Bicycling is a popular way to commute, exercise, and enjoy Idaho’s scenic beauty—but it also comes with risks. When a bike and a car collide, the cyclist almost always suffers the most serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect them.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve been representing injured cyclists across the Treasure Valley for decades. Here’s what you need to know about Idaho bicycle laws, fault and liability, and how to get the compensation you deserve.
Idaho Bicycle Laws and Your Rights on the Road
In Idaho, bicycles are considered vehicles. That means cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. You have the right to:
- Ride on most roads and streets (except where expressly prohibited, like certain highways)
- Ride in bike lanes or on the right side of the roadway when possible
- Make turns, including left turns, using proper hand signals
- Expect that motorists will yield when required and exercise caution
Cyclists must also follow the rules of the road, including obeying traffic signals and signs. Idaho is known for its unique “Idaho Stop” law, which allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs—provided it’s safe to proceed.
Even when cyclists follow the law, drivers often fail to yield, pass too closely, or open car doors into bike lanes. These careless actions can cause devastating injuries, and when they do, the law allows injured cyclists to pursue a personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes in Idaho include:
- Driver inattention or distraction (texting, using GPS, etc.)
- Failure to yield at intersections or during left turns
- Unsafe passing without allowing the required three feet of space
- Dooring accidents, where a parked driver opens their door into a cyclist’s path
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Poor road conditions, including potholes or debris in bike lanes
Determining the cause of the accident is a key part of building your case. That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney who knows what to look for and how to investigate.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Idaho
The steps you take immediately after a bicycle accident can make a big difference in your recovery and your legal claim. Here’s what we recommend:
- Call 911: Always report the accident to the police. Make sure a report is filed, even if you’re unsure about the severity of your injuries at the scene.
- Get medical attention: Some injuries aren’t apparent right away. Get checked out by a doctor and follow up on any recommended treatment.
- Collect evidence: If you’re able, take photos of the scene, your bike, the vehicle involved, and your injuries. Get contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters: The driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly. Don’t agree to provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Call a personal injury lawyer: An experienced Idaho bicycle accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (such as a damaged bike or gear)
In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages if the driver acted with extreme recklessness—such as in a DUI crash.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we take the time to fully assess your losses and fight for the full amount you’re owed. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
How Fault Works in Idaho Bicycle Accident Cases
Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault—so long as your share of the blame is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to recover anything.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the cyclist. That’s why having a skilled attorney on your side can make all the difference.
Talk to an Idaho Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Meridian, Boise, Nampa, or anywhere in Idaho, don’t try to handle it alone. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’re committed to giving you straight answers, direct attorney access, and the focused attention your case deserves.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to help you get back on your feet.