Idaho is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. Every driver, including motorcyclists, must carry minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to cover damages they cause in an accident. The minimum policy requires $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 for property damage liability.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you will have to show another driver was at fault for the crash to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Here’s what you need to know about proving fault after a motorcycle accident in Boise. Call Mountain States Injury Law at (888) 845-8745 for more information and your free consultation today.
Boise Motorcycle Accident Claims and Negligence
Most motorcycle accident claims are based on negligence. To establish fault in a motorcycle accident, you must prove the following elements:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, including motorcyclists. This means operating a vehicle in a reasonably safe manner to prevent accidents.
- The driver breached this duty. The at-fault party breaches their duty when they fail to act with reasonable care. Examples include speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield to a motorcyclist.
- The breach caused your accident. You must prove that the at-fault party’s breach of duty directly and foreseeably caused the motorcycle accident and your injuries.
- You suffered damages. You must demonstrate that you suffered financial losses, physical injuries, or emotional distress due to the accident.
To prove each element, you will need to gather evidence, including:
- Police reports detailing the events leading up to the crash and potential traffic violations
- Eyewitness statements from bystanders or other drivers
- Photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions
- Medical records of your motorcycle accident injuries in Boise
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
An experienced Boise motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence demonstrating the other party’s liability for your accident.
Types of Compensation Available in Boise Motorcycle Accident Claims
If you successfully prove fault in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages. Economic damages will cover your financial losses, while non-economic damages provide money for personal, non-monetary losses.
These damages compensate you for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage, including motorcycle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Rare cases involving egregious misconduct may qualify for punitive damages. Punitive damages punish the at-fault party rather than compensate you for losses.
Comparative Fault in Boise Motorcycle Accidents
In some cases, the insurance company or opposing party may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. While allegations of comparative fault can affect the value of your claim, they likely won’t prevent you from recovering compensation entirely.
Under Idaho law, if you share partial fault for your collision, your compensation may be reduced to account for your percentage of blame. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, once your percentage of liability reaches 50% or more, you will be barred from recovering damages.
Contact a Boise Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help Proving Fault After a Crash
Navigating a Boise motorcycle accident claim without legal representation can be challenging. A Boise motorcycle accident attorney can help you prove the other party was at-fault for your crash.
At Mountain States Injury Law, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will investigate the crash and build a strong case on your behalf. We will also handle negotiations with insurance adjusters and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options after a crash.