Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Carmel
Vaughn Wamsley and his team represent riders and crash victims across Carmel and central Indiana. As a motorcycle accident attorney in Carmel, IN, they bring decades of firsthand trial experience and knowledge of Indiana traffic laws.
When a motorcyclist is injured in an illegal lane-splitting crash, we know how to navigate Indiana Code §§ 9-21-10-6 and 9-21-10-7 to hold negligent parties fully accountable. We use the full force of our Indiana accident law firm to pursue maximum compensation.
Why Lane Splitting Claims Are Unique in Indiana
Lane splitting refers to riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Indiana law is absolute: it is illegal to pass another vehicle in the same lane or to operate between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles (Indiana Code § 9‑21‑10‑6 and § 9‑21‑10‑7).
In practice, this means that any rider injured while lane splitting in Carmel faces legal hurdles, such as comparative negligence or a presumption of fault by insurers.
Unlike some states, Indiana does not permit lane filtering (passing stopped cars) or riding on shoulders, except in emergencies. That makes lane-splitting accidents in Carmel among the most complex and often underappreciated injury cases.
Indiana Motorcycle Accident Risks Backed by Numbers
Motorcycle crashes are rare as a percentage of total traffic accidents, but they cause disproportionately serious injuries and fatalities. From 2016–2020, Indiana averaged about 2,882 motorcycle crashes per year, with roughly 2,067 injuries annually and 121 deaths per year on average—meaning nearly 72% of crashes resulted in injury and about 4.2% were fatal. In 2020 alone, motorcyclist deaths reached 138, a 23% rise over 2019.
By 2022, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute recorded 3,003 motorcycle crashes in the state, resulting in 161 deaths, and rider error accounted for 48% of crashes. Nationally, motorcyclists face a fatal crash risk 28 times greater than cars per vehicle mile traveled.
Lane splitting only amplifies those dangers. In Indiana, inappropriate or unsafe lane changes have caused thousands of injuries. A 2005 traffic—safety report noted 397 motorcyclist injuries and 9,472 unsafe lane-change incidents tied to lane-splitting behavior.
How Indiana’s Lane Splitting Ban Affects Your Case
Legal Code and Industry Standards
Indiana Code § 9‑21‑10‑6 prohibits overtaking or passing other vehicles in the same lane, while § 9‑21‑10‑7 forbids operation between lanes or rows of traffic. Only certified law enforcement officers are exempt from this restriction.
These statutes apply specifically in Carmel and across Indiana, and they carry civil liability consequences: if you were lane splitting, insurers often argue comparative negligence or total fault.
Liability and Insurance Defense
Insurance companies often deny or minimize claims arising from lane‑splitting crashes, arguing the rider broke the law. We utilize crash reconstruction data, eyewitness statements, intersection video footage, and traffic signal timing to minimize liability.
If a motorist turned across the path of a rider, or failed to see a rider in blind spots, we use national studies—such as the Hurt Report—to show that in two‑vehicle accidents, 67% are caused by drivers violating the rider’s right‑of‑way.
Our Approach When You’ve Been Injured in a Lane Splitting Crash
When we represent you as a Carmel accident lawyer, here’s how we proceed:
Immediate Case Evaluation
- We listen—how and where the crash happened, police response, helmet and gear use.
- We obtain all crash reports and any multimedia (body cam, dash cam or intersection camera).
- We assess Indiana’s lane splitting statutes (IC 9‑21‑10‑6, 9‑21‑10‑7) and insurance policy language.
Evidence Gathering & Expert Support
- We work with expert accident reconstruction specialists to model speeds, trajectories, and fault.
- We gather medical records documenting TBI, spinal injuries, road rash, fractures—common outcomes in lane splitting crashes.
- We gather witness statements and seek footage from traffic cameras.
Legal Strategy & Settlement or Trial
- If liability is clear (e.g., the motorist illegally made a left turn into the rider), we negotiate strongly with the insurers.
- If there is an argument about rider lane splitting, we use comparative negligence rules in Indiana to apportion fault, but Indiana law allows recovery even if the rider is partially at fault.
- If necessary, we file suit in Hamilton County or surrounding jurisdictions and take the case to trial.
Why Choose Us as Your Carmel Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Specialized Focus
We limit our practice to motorcycle crashes, car-truck collisions, and particularly Carmel lane-splitting motorcycle accident cases. As such, we understand unique injury mechanisms, typical fault arguments, and the nuances of Indiana crash law.
Proven Track Record
We have recovered six‑ and seven‑figure settlements for riders injured by negligent drivers failing to yield, turning left in front of motorcycle riders, or cutting off riders. That experience is critical when dealing with lane‑splitting liability arguments.
