Nampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bike in Nampa is not without its risks. Despite taking all the right safety measures, riders are more likely to get injured in a crash than car drivers. According to the Idaho Transportation Department, a motorcyclist was killed or injured in a traffic crash every 16 hours in 2022. More than 73% of those riders were wearing a helmet, even though Idaho law only requires motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 18 to do so.

If you or your loved one has sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash in Nampa, you should contact us at Mountain States Injury Law as soon as possible. Our Nampa motorcycle accident attorneys will move fast to collect evidence, establish liability of the at-fault motorist, and pursue the largest possible compensation for your injuries and losses.

Why Motorcyclists in Nampa are at a Higher Risk of Catastrophic Injuries and Fatalities

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a traffic crash per vehicle mile traveled. There are several reasons for this disproportionate risk faced by motorcyclists compared to car occupants:

Bikes Do Not Offer Physical Protection

In a car or a truck, you are surrounded by a metal frame, airbags, and other safety features designed to absorb impact and protect the driver and passengers. On a motorcycle, there is nothing between you and the road or another vehicle besides your protective gear. As a result, in a collision, you are more likely to be thrown from the bike. You also have no protection from the elements.

Bikes are Less Visible to Other Drivers

Despite your best efforts to stay visible, wear reflective gear, and use lights, your bike does not have the same presence on the road as larger vehicles. This makes it easier for drivers to overlook you, especially in poor weather conditions, at night, or busy intersections.

Bikes are More Exposed to Road Hazards

Potholes, wet pavement, gravel, or debris, which might be mere annoyances to a car, can turn into death traps for a motorcycle. A small object on the road may cause it to tip or skid. Coming across a sudden patch of gravel on a curve can cause your bike’s tires to lose grip, resulting in a slide across the road or into other lanes.

How Our Nampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fight to Maximize Your Compensation

Idaho follows a “modified comparative negligence” system, i.e., if a party is found to be partially at fault for causing their injuries, their award for damages is reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if they are found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover any damages.

The state also requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance, so the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering damages (medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and more) up to the policy limits. Since the insurance system is designed to protect both the at-fault driver and the injured party, the defendant’s insurance provider is responsible for compensating you.

As soon as the crash is reported, the defendant’s insurer starts investigating it by visiting the accident site, looking at the police reports, collecting witness statements, and any available video footage with an aim to minimize their liability for your injuries and losses. If they are able to shift more than half the blame to you for the accident, they can entirely avoid liability. Clearly, this is a strong motivation for defendants and their insurers in motorcycle accident cases in Nampa.

There is a common stereotype that bikers are more likely to engage in risky behavior on the road and that they do not always follow traffic rules. Insurance companies may take advantage of this and attempt to place a disproportionately high percentage of the blame on the motorcyclist. If, for instance, a driver failed to see a motorcyclist and turned in front of them, the insurer might still insist that the motorcyclist was partially at fault for speeding, even if speeding was not conclusively proven.

In these circumstances, it is prudent to work with our experienced Idaho motorcycle crash attorney Dale Casares at Mountain States Injury Law to protect your rights. We will gather evidence to make sure no fact is distorted or exaggerated to paint you in a bad light or increase your percentage of fault. Dale will aggressively negotiate with the insurers on your behalf to maximize your settlement, while remaining prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Types of Evidence Our Nampa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys will Collect to Prove Liability 

At Mountain States Injury Law, our Nampa motorcycle crash lawyers will leave no stone unturned to obtain compelling evidence to prove the liability of the defendants and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company from a position of strength. Our evidence may include:

• The official accident report filed by the Nampa Police Department; it includes details about the crash, witness statements, and the officer’s assessment of fault.
• Photographs of the accident scene, depicting vehicle positions, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible damage.
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dash cams that may have recorded the accident.
• Statements from other drivers, pedestrians, and bystanders who may have witnessed the accident.
• Pictures of your protective gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, etc.) to show that you were taking safety precautions.
• Motorcycle maintenance records showing that your bike was well-maintained and in good working condition, countering claims of mechanical failure (unless the claim is against the bike manufacturer for a defect).
• Your driving record or completion of advanced riding courses to demonstrate your experience and commitment to safe riding.
• All medical documentation related to your accident injuries to help establish their full extent and their impact on your lifestyle.
• Analytical reports from accident reconstruction experts and motorcycle safety experts to clarify the sequence of events and the dynamics of the crash.
• The at-fault driver’s cell phone records to check if they were texting or distracted at the time of the accident.
• The at-fault driver’s driving record for past violations or accidents to show a pattern of unsafe driving behavior.
• Black box data from the other vehicle’s event data recorder (if available) to get information on speed, braking, and other factors leading up to the crash.
• Data from traffic signals to confirm the status of lights at the time of the crash, proving you had the right of way (if applicable).
• Weather reports at the time of the accident to counter any claims that bad weather alone is to blame.
• Any transcripts of 911 emergency calls made immediately after the accident to provide real-time accounts.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Nampa, ID

Attorney Dale Casares has more than a decade of experience handling all kinds of crashes in Canyon County, including Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, Middleton, Kuna, Boise, and surrounding communities. Regardless of how your crash occurred or how many vehicles were involved, we can help you file a claim that results in a successful outcome.

