- February 02, 2026
- Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcyclists may have heard that riding between lanes of traffic, often called lane splitting, can be acceptable in situations when traffic slows down. However, that assumption can be misleading in Washington State. While the practice may be legal in some states, Washington law does not allow it on public roads.
As a result, riding between lanes can not only increase the risk of a serious motorcycle accident but also create legal issues if a crash occurs. Continue reading to learn more about lane splitting in Washington State and what to do after a crash.
Lane Splitting Laws in Washington State
Washington law requires motorcyclists to follow the same basic traffic rules as other drivers. This includes staying within a single lane and passing vehicles only when it is safe and legal to do so, per RCW 46.61.608. Riding between lanes is not permitted in most situations.
A motorcyclist who engages in this behavior may receive a traffic citation if they’re caught by law enforcement. While some riders argue that lane splitting can reduce congestion and can actually be a safe maneuver, it remains illegal in Washington State.
Washington’s Comparative Fault Laws
Washington follows a pure comparative fault framework for personal injury cases. This is one of the most victim-friendly systems regarding shared fault. Nonetheless, these laws could reduce the amount of compensation you recover in an accident claim.
For example, if you were lane splitting and another driver made an unsafe lane change and crashed into you, you may be assigned a small percentage of fault for the wreck. From there, your compensation could be reduced by your assigned percentage of liability.
Insurance companies try to use this law to reduce their payouts by shifting blame onto the accident victim. Having an attorney on your side is important if you’re being blamed for the accident. Your lawyer can advocate for you and work to minimize the level of fault you’re assigned, if any.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Washington?
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be extremely stressful and disorienting. However, the steps you take right after the crash can dramatically influence any motorcycle accident claims you might have down the line.
You should consider taking the following actions if you can:
- Call 911 so police and medical personnel can respond and create an official report
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved
- Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos and witness details
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as statements may be used against you later
- Seek prompt medical care, whether or not you have an obvious injury
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation
These steps can help document the collision and support your personal injury claim at the same time. Medical records and accident reports often play a major role in determining liability and the extent of your damages as well.
Contact a Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney from Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Lane splitting remains illegal in Washington State, so engaging in this conduct is highly risky and can lead to serious consequences. That said, it’s important to remember that you still may have legal options available to you if you were injured in an accident while you were lane splitting.
Contact an experienced Washington motorcycle accident lawyer at Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers today to set up a free consultation. Your attorney can advise you on how best to proceed given the unique facts and circumstances of your case. Our lawyers also work on contingency, which means you won’t pay attorney’s fees unless you recover compensation.
We proudly serve Yakima County and its surrounding areas.
Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers Yakima
4301 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98908
(509) 895-7373
Hours: M-F 8 AM–12 PM AND 1–5 PM
Attorney Kevan Montoya
For over thirty years, Mr. Montoya has successfully represented clients in litigation involving multi-million dollar cases involving wrongful death, employment and business and commercial disputes. He regularly counsels businesses in Yakima and Central Washington on employment policies and helps businesses train employees regarding employment law compliance. He regularly speaks on employment issues. [ Attorney Bio ]
Attorney Tyler Hinckley
Tyler Hinckley represents individuals and businesses in state and federal court in litigation involving personal injury, property damage, employment claims, and business and commercial disputes. He represents individuals and businesses in a variety of employment cases, including wrongful termination, wage and hour, employment discrimination, and retaliation. Additionally, he represents individuals in residential construction defect and construction contract disputes, easement and boundary line disputes, and in cases involving damage to real property. Tyler also represents clients in administrative proceedings before state administrative agencies. [ Attorney Bio ]
