Rules of the Road: Cyclists and Motor Vehicles
Drivers can attest that many cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts tend to roll through stop signs and red lights, failing to come to a complete stop before proceeding through or making a turn. Understandably, drivers are confused as to their liability in collisions with cyclists. Idaho law states that a cyclist is required to adhere to the same rules of the road as drivers, except they do not have to make a complete stop at stop signs if the intersection is clear. Unfortunately, even the most well-intentioned of cyclists are often cut-off or injured in collisions with other drivers. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Idaho, contact our plaintiff litigation attorneys at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center.
Safety Stop Laws
Idaho stop, signed into law in 1982, allows Idaho cyclists to treat a stop sign as a vehicle would treat a yield sign. This means the cyclist should approach the stop sign with caution, scan the intersection for traffic, and proceed only if safe to do so. Idaho Code § 49-720 (2019). This is opposed to other states compelling cyclists to make a complete stop at the intersection or four way stop prior to proceeding through or making a turn. The cyclist is required to yield the right of way to drivers to their immediate right before proceeding through a stop sign. And, cyclists are still required to come to a complete stop and obey red lights. The argument for the Idaho stop law is that if bikers are able to pull forward they are more visible to drivers than if they stayed behind the white line in an intersection, and that repetitive motion of stopping and starting at stop signs is physically taxing. Studies indicate that “Idaho stop” or “Delaware yield” laws actually reduce the likelihood of a cyclist and vehicle collision.
Liability for Drivers Involved in Collisions
Unfortunately, despite laws in place to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers on the road, collisions still occur on a daily basis. Collisions involving a bicycle rider or a pedestrian and a car or truck often result in severe injuries, permanent disability, or even fatalities. Even worse, some drivers leave the scene of the accident, which is both illegal and immoral. If caught, those drivers face major criminal repercussions, but they can also be sued in a civil suit. Plaintiffs involved in serious bicycle crashes are entitled to both compensatory and non-compensatory damages, as long as they can prove that the defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of their injuries.
Call Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you or someone you know was injured or are now disabled due to a vehicular collision, you are entitled to damages. Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our personal injury attorneys and review your options. If you are suffering from physical injuries, disability, or emotional distress as a result of your accident, you deserve compensation. Our attorneys at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center work exclusively for plaintiffs, fighting on their behalf to recover the compensation they deserve. You do not have to go it alone. Contact us today to review your case.