• Left-Turn Accidents: Driver turns left, collides with oncoming motorcycle.
• Head-On Collisions: Vehicles drift, collide head-on in opposite lanes.
• Rear-End Collisions: Distracted driver hits motorcycle from behind.
• Lane Splitting Accidents: Biker injured splitting lanes, car changes lanes unexpectedly.
• Cornering Accidents: Bike crashes on gravel while turning.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Bike crashes alone due to road hazards.
• Side-Swipe Accidents: Car changes lane, hits motorcycle in blind spot.
• Dooring Accidents: Car door opens into motorcycle’s path.
• T-Bone Collisions: Vehicle hits bike’s side at intersection.
• High-Side Crashes: Bike flips over after rear wheel loses traction.
• Low-Side Crashes: Motorcycle slides out from under rider during a turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you ask for damages on my behalf from the defendant’s insurance company in Nampa? 

Our legal team at Mountain States Injury Law can handle the entire claim process on your behalf. To initiate the process of seeking damages for your injuries and losses in a Nampa motorcycle accident, we will communicate with the insurance company in writing as follows:

• Notification Letter to inform the at-fault driver’s insurance company about the accident and your intention to pursue a claim.
• Demand Letter to formally request compensation for your injuries and damages (medical treatment, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, etc.)
• Spoliation Letter to formally request that the driver and their insurance company preserve all evidence related to the crash (black box data, vehicle maintenance records, dashcam footage, and communications).

Do I have a claim if I was injured while riding as a passenger?

Yes, whether the at-fault party is the rider whose bike you were on or another driver, you can file a claim against them.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Nampa, ID?

To begin with, move to a safe location, if possible, and then call 911 to report the accident. While you are waiting for the police and ambulance to arrive, get the insurance information from all drivers involved, and contact details for witnesses. You should also take plenty of clear photos of the accident site, your motorcycle, other vehicles, and any visible injuries.

Even if you feel fine, some injuries may appear later so go to a doctor. Their documentation of your injuries will be critical for your claim. Do not forget to inform your insurance company about the crash but avoid making any “statements” or accepting fault until you speak with our lawyers.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Nampa?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to Idaho Statute section 5-219. The same two-year deadline applies for bike damage claims as well.

Will the helmet laws in Nampa affect my claim?

Idaho law requires all motorcycle riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Adults over 18 are not required to wear any protective headgear. If you were not wearing a helmet and are over 18, it generally would not affect your case unless it can be shown that your injuries were worsened due to the lack of a helmet.

How do I deal with medical bills while my claim is pending?

Use your health insurance to cover immediate medical costs. Keep all receipts and documentation for reimbursements once your claim settles. We may also be able to arrange with care providers to defer payment until resolution of your claim.

Can I make a claim if a family member died in the accident?

Yes, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased if you are a spouse, child, or designated family member. Compensation may cover funeral/burial expenses, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship.

What should I not do when filing a motorcycle accident claim in Nampa?

There are a lot of mistakes injured victims can make. Even casual remarks like “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of liability. Be cautious about what you say after the accident, both to the other driver and to insurance adjusters.

• Do not give recorded statements to the insurers as they can be used to shift blame onto you.
• Do not skip your medical appointment; it gives the impression that your injuries are not serious and thus, do not need to be compensated.
• Do not accept the first settlement offer. Remember, some injuries manifest or worsen later, so be patient.
• Do not post about your accident, injuries, or recovery on social media. Insurers monitor claimants’ online activity in hopes of finding information that contradicts claims of injury or disability.
• Do not sign any releases or settlements without having them reviewed by an attorney. They may contain legal language that limits your ability to pursue further compensation.

What if my motorcycle accident injuries were caused due to a poorly maintained road in Nampa?

If your wreck was caused by poor road conditions, you may have a claim against the City of Nampa, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), or Canyon County if the road is under county jurisdiction. As your lawyers, we will need to file a Notice of Claim with the responsible authority (based on where the accident took place) within 180 days. Once this notice of tort claim is sent, we have two years from the date of the accident to file the claim.

Choose Us for Our Experience and Track Record in Motorcycle Accident Cases in Nampa 

Here’s why injured motorcyclists and their families choose Nampa motorcycle crash lawyer Dale Casares and her team for legal representation:

Experience 

With over 10 years of experience focused only on car and motorcycle accident cases, Dale is strongly positioned to protect your rights. Recognized as one of the Best Car Accident Lawyers and Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, she has seen it all – from simple fender benders to multi-vehicle pile-ups. Her level of attention has been key in overturning many denied claims.

Results That Matter

Dale fights hard to prove the liability of the negligent parties, which has led to us winning some of the largest settlements in Idaho and Montana on behalf of our clients. If you are looking for life-changing results to help you recover and rebuild, you need a legal team with a proven track record. With our formidable record of settlements in motorcycle accident cases, insurance companies are often more willing to settle fairly without engaging in a protracted legal battle.

Personalized Attention 

Unlike a big corporate-minded law firm that delegates its cases to junior partners or legal associates, Dale personally handles every major personal injury case we take. No matter what, our entire team will go the extra mile to make sure your needs and objectives throughout the process are met with legal acumen and compassion.

Convenience 

We can meet with you wherever is most convenient for you. Whether you are in the hospital recuperating from injuries, on bed rest in your home – we will come to you. We also offer video meetings over Skype, Zoom, and other platforms, if you prefer.

Contingency Fee

Pay only if we win! We strictly work on a contingency basis, so there are no deposits, no upfront fees, or hidden charges. If someone else’s negligence has derailed your life, wait no more. Give us a call at 888-617-6084 or send us a message online to schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle crash attorneys in Nampa.