A bicycle accident can change your life in an instant. Unfortunately, returning to your daily routine can be challenging, especially if you need to seek compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies often prioritize protecting their bottom lines over victims’ well-being. Overcoming these obstacles may require the help of a dedicated lawyer.
At Attorneys of Idaho, we represent injured cyclists throughout Meridian and the Treasure Valley. Our law firm understands how vulnerable bicyclists are in collisions with cars, trucks, and SUVs, and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable under Idaho law.
Our legal team understands the toll a bicycle crash can take on victims and their loved ones. We believe quality legal representation comes from lawyers who start by treating people right. At Attorneys of Idaho, our motto is: “Great Attorneys. Great People.” We combine effective legal advocacy with compassion, respect, and individualized attention for every client. With over 30 years of combined experience, our proven lawyers protect the rights of personal injury victims throughout Idaho and pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a skilled bicycle accident lawyer in Meridian.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Meridian
Meridian roads can be treacherous for bicyclists. Recent statistics show that 95 percent of riders involved in crashes sustained some type of injury. Driver error, along with the city’s growing population, means more traffic congestion, increasing the risk of bicycle collisions, especially at intersections and along busy corridors.
Leading causes of bicycle accidents in Meridian include:
- Failure to yield the right of way to cyclists
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Vehicles encroaching on bike lanes
- Opening vehicle doors into the path of cyclists (“dooring”)
- Poor road conditions
- Inadequate signage
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
By design, bicycles offer little protection to riders compared to passenger cars. Riders can suffer severe injuries, even in relatively low-speed crashes. Common bicycle accident injuries can range from painful but temporary conditions to catastrophic injuries that require long-term medical care.
Common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents may include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBIs) and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Broken bones, often to the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe skin injuries, such as road rash, lacerations, and abrasions
- Amputation
- Scarring and disfigurement
These serious injuries can interfere with your ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy life. Prompt medical attention is essential to document your injuries and begin appropriate treatment.
Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Meridian?
Determining liability is one of the most essential steps in any bicycle accident claim. In many cases, a negligent driver is responsible for causing the crash. However, other parties may also share liability depending on the circumstances.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care around cyclists
- Careless pedestrians, if unlawful actions caused a collision
- Property owners, if a dangerous condition on private premises led to the bike crash
- Government entities, if hazardous road conditions, poor signage, or a defective bike lane design contributed to a crash
- Manufacturers of faulty bikes or bike parts
Idaho law uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine compensation in cases where multiple parties share fault for a bike crash. Under this law, you may still be eligible to recover compensation for the accident as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault. Any compensation you receive must be reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility.
A Meridian bicycle accident lawyer can carefully analyze medical records, police reports, witness statements, and accident scene evidence to identify all responsible parties and pursue claims accordingly.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Meridian
What you do in the moments and days after a bicycle accident can significantly affect your health and your personal injury claim. Taking the following steps can protect your legal rights and support your case:
- Seek medical treatment immediately.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Preserve evidence from the accident scene if possible, such as the bike, the clothes you wore, and photos.
- Collect insurance information and contact details from the involved parties and witnesses.
- Avoid giving detailed statements to police or insurers without counsel.
- Contact a Meridian bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
How Compensation Works in Idaho Bicycle Accident Claims
In Idaho, injured bicycle riders may seek compensation for financial and personal losses caused by someone else’s negligence. Under the law, negligence means that everyone must use reasonable care to avoid harming others. When they don’t, victims may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them.
Compensation following a bicycle accident in Idaho can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Property damage
Determining an appropriate value for your bicycle accident case can be complicated. Without legal support, you risk accepting a settlement offer that fails to reflect the true extent of your losses. When you meet with our Meridian personal injury lawyers, we review the facts of your case to estimate a dollar amount that accounts for everything you’ve endured.
How Our Meridian Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Attorneys of Idaho, our firm brings years of experience representing individuals in personal injury cases, including bike accidents. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Conduct a full investigation of the accident
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence to prove fault
- Communicate with insurers on your behalf
- Build a comprehensive bicycle injury claim for maximum compensation
- Represent you in settlement negotiations or at trial, if necessary
Contact Attorneys of Idaho Today
You don’t need to seek justice for your bicycle accident on your own. At Attorneys of Idaho, we prioritize legal excellence, trusted client relationships, and meaningful results that help people move forward with confidence.
If you’re living with injuries sustained in a bike accident in Meridian, come tell us your story and learn your legal options. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.