Duluth Motorcycle Accidents: Who is at Fault When Lane Splitting?

Although motorcycles represent a small fraction of registered vehicles, motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. When a motorcycle accident involves lane splitting, determining fault becomes even more complicated.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Duluth, speaking with a Duluth motorcycle accident attorney is the most important step you can take to protect your rights.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Duluth, MN? 

Understanding the law is essential before evaluating fault in any motorcycle accident case. Here is what Minnesota law currently says about lane splitting and how it affects your claim.

Minnesota Now Permits Lane Splitting, With Restrictions

Governor Walz signed HF 5247 into law, making Minnesota the sixth state to legalize both lane splitting and lane filtering, effective July 1, 2025. Earlier than that, the MN law was pretty much similar to the Georgia Law.

However, lane splitting and filtering are prohibited at roundabouts, in school zones, in work zones where only a single travel lane is available, and on freeway on-ramps. In simple words, a motorcycle accident caused by lane splitting in these areas makes the motorcyclist liable.

How Minnesota’s Comparative Fault Rule Applies 

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule under Minnesota Statute Sec 604.01. If a motorcyclist was lane splitting outside the legal conditions: exceeding the speed limits or splitting in a prohibited zone, it’s a violation. It can be used to assign them a share of fault. 

Any compensation for a motorcycle collision is then reduced in proportion to the rider’s share of fault. If you are found 30% responsible for the accident, your award is reduced by 30%. A rider found more than 50% at fault cannot recover compensation.

Common Causes of Duluth Motorcycle Accidents Involving Lane Splitting

Several factors contribute to Duluth motorcycle accidents that occur during lane splitting. Knowing the causes of motorcycle accidents helps build a strong accident claim.

Negligent Driver Behavior

Car drivers frequently fail to check mirrors before changing lanes, cutting off an oncoming motorcycle. Distracted driving is a leading cause. Why? Often, drivers fail to notice a motorcycle between lanes because they are focused on their phone or other motor vehicles.

Sudden door openings (known as “dooring”) are another hazard, where a car door swings open directly into a rider’s path. Rear-end collisions can also push a lane-splitting rider into cross traffic with devastating force.

Road Hazards and Poor Conditions

Duluth’s roadways, including heavily traveled corridors like Highway 120 and Pleasant Hill Road, present road hazards such as uneven pavement, debris, and poor lane markings. These conditions become especially dangerous for motorcycle riders navigating between lanes.

Injuries Sustained in Lane Splitting Accidents

The common injuries sustained in lane splitting crashes tend to be severe because riders are exposed and squeezed between motor vehicles. Serious injuries in these accidents often require long-term physical therapy and ongoing care.

Typical physical injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. Even riders who wear helmets can suffer head injuries and severe injuries in high-impact crashes.

Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience emotional distress that affects their quality of life long after the accident scene is cleared. These non-economic losses are fully recoverable in a personal injury claim.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Duluth Motorcycle Accident?

Victims who seek compensation after Duluth motorcycle accidents may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. The amount depends on the sustained injuries and the extent of medical expenses incurred.

Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future treatment costs. Non-economic damages cover emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If serious accidents result in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim under Minnesota law. In all personal injury cases, you have six years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.

How a Duluth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Fault disputes in lane splitting cases are among the most complex personal injury claims in Minnesota. Skilled motorcycle accident lawyers know how to use accident reconstruction and police reports to counter insurer bias against riders.

A Duluth motorcycle accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence from the scene, and handle all negotiations with insurance companies to fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record handling Duluth motorcycle accident cases with a results-driven approach. Our law firm and legal team understand the complexities of motorcycle accident law and handle every motorcycle accident case on a contingency fee basis. There will be no attorney fees unless we win.

Duluth Motorcycle Accident FAQs

These are the answers to the most common questions we receive. For answers specific to your Duluth motorcycle accident case, contact our office directly.

Can I still recover compensation if I was lane splitting? 

Yes, if you are found less than 50% at fault under Minnesota’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation, though it will be reduced by your share of fault.

How do insurance companies handle lane splitting claims? 

Insurers often use the lane splitting prohibition to deny or minimize motorcycle accident claim payouts. Having a motorcycle accident attorney negotiate on your behalf is essential to reaching a fair compensation outcome.

Contact Our Duluth Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

If you were involved in a motorcycle crash in the Duluth area, contact Lowe Law Group to navigate legal options. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and navigate the legal process with confidence.

Our Duluth, MN office offers a free consultation and a free case evaluation with no upfront costs. Motorcycle victims across the Duluth area can get expert legal guidance and legal counsel from our personal injury attorney team.