If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Idaho due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This compensation, also called “damages,” helps cover riders’ financial losses and emotional harm after a collision. Contact our motorcycle accident attorney in Boise to discuss your legal options today. Call us at (888) 845-8745.
Idaho law recognizes several types of damages in motorcycle accident cases. Below, we break down the most common types of damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages, sometimes referred to as “special damages,” cover the financial expenses related to a motorcycle accident. These losses are typically proven with documentation such as receipts, invoices, or pay stubs.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical costs, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any follow-up care.
- Lost income, such as wages lost during your recovery and lost future earnings if your injuries have permanently impacted your ability to work.
- Property damage, including reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses, i.e., all costs related to transportation to medical appointments, rental equipment, or necessary changes to your home.
You can also recover expenses you are expected to incur in the future as a result of your motorcycle accident injuries in Boise. However, these typically require expert testimony and technical economic calculations.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as “general damages,” are intended to compensate you for the emotional and physical hardships caused by your injury. These losses are subjective in nature and not easily proven with financial documentation.
These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain you’ve experienced, as well as ongoing discomfort.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, or other psychological effects from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life If your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
- Scarring or disfigurement If your injury has led to visible scars or lasting change to your physical appearance
- Loss of companionship or intimacy, sometimes called “loss of consortium,” applies when the injury negatively affects your relationship with your spouse or family.
Idaho law caps non-economic damages at $490,512.33. This amount is likely set to increase in July 2025. The cap does not apply if the defendant’s conduct was willful or reckless, constituted a felony, or involved intentional harm.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. They do not compensate you for any losses.
Idaho courts only award these damages in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, such as by acting with extreme recklessness or causing intentional harm. For instance, drunk driving motorcycle accidents may qualify for punitive damages if you can show the driver acted with blatant disregard for your safety.
Under Idaho law, punitive damages are capped at $250,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded to the plaintiff, whichever is greater.
How Comparative Fault Affects Your Compensation in Idaho
Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. You can only collect damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you will not be eligible to recover any compensation in court.
If you are under that 50% threshold, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 30% at fault, your award would be reduced by 30%.
Contact an Boise Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help Recovering Damages After a Motorcycle Crash
If you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver, you are entitled to full compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages. An experienced Idaho motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the maximum recovery you deserve for your injuries.
Contact Mountain States Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation with an Boise motorcycle accident attorney.