You pay nothing until we win
by Matthew C. Andrew - December 6th, 2024
Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, especially when they involve collisions with cars. This frequently leads us to wonder, what is the most common type of collision between cars and motorcycles? For starters, these accidents tend to occur due to left-turn maneuvers, where a car turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often due to visibility issues or misjudgment of speed. At Andrew Injury Law, we understand how devastating these types of accidents can be and are here to support those injured in motorcycle accidents in Meridian, ID.
Motorcycle and car collisions take various forms, each with unique dangers. Knowing these can help both drivers and motorcyclists reduce their accident risks.
Left-turn collisions are among the most common and deadly motorcycle accidents. They happen when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, usually due to visibility issues or misjudging the bike’s speed.
Right-turn collisions occur when a car turns into a motorcycle’s path, often crossing into a bike lane. Motorcycles can be hard to spot in a car’s blind spot, increasing collision risks.
Rear-end crashes are especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as even a minor impact can cause a loss of control. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries in rear-end impacts than car occupants.
Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots can easily collide with motorcycles, which are less visible. Using mirrors and signals properly can help reduce these accidents.
Sideswipes happen when a car drifts or merges into a lane occupied by a motorcycle. These accidents are common on multi-lane roads and can lead to severe injuries for unprotected motorcyclists.
Preventing accidents between motorcycles and cars involves a shared responsibility. Drivers and motorcyclists can both take steps to improve safety on the roads.
Certain locations tend to see more car and motorcycle collisions than others. Having a clear idea of where these accidents are most likely to occur can help drivers and motorcyclists stay more vigilant.
Intersections are high-risk areas for motorcycle accidents, especially during left-turn maneuvers. Drivers may not notice bikes approaching or may misjudge their speed.
Merging areas, like highway exits and entrances, are frequent sites of accidents. Here, vehicles change speeds and lanes quickly, which can catch motorcyclists off guard.
City streets are often congested, increasing the chance of accidents. Cars making sudden stops or turns in urban areas are a particular hazard for motorcyclists.
Construction zones present unique hazards, including unexpected lane shifts, reduced visibility, and temporary signage, making it harder for both cars and motorcycles to navigate safely.
While rural roads may seem less dangerous, they sometimes have limited visibility around curves and fewer streetlights, which can increase collision risks, especially at night.
Parking lots, though low-speed areas, see frequent fender-benders. Motorcyclists are at risk of being struck by cars reversing out of parking spaces.
Highway interchanges involve multiple lanes and complex exits, leading to an increased risk of lane-change accidents and other types of collisions involving motorcycles.
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident with a car, following certain steps can help protect your rights and your ability to seek compensation.
Move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries. Avoid staying in the roadway to prevent further accidents.
Seeking medical attention is crucial, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Some injuries may manifest hours or days after an accident.
Calling the police is essential for creating an official accident report, which may be necessary if you pursue a legal case.
Take photos and videos of the scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be invaluable in a legal case.
Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver, including license plate numbers.
Refrain from admitting fault at the scene. Simply exchange information and avoid making statements that could impact a future legal case.
Keep any damaged gear, such as helmets or clothing, as evidence. This can help demonstrate the severity of the accident.
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly to avoid issues with claims processing.
Consider speaking with an attorney to understand your rights and potential compensation options. An experienced meridian motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
Accidents have deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits, which vary by state. Failing to meet these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and believe you may have a personal injury case, reach out to us at Andrew Injury Law for a free consultation. Our experienced team can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.
At Andrew Injury Law, we are dedicated to representing accident victims in Meridian, ID. With a deep understanding of motorcycle and car accident cases, our team is here to help. Call us today at 208-517-7670 or visit our office at 3597 E Monarch Sky Lane Suite 240, Meridian, ID, 83646, to learn how we can assist you in navigating the complexities of your case.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
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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.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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