Were you injured in a motorcycle accident because of lane splitting in St. Louis, MO? If so, you might be wondering what your rights are. State law does not explicitly allow lane splitting, but that doesn’t mean a motorcyclist is always to blame for this type of accident. Our experienced St. Louis lane splitting accident attorneys can help you fight for compensation.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we help riders get the financial recovery they need after serious crashes. Our team has 21 years of combined experience and has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We know how insurance companies try to shift blame and undervalue claims.
Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation at (314) 463-4173.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Lane Splitting Crash in St. Louis, MO
Here’s what our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers can do for you:
- Investigate the crash scene and gather key evidence
- Review police reports and witness statements
- Analyze traffic camera footage or dashcam video, if available
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts
- Push back against unfair blame or biased assumptions about riders
- Handle all communications with insurers and opposing lawyers
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court if needed
When you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain after a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you need a lawyer who will take your case seriously. At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges motorcyclists face in personal injury cases, especially when the insurance company tries to point fingers.
Beyond our extensive experience, members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and the American Association for Justice. We’ll focus on building the strongest claim possible while you focus on healing.
Call our St. Louis personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
What Is Lane Splitting, and Why Is It Controversial?
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic, usually to bypass slow or stopped vehicles. While some riders use it to avoid rear-end collisions in traffic jams, many drivers see it as risky or aggressive.
Missouri law does not outright prohibit lane splitting, stating that “a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.”
Am I Automatically at Fault if I Was Lane Splitting?
Not necessarily. Even though lane splitting is often seen as a risky riding practice, that doesn’t automatically make a motorcyclist liable for a crash. Fault in personal injury claims is often based on negligence, which means proving that someone acted unreasonably under the circumstances.
If the other driver was texting, speeding, changing lanes without signaling, or driving aggressively, they may share some or all of the blame. Our legal team will dig deep into the facts to identify who was really at fault and what percentage of responsibility they may bear.
Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault rules, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation would simply be reduced by your share of the blame.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Lane Splitting Accident in St. Louis?
Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.
We will work to recover full economic and non-economic damages for all the ways the crash has affected your life, including:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disabilities or disfigurement
- Property damage
If a loved one passed away due to injuries from a lane-splitting crash, we can also help you pursue a wrongful death claim for financial relief and a sense of justice.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Missouri?
Missouri typically gives accident victims five years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The sooner you start the legal process, the easier it will be to gather evidence and protect your right to recover damages.
Note that if you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the deadline is three years from the date of death.
There are exceptions to these exceptions only in rare cases, so contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Contact Our St. Louis Lane Splitting Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
Whether or not you were lane splitting at the time of the crash, you still deserve a fair chance to tell your side of the story. At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how to challenge biased assumptions and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
With 21 years of combined experience and millions recovered for clients across Missouri, we’re ready to stand up for your rights.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with a St. Louis lane splitting accident lawyer.