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Like other states, Idaho has its own set of motorcycle laws, which can be found in the Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook. This handbook keeps riders up to date on the latest laws and safety measures surrounding motorcycle use.
Even if motorcyclists are as safe as possible, they can still be in crashes and suffer injuries due to negligent drivers. If this happens to you, speak with an Idaho motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
There are far more than three motorcycle accident laws in Idaho, but we have shared three of the most important that carry steep consequences if violated below.
According to section 49-666 of the Idaho legislature, those under age 18 are not permitted to use or ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet that meets the state’s protective safety standards. This helmet rule applies to those who want to operate or ride a motorbike, all-terrain, or utility-type vehicle.
There is an exception to this law. If an individual is operating or driving a motorcycle on private property or as an implement of agricultural work, they are not required to wear a helmet. In all other instances, it is illegal not to wear a DOT-approved helmet when operating a motorcycle.
Interestingly, Idaho has no specific consequences for driving without a helmet, but this does not mean there are no repercussions. That’s why if you have been found to be driving without a helmet, you need to speak with an attorney, as they can help you determine your next steps.
One of the laws of the road in Idaho is to come to a complete stop at a traffic light to give way to other drivers before continuing, and this law applies to motorcyclists, too. However, there are instances where a traffic light does not detect a motorcyclist even after a full cycle.
In these instances, a rider needs to pass through the intersection carefully, as not following this law is an offense. Unfortunately, even if you believe the traffic signal was not working correctly, you won’t be able to use this excuse as an offense for breaking the red light law.
Those who don’t heed the red light law could face a $90 and a possible conviction. In addition, if convicted of running a stop sign or red light, your driving record will receive points that could result in a suspended license. Moreover, in rare instances, a motorcyclist could be charged with reckless driving if a lawyer can prove that they drove carelessly through a red light or stop street and endangered other road users.
Lane splitting is the practice of weaving one’s motorcycle between lanes of traffic that are either driving slowly or have stopped. Unlike other states, it is illegal in Idaho to practice lane splitting with a motorcycle. No matter where you drive in Idaho, this law applies because of how dangerous the practice is and how often it results in injuries. The consequences vary, but lane splitting can involve reckless or negligent driving charges.
Unfortunately, motorcycle accident laws can be tricky to navigate if you have been presumed to have broken any of them, especially in Idaho. That’s why speaking with an Idaho motorcycle accident attorney at Andrew Injury Law is in your best interests.
Our lawyers have experience helping motorcyclists who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. You can contact our team here or visit us in person to arrange a consultation.
A contingency fee is a type of payment arrangement that our Idaho personal injury firm uses. It is an agreement with our clients where our attorney’s fee is contingent upon the successful outcome of the case. In other words, we only receive payment if we win the case or secure a favorable settlement for you. That payment comes from your final settlement or award, so you never need funds from your own pocket to pay us.
Under a contingency fee agreement, Andrew Injury Law also typically covers all the upfront costs associated with your case, such as court fees, document preparation, expert witnesses, and investigation expenses. These costs are then recouped from the final settlement or judgment if the case is successful.
We use contingency fees to provide access to justice for those without the financial means to afford legal representation. It allows everyone to pursue a personal injury claim with the right legal help – and without worrying about the added cost.
Read more about contingency fees here.
Personal injury damages refer to the compensation you might be entitled to if you suffered harm due to the wrongful conduct of someone else. The law provides relief for such injuries in the form of monetary damages.
Damages can fall into different categories:
Economic damages – These compensate for financial losses you can prove with bills or receipts. They often include medical bills, lost income from missing work, out-of-pocket injury-related costs, future expenses and lost earnings, and more.
Noneconomic damages – Some losses are not tied to bills or expenses, but you still deserve compensation for them. Some intangible and noneconomic damages include pain and suffering, mental trauma, and permanent disabilities or disfigurement.
Punitive damages – These do not apply in every case. However, if the party that caused your injuries acted so egregiously that the court decides to impose additional liability, the court may award punitive damages to you up to a certain amount. These are not tied to your specific losses, but instead the conduct of the defendant.
Read More: Is Idaho a No-Fault State?
States set deadlines for taking legal action called statutes of limitations. Once the deadline passes, you cannot file a successful claim. In Idaho, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury, and there are few exceptions to this time limit.
The purpose of a statute of limitations is to ensure that legal actions are initiated within a reasonable period after the injury occurs. It provides a degree of certainty and finality to potential legal disputes and helps ensure evidence is reliable and does not weaken over time.
However, the statute of limitations also means you need to act fast following a personal injury. There is much to do before filing a lawsuit, so always seek help from Andrew Injury Law as soon as you know you have injuries and suspect someone else was at fault.
Read more about the Idaho statute of limitations here.
Naturally, you want to know how much money you might expect for your injuries and losses. Settlements and awards can vary widely – ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-millions. Unfortunately, there is no way to advise what your claim might be worth without fully evaluating your circumstances.
Some factors we consider when determining the value of your claim include:
The insurance company will undervalue your claim – but we never will. You can trust Andrew Injury Law to fight for the total compensation you need and deserve.
Read more about how a personal injury claim in Idaho is calculated here.
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Commercial trucks are critical to Idaho’s economy, but they also put everyone at risk of serious collisions and injuries. We stand up to trucking companies.
Motorcyclists love the wide open spaces of Idaho, but other drivers are not always careful and can hit motorcycles, causing devastating injuries and losses.
After a fatal accident, families can face overwhelming emotional and financial losses. We can help your family seek financial support and justice for your loved one’s wrongful death.
Many accidents happen because property owners or businesses do not maintain their premises. If you slipped and fell or had another premises-related accident, we can help.
Whether you work in construction, logging, or in an office, injuries can happen. We assist injured workers in seeking maximum compensation for their injuries.
Getting the workers’ comp you deserve for a job-related illness or injury can be more challenging than you expect. Seek help with your claim from our legal team.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
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