Bicyclists traveling the roads of Kootenai County only have the protection of helmets or joint pads, so it is no surprise that when a truck or car strikes someone on a bike, the cyclist usually bears the bulk of the damage. In most cases, these accidents result in catastrophic injuries if not death.
Often, injured cyclists require extensive physical therapy or long-term rehabilitation. All of these treatments are relatively expensive and can lead to serious financial burdens, especially if your injuries prevent or delay you from returning to work.
However, if your bike crash was the result of another person’s negligence, you should consider working with a seasoned personal injury attorney in the area. A Kootenai County bicycle accident lawyer at our firm could help you hold the at-fault party financially accountable for your injuries and personal losses.
Fortunately, the state of Idaho recognizes that bicyclists injured by the negligence of another party may be subject to unfair financial, physical, and emotional burdens. As such, civil litigation allows an injured cyclist to recover compensation, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and lost earning capacity for those who have suffered a life-altering injury.
In addition, recovery of emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of living, may be awarded where appropriate. Our accomplished attorneys in Kootenai County could assist an injured cyclist with seeking full and fair compensation for their past and future losses stemming from the bike accident.
While Idaho Code § 49-714 gives cyclists the same rights and privileges as any other motorist using roads or highways, some drivers do not afford bicyclists the same respect as another standard passenger vehicle. Furthermore, drivers are often distracted by smartphones or other technology and may quickly lose track of or overlook the smaller frame of a bicycle.
Bicycle riders are not protected by any metal frame or safety features present on motor vehicles. Therefore, they are more vulnerable to being injured or killed, especially when riding on roads with heavy traffic. A bike rider may suffer from contusions, lacerations, broken bones, amputations, and brain injuries if struck by a much larger vehicle.
The costs incurred due to injuries from a bicycle accident can be far beyond what is covered under an auto insurance policy. Bike riders injured in collisions in Kootenai County may want to seek the assistance of our experienced attorneys in order to obtain total compensation for all expenses related to their injuries.
In many cases, it can be challenging to obtain compensation from a negligent party. You will most likely have to negotiate a settlement or seek financial recovery through litigation if the negligent party refuses to make a fair settlement offer. An experienced Kootenai County bicycle accident lawyer at our firm could help by providing legal support and services with the goal of holding the negligent party accountable.
If you were injured while riding your bike, call us to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. We look forward to speaking with you.
Owens, McCrea & Linscott, PLLC