You pay nothing until we win
by Matthew C. Andrew - October 14th, 2024
Motorcycles require extra caution due to their smaller size, quicker stopping ability and unique handling characteristics. Many drivers may underestimate the heightened risks of sharing the highway with motorcyclists. To prevent potentially devastating accidents and ensure everyone’s safety, it’s critical to adopt certain driving habits. Understanding how to drive around motorcycles can significantly enhance safety.
At Andrew Injury Law, we are committed to helping motorcycle drivers in Meridian, ID, adopt these essential practices to help reduce collision risks. We also provide legal support and guidance on staying safe on the route. Contact us today for more information or legal assistance should an incident arise.
If you are following a motorcyclist, maintain a 3 to 4-second gap since they can stop faster than larger vehicles. The extra distance offers a valuable time window to react to sudden braking and safely navigate road hazards like gravel, potholes, or debris. This is especially imperative in high-traffic areas or at higher speeds, where reaction times are shortened. By keeping a safe separation, you help prevent rear-end clashes and ensure the driver has room to maneuver safely.
Two-wheelers are much smaller than cars and trucks, making them easier to miss in your vehicle’s blind spots. Even if you check your mirrors, they may still be obscured. To avoid accidents when changing lanes or merging, always double-check your blind spots by physically turning your head.
Also, remember that bikes can accelerate quickly and enter your blind spot faster than cars, so exercise extra caution when driving alongside or behind them.
If you want to learn more about this, visit ePermitTest, which offers additional guidance on the importance of sharing the streets safely with motorcyclists.
Weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice can have a much more significant effect on motorbikes than on other vehicles. They are more prone to losing traction or control on slippery surfaces. As a driver, consider these conditions and adjust your driving accordingly when you are behind a bike.
In situations with poor climates, increase your following distance even further. This gives the rider more room to make necessary adjustments, such as slowing down or changing lanes to avoid slick patches on the way. Even something as minor as wind can affect a motorcycle’s stability. By being aware of these factors, you help reduce the likelihood of an incident.
At the time you need to pass a bike, it’s essential to do so with extreme caution. Unlike cars, motorcycles are more vulnerable to sudden wind gusts, road debris, and other factors that might cause instability. Always move entirely into the adjacent lane when passing, and give the rider plenty of room.
After passing one, remember to be patient and make sure you don’t merge back into it too quickly. Cutting in front of one too soon may force the operator to brake suddenly, boosting the threat of a catastrophe. Use your signals well in advance and also give them sufficient distance.
Motorbikes need the full width of their path, even though they are much narrower than automobiles. Riders may shift their position within the way to avoid hazards, improve their visibility, or cope with wind conditions. Never attempt to share a lane with one, as this is both dangerous and illegal.
Respect the biker’s right to their space, and allow them the freedom to make adjustments as needed. Crowding them by trying to pass within their lane can cause them to lose control, putting them at significant risk of injury. Ensuring they have the full expanse to navigate is key to safe driving.
One of the most common causes of car-motorcycle collisions occurs when automobiles turn left in front of an oncoming bike. Motorcycles can be harder to spot due to their smaller size, and it’s easy to misjudge their speed or proximity. Always take an extra moment to double-check both paths before making left-hand turns. This simple precaution can prevent severe road disasters.
Despite taking all necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle-related incident, Andrew Injury Law in Meridian, ID, is ready to assist. Our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your rights in motorcycle and vehicle collision cases. Contact us now for a consultation.
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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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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