One passenger on a motorcycle was killed late last Friday in a horrific car accident near Spirit Lake.
According to KXLY.com, this crash happened on Idaho State Highway 41 near mile marker 16. Allegedly, the driver of a Dodge Dakota quickly turned onto a side road when he hit a motorcycle carrying two people. The force of the impact was so great that the two people on the motorcycle were thrown off of their vehicle.
When police arrived at the scene of the crime they immediately transported the motorcycle driver to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the female passenger on the motorcycle was killed on impact. The Dodge driver, however, had no injuries.
According to KXLY, the truck driver was charged with Aggravated DUI, Attempting to Destroy, Alter, Conceal Evidence, Open Container, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Vehicular Manslaughter.
The Danger Of Left Turns For Motorcyclists
It’s extremely common for motorcyclists to be killed or injured in an accident where a motorist turns unexpectedly into them or into their path. Believe it or not, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) says about 75 percent of motorcycle accidents in America involve a motorcyclist hitting the side of car or truck.
Perhaps even more significantly, DOT researchers found that in 65 percent of these crashes the driver didn’t properly yield to the motorcyclist. In many cases, drivers involved in these crashes said they didn’t see the motorcyclist heading their way.
Motorists must treat motorcyclists with the same courtesy they would other vehicles, especially at intersections. Since motorcyclists have less protection than an enclosed vehicle, it’s far more common for them to get seriously injured in a crash.
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer
After an accident, even if it appears that one specific driver is clearly at fault, insurers will look for ways to blame your motorcycle accident on you just to save on their bottom lines. For example, they may try to blame an injury on someone not wearing a helmet. You should know, however, that only motorcyclists under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet in Idaho. In the event a loved one is lost, loved ones of the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
The best way to figure out what you’re legally entitled to is to give CCD Law a call and speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. We promise your consultation call will be 100 percent confidential and complimentary. We have a very long history of representing clients in Idaho and motorcyclists as well.
