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Motorcycle accident victims only occasionally win fair compensation without a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney on their side. They will try to pay out as little as possible. The only practical way of preventing this is through having an attorney who will hold them accountable.
A motorcycle rider has almost no protection when a collision occurs, and is usually thrown from the motorcycle, which can cause injuries and even death. According to the most recent statistics, motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured in a collision than the drivers of other types of vehicles. Furthermore, various estimates put the likelihood of a motorcyclist being killed at between 26 and 37 times more likely than that of the driver of the other vehicle in the collision. In 2013, 4,668 people died in motorcycle accidents throughout the United States according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). An additional 88,000 motorcyclists were harmed in an accident that same year.
Riding a motorcycle can be fun, exciting, and for some, a practical way to get around. A motorcycle is less expensive to buy, maintain, and keep full of gas than a larger vehicle. Getting around on a motorcycle can be pleasurable and a real money saver. But there is a downside: motorcycles can be hazardous and put your life and health at risk due to the vulnerability of the rider. Even if you take a defensive cycling course, observe all traffic rules and regulations, and ride with the utmost care, you could still be involved in a serious accident. Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle accidents are generally not the fault of the biker in a majority of cases; most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers in a car or truck. However, due to the rider’s exposure, motorcyclists usually receive the majority of the injuries in a collision.
IDAHO LAW REGARDING MOTORCYCLE HELMETS
According to the current laws on the books, any individual who is at least 21 years old and can demonstrate proof of holding medical insurance, can ride a motorcycle without being mandated to wear a protective helmet.
DOES RIDING WITHOUT A HELMET AFFECT ONE’S ABILITY TO CLAIM COMPENSATION IN IDAHO?
Although the State of Idaho does not mandate that certain riders wear protective helmets, it can affect one’s claim to compensation. Insurance company lawyers will argue that the rider took an unnecessary risk, potentially compounding injuries. Therefore, the Sandpoint office of The Sargent Firm recommends and encourages all bikers to wear protective helmets to bolster their legal claims in case of an accident.
YOUR RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES
The National Highway and Safety Administration reports that the vast majority of motorcycle accidents involve, and are caused by, non-motorcycle vehicles. Specifically, in 42 percent of these collisions, the cause was either a car or truck illegally turning left directly into the path of a motorcycle, which was in its proper lane; in other words, the car or truck causing the accident did not have the right-of-way. Both of these cases involve a driver of a car or truck who is violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way. When an accident is caused by debris left in the road, the liable party could be the company that left the material or the government. Our firm will investigate all the relevant factors to determine who has the liability in your particular case.
The following is a list of the most common causes of motorcycle related accidents that could allow you to claim compensation:
- Failing to adjust driving to accommodate bad weather conditions
- Failing to signal
- “Tailgating” a motorcycle
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Ignoring traffic lights or signs
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Distracted driving
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Opening a car door in the path of a motorcycle
- Vehicle defect
- Unmaintained highway conditions
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TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
Motorcycle accidents have the capacity to cause severe injuries. The following are some of the injuries that could result from a motorcycle accident:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ injuries
- Amputations
- Fractured bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Chronic pain
- Partial or full body paralysis
- Death
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT CONTACT A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER IN SANDPOINT, ID
Because motorcycle accident injuries are so severe, it is unlikely that you will be able to do much more than notify emergency services. However, if you are able to do so, it is best to take videos and photos to document the scene of the accidents; this could tremendously help your claim for compensation. Do not, though, discuss the accident with the other driver, and, specifically, do not admit fault.
Overall, the most important thing you need to do after an accident is seek professional medical care. If you are taken in an ambulance, it will take you to the closest hospital emergency room. Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments as assigned by the attending physician. It is critical that you follow all of the doctor’s instructions, both to expedite your recovery and to shield yourself from scrutiny from the insurance company.
After you have sought medical care, contact an experienced, qualified personal injury attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents. The legal team at The Sargent Firm are experts in this field and would gladly lend a helping hand to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Do Not ACCEPT an offer from an insurance adjuster
It is best to avoid talking directly to insurance adjusters. They have an incentive to low-ball you. They might try to twist your words and attempt to get you to admit culpability. If they ask for a statement, politely decline. Let us handle the insurance company; we know all of their tricks. The Sargent Firm’s dedicated staff of attorneys will deal with the insurance company on your behalf. If you have been involved in an accident, contact our office for a complimentary evaluation of your case.
The Importance of Having a Motorcycle Accident Attorney represent you
The Sargent Firm offers individualized service to meet all of your legal needs. We investigate thoroughly, are persistent, and litigate toughly. We will not let you get pushed around.
The Sandpoint, Idaho law office of The Sargent Firm has the experience and knowledge to get you a win. As our record shows, we will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to get us started on your case. We are here for you.
