Is Lane Splitting Legal in Rochester, MN?

Legally reviewed by:
Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team
July 3, 2024

August 1, 2019 San Jose / CA / USA - Heavy traffic on one of the freeways crossing Silicon Valley; motorcyclist splitting lanes visible among cars

Individuals who ride motorcycles have often enjoyed the quick path through traffic by doing a maneuver known as lane splitting. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides in between two lanes. However, in the state of Minnesota, lane splitting is illegal, unless you are a police officer. If you have been injured in an accident caused by lane splitting, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and pursue justice for your injuries and losses. 

At Knutson + Casey, our team of Minnesota lawyers has extensive experience handling cases where our clients have suffered injuries caused by lane splitting in Rochester and Southern Minnesota. Our trusted legal team will represent your rights and interests as we help you build a strong claim after another party’s lane splitting led to an accident that left you with injuries and losses.

Understanding Minnesota’s Lane Splitting Laws

According to Minnesota laws lane splitting while riding a motorcycle is illegal. Lane splitting is highly dangerous, involving the motorcyclist navigating their motor vehicle between other cars by driving through the middle two lanes. This is dangerous due to the fact that other motorists may not notice the motorcyclist in the middle of the two lanes and a crash may occur when they try to switch into another lane. Lane splitting can also involve dooring injuries, where a car opens a door into the path of the motorcycle, spilling the motorcycle and its rider.

If you were injured in an accident caused by lane splitting in Rochester, Minnesota, you have the right to pursue legal action by filing a personal injury claim. To ensure you are able to build a strong case and pursue the fair compensation you are owed for the losses you have suffered. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Minnesota Lane Splitting Accident Claim?

A statute of limitations is a legal term used to describe the amount of time allotted to victims of various situations to take legal action. In the case of a lane splitting accident in Rochester, victims may have up to six years from the date the accident, for claims of negligence,  to file a personal injury claim, according to Minnesota’s statute of limitations

While six years may seem like an ample amount of time to file your personal injury claim after being harmed in a lane splitting accident, the reality is that the claims process is complex and takes time. The longer one waits to file their claim, the more difficult it may be to gather the key evidence necessary to achieve justice for the losses they have suffered. And the more likely that the insurance companies involved will question the claim.  For that reason, it is essential that you contact a Rochester lane splitting lawyer as soon as possible to begin the process of filing your insurance claim and pursuing the fair compensation you are owed, including filing a lawsuit if the matter cannot be resolved as an insurance claim. 

Recovering Damages for Your Rochester Lane Splitting Accident Case

Suffering injuries in an accident caused by illegal lane splitting can leave victims with physical and emotional trauma as well as financial hardships. When you are harmed due to the negligence of another party, you should never have to pay out-of-pocket for the losses you suffered as a result. That is why it is important you file a personal injury claim and pursue the compensation you are owed for your injuries. 

The damages you may be eligible to collect for your Rochester lane splitting accident case include the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost homemaker claims for work around the house
  • Lost earning potential for future years
  • Property damage to vehicles and other property including clothing
  • Pain and suffering damages including emotional distress, disability and disfigurement
  • Punitive damages if the at fault party is reckless in their disregard for the safety of others
  • Wrongful death damages
  • Loss of consortium for the spouse of the injured person

To begin filing your lane splitting accident claim, contact a trusted Rochester personal injury lawyer today.

Get Justice for Your Rochester Lane Splitting Accident Case Today

Knutson + Casey is a Minnesota personal injury law firm providing clients with experienced legal counsel after they have suffered an injury due to illegal lane splitting. Our Rochester lane splitting accident legal team is committed to guiding you through each step of the legal process. 

For trusted legal representation as you pursue justice for your Rochester, Minnesota, lane splitting accident claim, call (507) 344-8888 or use our contact form.


Knutson+Casey

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team

July 3, 2024

At Knutson+Casey, we take the time to understand each distinctive matter presented to us by a client in need of assistance. We make certain that our clients understand their options and can make informed decisions regarding the progress of their cases. We have 4 bar certified attorneys as well as 5 expert paralegals on staff to review all legal information and cases presented.