1. Litster Frost Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, semi-truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, boat accidents, catastrophic injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death claims
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, rear-end collisions involving motorcycles, distracted driving accidents, intoxicated driver accidents, roadway debris accidents, failure to yield accidents, blind spot accidents, head-on collisions, passenger injuries
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering and preservation, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, medical records collection, expert witness coordination, litigation and trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Multi-attorney firm with offices throughout Idaho including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, Caldwell, and Fruitland. The firm includes attorneys Paul C. Swainston, Daniel E. Jenkins, Evan S. Mortimer, Laurie Litster-Frost, Jeffrey N. Street, Anthony Shively, Mary L. McDougal, and Joshua Joe Jimenez. Licensed in Idaho. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury cases in Idaho and uses a team approach for client representation. Notable reported settlement of $2.1 million for a motorcycle rider struck by a semi-truck.
Location: 3501 W Elder St Suite 208, Boise, ID 83705 (Additional offices in Meridian, Nampa, and other Idaho locations)
Contact: (208) 333-3366 | https://litsterfrost.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee arrangement with no fees unless the firm wins the case.
2. The Sargent Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, construction accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, police report gathering, medical records collection, accident scene photography, expert testimony coordination, witness interviews, discovery process management, interrogatory preparation, insurance claim negotiation, timely filing within statute of limitations, litigation and trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Ryan Sargent, Esq. is the Owner and Founder. The firm has handled thousands of personal injury cases across Idaho and California. Multiple attorneys on staff including Ryan Sargent, Nicole Slattery, Ryan Pickett, Derek Monzon, and Zach Hathaway. Offices in Boise and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Notable case results include an $850,000 settlement for a motorcycle accident client who collided with a moving truck that turned in front of him (initial offer was $75,000).
Location: Idaho offices serve Boise and the Treasure Valley
Contact: 844-SARGENT (844-727-4368) | https://sargentlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available 24/7. No up-front fees. Contingency fee arrangement with payment only upon winning the case. Client portal available for case updates.
3. Jane Gordon Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, workers’ compensation, daycare injuries, accidental gunshots
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, defective motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, liability insurance identification, medical expense negotiation with hospitals and surgeons, evidence gathering, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation and trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Jane Gordon is a personal injury attorney based in Boise, Idaho. She operates Jane Gordon Law as a solo practice focused on personal injury matters. Licensed in Idaho. She uses a contingent fee model, meaning clients pay nothing upfront and the fee is a percentage of the settlement when the case is won.
Location: 1004 West Fort St., Boise, Idaho 83702
Contact: (208) 391-4747 | Fax: (208) 807-2290 | https://www.janegordonlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee arrangement with no payment unless the case is won.
4. Law Offices of Matthew G. Gunn
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, employment law, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. distracted driver accidents, motorcycle lane change accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, motorcycle intersection accidents, motorcycle highway accidents, motorcycle wrongful death claims, catastrophic motorcycle injury claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction with expert witnesses, traffic camera footage acquisition, witness interviews, evidence preservation, insurance claim negotiation, trial preparation and representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, emotional distress claims, punitive damage claims
Background: Matthew G. Gunn clerked for a United States District Court Judge and a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer from 2021 to 2025 and has argued cases before the Idaho Supreme Court. He personally manages every aspect of client cases. The firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial. Notable case results include a $1 million car accident settlement (policy limit recovery). Licensed in Idaho.
Location: 2710 Sunrise Rim Rd, Suite 100, Boise, ID 83705
Contact: (208) 472-8834 (Available 24/7) | https://lawmgg.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. The firm focuses on trial-ready representation and rejects anti-rider bias in case handling.
5. Feller & Wendt, LLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck accidents, head-on motorcycle collisions, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, evidence gathering, comparative negligence defense, insurance claim negotiation, litigation and trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, emotional distress claims, quality of life diminishment claims, property damage claims
Background: Regional personal injury law firm with offices in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. The Idaho office serves Boise, Meridian, and Nampa. Multiple attorneys on staff. The firm focuses on countering anti-motorcyclist bias that insurance companies often employ when determining fault and damages. Licensed in Idaho. They provide clients with direct attorney cell phone access for communication.
Location: 46 E Pine Ave, Meridian, ID 83642 (serving Boise and surrounding areas)
Contact: (208) 391-5945 | https://www.fellerwendt.com
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation available. Contingency fee arrangement.
