Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Boise
A combination of various vehicles driving the same roads as a cyclist in Boise drastically increases the odds of a bike wreck. Common contributing factors to these crashes include:
- Motorists’ failure to see the cyclist
- Vehicles rolling through stop signs
- Cars backing out of their driveways without looking out for a cyclist
- Excessive speeding
- Distracted drivers – particularly tourists – who are not familiar with the landscape
- People opening doors right onto the path of a cyclist
- Vehicles making left turns in front of a cyclist
- Motorists passing too closely to bike riders
- Sudden lane changes or merging without consideration for bikers
- Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substances
Sadly, the biggest victims in bicycle-involved crashes are the cyclists because they lack protective buffer zones. This means that their bodies are often directly impacted during the collisions, sometimes leading to catastrophic and life-altering injuries.
Understanding Bicycle Traffic Laws
While cyclists are generally required to know and understand Idaho’s traffic laws for cyclists, a refresher is necessary. This is because insurance companies will look for ways to blame a cyclist involved in a bicycle accident so that they can either reduce or refuse compensation to the victim. Idaho’s bicycle traffic rules are as follows:
- Cyclists have the same rights to the roadway as other vehicles and road users.
- All riders must not exceed the bicycle’s maximum number of seats.
- Riders are mandated to ride on dedicated bike lanes adjacent to the roadways.
- Bicycles are allowed on sidewalks, but riders must notify pedestrians and yield to them when necessary.
- If riding slower than moving traffic, riders can keep as close to the right side of the road as possible.
- If riding at traffic speeds, cyclists can ride in a full lane.
- Cyclists are not allowed to attach or cling to other vehicles while riding on the roadway.
- Stopping and yielding to other vehicles at a red light is mandatory. When approaching a stop sign, cyclists must slow down and make sure no vehicle is approaching before proceeding.
Establishing Fault in a Bike Wreck Injury Claim
Before an injured cyclist can bring legal action, fault must first be assigned to the liable party. The basis of establishing liability is proving that the defendant acted in a negligent manner on the roadway. As a result of their actions, the cyclist suffered injuries and had to seek medical attention. A bicycle wreck attorney in Boise can help you determine this breach of duty while you focus on recovery.
How Can We Help?
The bicycle accident attorneys at Parke Gordon are experienced handling bicycle accident claims and can get you more money, faster for the injuries and damages you suffered in a bicycle accident. Parke Gordon will ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable for the injuries and damages caused by their careless conduct.
We can help you by investigating the accident, documenting your injuries, and obtaining a cash settlement for medical bills, lost earnings, scars, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The attorneys at Parke Gordon Law are aggressive, experienced and trusted. We’ll fight to get you every penny you deserve.
