Boise Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Your Right to Fair Recovery

When motorcyclists are involved in accidents with larger, heavier vehicles, they tend to sustain severe, even life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, many motorists and insurance companies have an unfair bias against motorcycle riders, believing them to be unsafe, risk-taking drivers. We know this is simply not the case as the vast majority of motorcyclists are highly skilled and take precautions to remain extremely safe out on the road. Sadly, this does not prevent them from being injured or killed in accidents caused by others’ negligence.

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You may have a difficult time bringing a claim, but our firm can help. At Lowe Law Group, our Boise motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience in this area of law. We understand what you are up against, and we are ready to help you take on the challenges that lay ahead. Throughout the process, our team will provide you with the personalized care, attention, and guidance you need and deserve.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Generally speaking, the number one cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence, especially the failure to check for motorcyclists on the roadway. Very often, this negligence is on the part of other drivers, not on the part of the motorcyclist. When this is the case, injured motorcyclists can seek financial compensation for their injuries and damages by filing a personal injury claim.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that can be attributed to the negligence of other motorists include:

• Distracted driving, including texting while driving
• Violating traffic laws/rules of the road
• Speeding
• Reckless and aggressive driving
• Driving while intoxicated/under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Making unsafe turns
• Unlawful and/or dangerous passing
• Opening the door of a parked car into a motorcyclist’s path
• Following too closely (“tailgating”)

These and other unsafe/negligent driving behaviors can all lead to serious accidents, sometimes with catastrophic or fatal results. Victims of such accidents shouldn’t have to simply face the consequences of someone else’s negligence on their own. Our Boise motorcycle accident lawyers can help you determine who is legally liable for your injuries and help you seek compensation for your damages, including but not limited to medical bills, lost wages/income, pain and suffering, disability, and motorcycle repair costs.

Claiming Damages After a Motorcycle Accident Claim

As a motorcycle rider, the injuries you can suffer are far more severe than those of a driver or passenger in a standard vehicle when involved in a crash. Therefore, damages can be much more expensive than those in a typical motor vehicle accident. As a victim, you should work with an attorney to claim compensation for:

• Medical treatment
• Loss of income
• Vehicle damage

Working with a Boise motorcycle crash attorney is essential as you claim the full damages you deserve. Our firm can calculate the damages you are rightfully entitled to and then take action by building a thorough case.

Idaho Motorcycle Laws

It’s important that any Boise motorcyclist knows all applicable state laws prior to getting out on the road. This is important not only for your own safety but for the safety of others as well.

As of June 2020, here are some important Idaho motorcycle laws you should know:

• All motorcycle operators in Idaho must have an appropriate motorcycle endorsement
  on their valid driver’s license. To get this endorsement, you will
  typically need to pass a written test and an approved motorcycle skills
  test. If you are under the age of 21, you will also need to complete an
  approved training course.
• Apart from the motorcycle endorsement, you may operate a motorcycle in
  Idaho if you have a motorcycle instruction permit, as well as a valid
  state Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D driver’s license. The
  permit is valid for 180 days and allows you to operate a motorcycle in
  the state of Idaho with some specific restrictions.
• All motorcycle operators in Idaho are required to register their motorcycles
  with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Additionally, all motorcycle
  operators are required to display a valid license plate and carry proof
  of registration and insurance while riding.
• Motorcycle operators in Idaho are also required to have minimum liability
  insurance. While you can opt to carry higher coverage, the minimum insurance
  coverage for motorcyclists in Idaho is $25,000 in bodily injury per person,
  $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 in property damage
  per incident.
• Motorcycles must be equipped with an approved headlight, at least one taillight
  (red), at least one rear reflector, at least one mirror, fenders on all
  wheels, at least one brake (hand or foot), an approved muffler, and a
  horn. All of this equipment must meet state-specific guidelines in order
  for a motorcycle to be considered street legal.
• Motorcyclists in Idaho may share lanes. Up to two motorcyclists may ride
  side-by-side in a single lane, but no more than two motorcyclists may
  share a single lane at any time. Lane-splitting, or the practice or riding
  between traffic lanes/cars is
  not legal anywhere in Idaho.

Additionally, Idaho’s motorcycle helmet laws require anyone under the age of 18 who rides or operates a motorcycle to wear an approved motorcycle helmet. However, this does not apply when motorcycles are operated on private property or in certain other specific circumstances. Those over the age of 18 are not required to wear a motorcycle helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle in Idaho.

That being said, wearing a helmet is the most effective way to prevent traumatic brain injury in the event of a collision. It is not possible to predict when an accident may happen, and even when you take all precautions to stay safe, you could be hit by another negligent motorist at any time. At Lowe Law Group, we always recommend that all motorcycle operators and passengers wear approved motorcycle helmets to avoid serious injury or death.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Were you injured in a motorcycle accident? Our Boise motorcycle accident lawyers can help you fight for the fair compensation you are owed. We know that you are likely facing a long road to recovery; one that is made even more difficult by mounting medical bills, lost wages, and significant emotional distress. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process and provide the answers and advocacy you need.