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Idaho
Statute of Limitations: Under Idaho Code § 5-219, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents is two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period also applies. Claims involving minors may be tolled until the minor reaches age 18, but the extension cannot exceed six years total.
Fault System: Idaho is a fault-based (tort) state for motor vehicle accidents, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Idaho Code § 6-801. If the injured party contributed to the accident, their damages are reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. Under Idaho Code § 6-802, if the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any compensation.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Idaho Code § 49-1229 requires all registered motorcycles to carry liability insurance with the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident involving multiple persons, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be offered and is recommended.
Helmet Law: Idaho Code § 49-666 establishes a partial helmet law. All motorcycle operators and passengers under age 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear helmets. The helmet requirement does not apply on private property or when the motorcycle is used for agricultural purposes.
Eye Protection Requirements: Idaho does not have a mandatory eye protection law for motorcycle riders, but protective eyewear is recommended.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting and lane filtering are not explicitly addressed in Idaho law, which generally means they are not permitted. Motorcyclists should travel within a single lane like other vehicles.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Idaho requires a Class M endorsement on a driver’s license to operate a motorcycle. Applicants must pass a knowledge test and either a skills test or complete an approved motorcycle rider training course. Riders under 21 must pass the knowledge test and complete a rider training course.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Idaho law requires motorcycles to have functional brakes on at least one wheel (hand or foot operated), fenders on both wheels positioned no higher than 20 inches above the road surface, headlights capable of illuminating 100 feet ahead at 25 mph or less, 200 feet at 25-34 mph, and 300 feet at 35+ mph. At least one mirror is required. Turn signals are not required by state law but are recommended.
Muffler Requirements: Idaho Code § 49-937 requires motorcycles to have mufflers. Cut-outs, bypasses, or similar devices are prohibited. Modifications that amplify noise above original equipment levels are not allowed. Maximum allowable sound level is 92 dBA measured at 20 feet.
Passenger Requirements: Motorcycles must have a passenger seat and footrests to carry passengers. There is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Approximately 6.9% of Idaho drivers are uninsured and another 10% are underinsured. UM/UIM coverage must be offered by insurers and is highly recommended for motorcycle riders given the vulnerability of riders in accidents.
Damage Caps: Idaho does not have a statutory cap on compensatory damages for personal injury cases, including economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving reckless or particularly egregious conduct.
Helmet Use as Evidence: While adults over 18 are not required to wear helmets, failure to wear a helmet may be considered by insurance companies or juries when assessing comparative negligence for head injuries. Under the comparative fault system, non-helmet use could reduce compensation if it contributed to the severity of injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Idaho?
Under Idaho Code § 5-219, you have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline also applies to wrongful death claims. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts, and your negotiating leverage with insurance companies will diminish significantly. There are limited exceptions for cases involving minors, where the statute may be tolled until the minor turns 18, but even then, the maximum extension is six years from the accident date. It is advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
How does Idaho’s comparative negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident claim?
Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence system under Idaho Code § 6-801 and § 6-802. This means that if you are found partially at fault for your motorcycle accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. Critically, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to motorcyclists based on negative stereotypes about rider behavior. An experienced attorney can help establish the other party’s liability and minimize any fault attributed to you.
If I was not wearing a helmet as an adult rider and suffered head injuries, can I still recover compensation?
Yes, adult riders over 18 are not legally required to wear helmets in Idaho under § 49-666, so not wearing a helmet is not automatically considered negligence. However, insurance companies and defense attorneys may argue that your choice not to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your head injuries, which could be used to assign you a percentage of comparative fault. Under Idaho’s modified comparative negligence rule, this could reduce your compensation. As long as your assigned fault remains below 50%, you can still recover damages, though they will be reduced proportionally. Having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help counter these arguments and protect your claim.
What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Boise?
Idaho law allows injured motorcyclists to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage to your motorcycle and gear. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. If the at-fault driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Is lane splitting or lane filtering legal for motorcyclists in Idaho?
Lane splitting and lane filtering are not explicitly authorized under Idaho law. Unlike California, which permits lane splitting, Idaho has no statute allowing motorcyclists to travel between lanes of traffic. This means that if you are involved in an accident while lane splitting, you may be found at fault or partially at fault for the collision, which could significantly impact your ability to recover compensation under Idaho’s comparative negligence rules. Motorcyclists in Idaho should travel within a single lane like other vehicles. If you have been injured in an accident involving lane positioning, consulting with an attorney can help clarify how the circumstances may affect your claim.