Client Experience & Communication
We keep you updated at every step. We explain technical evidence and translate legal jargon into a plain English strategy. Riders consistently tell us we strike the right balance between aggressive advocacy and compassionate care.
Common Injuries in Lane Splitting Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even with helmets, due to sudden impact.
- Road rash and severe lacerations from scraping pavement or vehicle sides.
- Fractures of limbs, pelvis, collarbones.
- Spinal injuries and nerve damage.
- Psychological trauma—PTSD, anxiety, depression—after high‑speed or catastrophic crashes.
Given the rider’s vulnerability on a narrow motorcycle and the proximity to moving cars during lane splitting, injuries tend to be more severe than in standard crashes.
Case Study Example (Hypothetical)
A motorcyclist riding north on Meridian Street in Carmel tries to pass between lanes during stop‑and‑go traffic. A driver in the adjacent lane makes a sudden left turn into the rider’s path. Our reconstruction expert uses traffic signal and GPS data to establish that the rider had no chance to avoid the impact.
Despite the insurer arguing the rider was speeding or lane splitting illegally, we secured a $450,000 settlement, demonstrating that driver fault can override lane splitting defenses when the motorist’s negligence is apparent.
Indiana Motorcycle Accident Law Firm: Our Promise
As your Indiana accident law firm, we promise:
- Complete, honest case assessment — we tell you what recovering value realistically looks like.
- No upfront legal fees — we operate on contingency, so you pay us only when we recover compensation.
- Maximum compensation focus — we pursue medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, impairment damages, future treatment costs.
- Resolute litigation readiness — insurers know we will file suit if necessary.
Safety Guidance: Avoiding Lane Splitting Risks in Carmel
While our focus is on representing injured riders, we also advise on crash avoidance:
- Stay visible—wear high‑visibility gear and ride with your headlight on (the Hurt Report emphasized conspicuity cuts crash risk).
- Avoid riding between lanes—even in heavy traffic. In Indiana, that’s illegal and statistically dangerous.
- Maintain a safe speed and following distance—even in stop‑and‑go traffic.
- Assume drivers don’t see you, especially at intersections and while turning.
These safe-riding practices reduce the likelihood of an accident and minimize the need for legal action.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Lane Splitting Crash
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You may feel okay in the moment, but serious injuries like TBIs or internal bleeding can worsen later.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence Quickly
Photograph the scene, ask witnesses for their contact information, and note the vehicle’s make and license plate number. If safe, video dashcams or traffic cameras can be crucial.
Step 3: Contact Us Promptly
Reach out right away. Evidence degrades, and insurers quickly assign fault labels. Early involvement allows us to collect preservation orders and preserve crash scene evidence.
Step 4: Let Us Handle the Legal Process
We’ll communicate with insurers, file claims, consult experts, and negotiate or litigate. You focus on recovery while we fight for your rights.
Serving the Entire Carmel and Greater Indianapolis Region
While based in central Indiana, our practice serves the areas of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and Hamilton County. We understand local roads like Meridian, Keystone Parkway, 126th Street, US‑31, and I‑465 intersections—the very corridors where lane‑splitting crashes commonly occur. When you hire us as your motorcycle accident attorney in Carmel, IN, you get local insight and statewide clout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lane splitting ever legal in Indiana?
No. Under IC § 9‑21‑10‑6 and § 9‑21‑10‑7, it’s illegal to pass in the same lane or ride between rows of vehicles (with a narrow exception for law enforcement).
If I was lane splitting when the collision occurred, can I still recover?
Yes. Indiana follows comparative negligence, so you may still recover even if partially at fault. We work to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery.
What kinds of damages can I pursue?
We pursue current and future medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, disfigurement, psychological injury, and other life-altering effects.
Does your firm handle other types of motorcycle accidents?
Absolutely. We handle failing‑to‑yield crashes, left‑turn collisions, rear‑end collisions, and truck underride cases across Indiana as a full-service Indiana accident law firm.
We Can Help Protect Your Rights
At our firm, we combine deep legal knowledge, firm familiarity with Indiana code and case law, and a passion for protecting riders’ rights. Illegal lane splitting in Carmel often leads to catastrophic injuries, and insurers frequently undervalue or deny these claims.
As your dedicated Carmel accident lawyer, we deploy experts, trial strategy, and relentless negotiation to hold negligent drivers accountable and protect your recovery.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries after a motorcycle crash in which lane splitting played a role, contact us now. Let us put our experience to work for you and fight for the compensation you deserve.