Bicycles are an excellent way for people of all ages to travel from one point to another, get exercise, or have fun. Bikes provide a low-impact form of travel that generates no pollution or byproducts except maybe from a cyclist working up a sweat. Idaho has many areas designed to provide a safe path for bicycles and pedestrians.
Unfortunately, this does not prevent bicyclists from getting into accidents. If you were injured while riding your bike, you might require assistance from a seasoned injury attorney. A Coeur d’Alene bicycle accident lawyer could review your case and determine if you are eligible for financial compensation.
Under Idaho Statutes 49-714, all cyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists operating any standard motor vehicle. Therefore, vehicle operators must yield to bicycles and treat their presence with the same care as other cars, trucks, and motorcycles with whom they generally share the road.
However, there are instances where other drivers do not afford cyclists the same respect and care. If a driver is negligent and their vehicle collides with a cyclist, the results can be catastrophic.
Due to the significant size and weight difference between a car and a person riding a bicycle, accidents between the two can be deadly. Some common bicycle wreck injuries include:
Idaho does not require that cyclists 18 years and older wear a helmet. However, wearing a helmet can reduce the chance of head trauma, concussion, skull fractures, contusions, or hemorrhages. As the injuries from a bike accident can result in substantial medical bills and personal losses, it is essential to work with a lawyer in Coeur d’Alene who considers the long-term impact of these damages.
Mounting medical bills can be stressful on their own, but if a bicycle crash leaves someone unable to work, it can place an additional financial burden on them and their family. As such, state law allows people injured by another person’s reckless or careless conduct to seek financial compensation for these and other losses.
Bicyclists injured in a collision can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are easily calculated and include medical bills, surgical procedures, rehabilitation costs, wages lost due to injury, and the lost earning capacity for parties with a life-altering injury.
Non-economic damages allow recovery for an injured party’s emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life where applicable. However, comprehensive recovery could be difficult without legal knowledge and experience. Working with a CDA bike wreck lawyer could ensure that a plaintiff’s best interests are represented during settlement negotiations or in court.
If another person is responsible for your bike crash, you may have grounds to file a civil claim. However, successfully navigating the legal system could be challenging without guidance from an accomplished attorney. A Coeur d’Alene bicycle accident lawyer could answer any questions you have and help you recover full compensation for your losses. Call today to schedule your initial consultation with our team.
Owens, McCrea & Linscott, PLLC