Riding a motorcycle through Oklahoma City traffic feels liberating, until cars slow down to crawl on I-35 or I-44. That’s when many riders are tempted to slip between lanes of stopped vehicles just to keep moving.
This practice, called lane splitting, is not permitted under state law and can impact your motorcycle accident claim if you’re ever in a crash.
What Is Lane Splitting in Oklahoma?
Lane splitting occurs when a rider guides their motorcycle through the narrow space between two lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. Many riders attempt it to bypass congestion or avoid being struck from behind in stop-and-go conditions.
While some studies suggest weaving between lanes of traffic can reduce congestion and be safer in certain conditions, U.S. law hasn’t widely embraced it. California is currently the only state where lane splitting is legal. Every other state, including Oklahoma, prohibits the practice.
Why Lane Splitting Is Illegal in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, motorcyclists must follow traffic laws like other drivers, including staying within a lane. State law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in a single lane, but riding between cars is not permitted.
This distinction matters when an accident happens. If a crash occurs while a motorcyclist is riding between vehicles, insurance companies and other drivers may argue that the rider broke the law and should be blamed for the collision.
Understanding why Oklahoma bans lane splitting helps explain how it can affect your rights after a crash.
How Lane Splitting Impacts Motorcycle Accident Claims
When an accident involves weaving through congestion, liability becomes a central issue. Here’s how it often plays out in Oklahoma:
- Insurance Companies Assign Fault: Because squeezing through stopped vehicles is against the law, insurers often argue that the motorcyclist was reckless and should bear all, or at least most, blame.
- Comparative Negligence Applies: Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a rider is found more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover compensation. If their share of fault is less than 50%, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Evidence Matters: Just because a rider was passing between cars in traffic doesn’t automatically make them 100% at fault. The court or insurance adjusters must still examine the specific circumstances. Was the other driver texting? Did they suddenly swerve without signaling? Was there proof that the rider’s maneuver didn’t cause the collision?
In other words, fault is not automatic. Every case depends on the details.
When Other Drivers May Share the Blame
Even though lane splitting is prohibited in Oklahoma, other drivers still owe a duty of care to motorcyclists. According to Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) data, motorcyclist fatality rates in Oklahoma reached about 5% of motorcycle crashes in recent years.
For example:
- A driver who changes lanes abruptly without checking mirrors could still share blame if they hit a motorcyclist.
- A distracted driver who rear-ends a vehicle and pushes it into the rider may be primarily responsible, regardless of lane position.
- If traffic conditions were unsafe due to poor road design or construction, fault could extend beyond just the rider.
These nuances show why it’s crucial not to assume a motorcyclist has no legal recourse after a lane splitting crash.
Why You Need an Experienced Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a crash while riding between vehicles, you can expect the insurance company to push back hard. They aim to deny your claim or minimize your payout by blaming you entirely.
But an experienced attorney can help by:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering dashcam footage, traffic camera data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to show the other driver’s negligence.
- Challenging Unfair Blame: Demonstrating that while lane splitting occurred, it wasn’t the primary cause of the crash.
- Protecting Your Compensation: Ensuring you aren’t unfairly assigned more than 50% of fault so you can still pursue damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Crash, Call Parrish DeVaughn
Motorcycle accidents are complicated, and lane splitting can make them even more challenging. But being accused of weaving through traffic doesn’t mean you lose your rights. Every accident is different, and a full investigation may show that another driver’s negligence caused the collision.
At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorneys know how insurers try to use lane splitting against riders. We fight back with evidence, expert testimony, and a commitment to getting bikers the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t let insurance companies push you around. Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us stand up for your rights on and off the road.
