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC — Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties
If you ride a motorcycle in Michigan, you’ve probably found yourself stuck in heavy traffic, watching open space between cars and wondering — can I ride through? It’s a common question, especially among newer riders who’ve seen lane splitting allowed in other states.
However, in Michigan, lane splitting is not legal. And when a crash happens, this one detail can affect how insurance companies and police treat your claim.
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we know how quickly a motorcycle ride can turn into a life-changing event. We help injured riders understand their rights, deal with insurers, and recover the full compensation they deserve.
We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.
Michigan’s Law on Lane Splitting
Michigan traffic law is clear: motorcyclists must use a full lane of traffic and riders are not permitted to drive between rows of stopped or moving vehicles — the act known as lane splitting.
However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane if both agree. That’s called lane sharing, and it’s perfectly legal.
If you’re injured while lane splitting, insurance companies may try to blame you for the crash. Don’t assume you have no case — liability in motorcycle accidents is rarely black and white. A skilled Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand where fault really lies.
Lane Splitting Remains Illegal in Michigan
While some states are reconsidering their motorcycle laws, the fact remains that lane splitting is against Michigan law. If a police officer determines that a rider was lane splitting at the time of an accident, they may issue a citation right at the scene.
Traffic violations can also impact your insurance claim. Insurers routinely consider citations when determining fault, and courts are often unsympathetic when injuries result from actions that violate state law.
Understanding Michigan’s motorcycle laws before an accident happens can help you protect both your safety and your rights on the road.
Lane Splitting, Lane Filtering, and Lane Sharing: What’s the Difference?
These terms sound similar but have very different meanings under Michigan law:
- Lane splitting means riding between lanes of stopped or moving traffic. This is illegal in Michigan.
- Lane filtering involves frequent lane changes when traffic slows or stops. While not expressly prohibited, it’s not advisable, since most drivers in heavy traffic follow closely and may not expect a motorcycle weaving between lanes.
- Lane sharing refers to two motorcyclists riding side by side in a single lane. This practice is legal in Michigan when both riders consent.
Knowing these distinctions helps riders stay safe — and helps prevent legal and insurance complications after a crash.
Why Lane Splitting Is So Dangerous
There’s a clear reason why Michigan law prohibits lane splitting: it’s dangerous for everyone on the road.
Motorcyclists are already more exposed and less protected than drivers of enclosed vehicles. When lane splitting, riders travel in extremely tight spaces, often just inches from moving cars and trucks. Even a small mistake or unexpected move can cause a serious collision.
Drivers in slow or stopped traffic don’t expect motorcycles to pass between lanes. They may drift, pull out, or change lanes suddenly — leaving the motorcyclist nowhere to go.
Lane splitting also endangers pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists, since limited visibility and close proximity make it much harder for anyone to react in time.
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we’ve seen how devastating motorcycle crashes can be. If you or someone you love was hurt on a Michigan roadway, our team is here to help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and guide you toward recovery.
Can You Recover Compensation After a Lane Splitting Accident?
Even if you were lane splitting when the crash occurred, you may still have legal options. Michigan follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can seek compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident.
Depending on your case, you may be eligible to recover for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your motorcycle and personal property
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, our attorneys carefully analyze every detail — from traffic camera footage and police reports to witness statements — to determine the real cause of your accident. Many motorcycle crashes involve negligent drivers who were texting, tailgating, or changing lanes without checking for bikes.
Why Prompt Medical Care Protects Both Your Health and Your Case
After any motorcycle crash, seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions — like concussions or internal injuries — can develop hours or days later.
Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal claim. Insurance companies often argue that delays in care mean your injuries aren’t serious or related to the accident. Documented medical evaluations provide powerful evidence to support your case.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan
If you’ve been in a crash — whether lane splitting was involved or not — follow these steps to protect yourself and your rights:
- Move to safety and call 911 immediately.
- Exchange information with all involved drivers and take photos of the scene.
- Seek medical care right away, even for minor pain or dizziness.
- Avoid admitting fault to police or insurance adjusters.
- Call a Michigan personal injury lawyer before speaking to an insurance representative.
The right legal guidance can make all the difference in how your claim is handled — and in how much you recover.
How Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC Helps Michigan Riders
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we’re proud to serve injured riders across Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties. We understand the risks motorcyclists face and the unfair assumptions they often encounter after a crash.
Our attorneys take an active, personal approach — investigating every detail, pushing back against lowball insurance offers, and making sure our clients receive the care and compensation they deserve.
Call (248) 538-1494 or visit www.steinberg-goodmanlaw.com for a free, no-pressure consultation today.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a crash alone. Let our team help you protect your rights, rebuild your life, and move forward with confidence.
Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC — We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.
by Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Road Ahead After a Motorcycle Crash
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, you may be facing pain, financial stress, and questions about what comes next. Motorcycle crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries like broken bones, brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or lifelong disability.
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we know how overwhelming this time can feel. Many riders ask:
- Who pays my medical bills?
- Can I get wage loss benefits?
- Can I sue the driver who caused my crash?
Our team is here to guide you through these questions. We are a Michigan personal injury law firm serving Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties, and beyond. We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.
What Protections Does Michigan Law Give Motorcycle Accident Victims?
Michigan’s auto insurance laws are complex and nuanced, especially for motorcycle crashes. Here’s how the law works today:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Under Michigan’s No-Fault law, motorcyclists injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle, may qualify for PIP benefits through the insurer of the car involved, or through Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan if no coverage applies. PIP can cover medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages.
- Bodily Injury/Third-Party Claims: If another driver caused your crash, you may file a third-party lawsuit for pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, or wrongful death. To do this, you must show a “serious impairment of body function” or “permanent serious disfigurement.”
Can I Sue After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan?
Yes, in many cases you can. Our team at Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC can help you understand your options, prove fault, and fight for additional compensation beyond PIP, including money for:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Lost future earnings
- Wrongful death damages
Why Seeking Medical Care is Essential
Even if you feel “okay” after a crash, it’s critical to get medical care right away. Here’s why:
- Medical records strengthen your case. Insurance companies and courts require proof of injury.
- Delays can hurt your claim. If you wait to see a doctor, insurers may argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
- Your health matters most. Prompt care helps with recovery and avoids long-term complications.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan
If you or someone you love is involved in a motorcycle accident, here’s a quick checklist:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek immediate medical care, even if injuries seem minor.
- Get insurance and contact information from all drivers involved.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurers before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC as soon as possible.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
You don’t have to face this alone. At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, our team has decades of experience fighting for Michigan motorcycle accident victims. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and pursue every dollar of compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (248) 538-1494 or visit www.steinberg-goodmanlaw.com for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC — We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.