A car crash can happen in seconds, but you might be dealing with the consequences for far longer than you might imagine. When you’re trying to get compensation from insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting their profits than helping you recover, the situation can feel overwhelming.
At Attorneys of Idaho, our experienced car accident law firm understands the toll that a motor vehicle accident can have on your life and your family. This is why our motto is:
It means we achieve success by combining compassion with results, treating each client with the kindness, respect, and empathy they deserve during this difficult time. We have over 400 five-star reviews from satisfied clients who appreciate our way of making their lives better.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your car accident case. Your consultation is free and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Your Idaho Car Accident Claim
When you’re recovering from a car accident injury, having qualified legal representation from Attorneys of Idaho can make the difference between a fair settlement and long-lasting financial hardship. An experienced Idaho car accident attorney will provide several crucial advantages that you simply cannot achieve on your own.
Insurance companies use several well-rehearsed tactics to reduce settlements, including questioning the severity of your injuries, disputing liability, or pressuring you to accept inadequate offers before you understand the full extent of your losses. Our team is familiar with these strategies and can effectively protect your interests throughout the process.
We will handle all aspects of your car accident claim, such as negotiations with the insurer, while you focus on recovery. Our collaborative, team-based approach means you’ll benefit from the combined strengths of our entire legal staff. In addition, we establish clear expectations and goals for our clients early, then strive to exceed them. In doing so, you’ll always know what to expect from your case and how we plan to achieve the best possible outcome.
Additionally, we can accurately assess the actual value of your claim. Many accident victims underestimate the long-term costs of their injuries. As a result, they often end up accepting settlements that don’t cover future medical expenses or lost earning capacity. Our experience with similar cases enables us to accurately project these costs, allowing us to advocate for compensation that is tailored to your specific situation.
Reach out to Attorneys of Idaho today to schedule your free, no-obligation case review with an Idaho car accident lawyer.
How We Investigate Car Accident Cases
At Attorneys of Idaho, our competent legal team will immediately begin the investigation to preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost or destroyed.
We start by visiting the accident scene to document road conditions, traffic signals, signage, and any other factors that may have contributed to the car wreck. Our team will take photographs, measurements, and notes that can prove essential in establishing liability.
Accident reports from the responding police officer can provide much-needed information, but they don’t always tell the complete story. We review these reports carefully while also conducting our own investigation. This includes consulting with accident reconstructionists when necessary, as well as examining vehicle damage patterns to understand precisely how the collision occurred.
Medical records are also crucial in demonstrating the extent of your injuries and their relationship to the accident. We can work with your healthcare providers to obtain comprehensive medical documentation and consult with medical experts who can explain how your injuries will affect your life in the future.
What Compensation Could I Recover in a Car Accident Claim?
Car accident compensation can address the various ways that an auto accident has affected your life. You may be able to recover damages for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Vehicle repair/replacement costs
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Idaho?
Determining liability in an auto collision requires a careful examination of all the circumstances surrounding the crash. Potential liable parties include the following:
- The at-fault driver bears primary responsibility if their negligent actions were the cause of the accident. In cases involving drunk driving accidents or distracted driving, the driver’s liability is often clear.
- Vehicle owners may be liable even if they weren’t driving. Idaho law allows for owner liability in certain circumstances, particularly when the owner knew or should have known that the driver was incompetent or posed a danger.
- Employers can be held responsible for accidents caused by their employees if the employee was acting within the context of their employment at the time of the crash. This is particularly relevant in accidents involving commercial vehicles, delivery trucks, or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
- Auto manufacturers may be liable if a defective part contributed to the accident or worsened your injuries.
- Government entities can be held responsible for dangerous road conditions, missing or defective signage, or poorly designed intersections.
Could I Recover Compensation if I’m Partly to Blame for a Car Accident?
Idaho follows a comparative negligence system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the vehicle accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20 percent at fault for the accident and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000 from the other party. This system is rather forgiving, in that it recognizes that accidents often involve numerous contributing factors and that partial fault shouldn’t completely bar recovery.
However, the key is proving that the other party was more at fault than you were. At Attorneys of Idaho, our experienced legal team knows how to present evidence that minimizes your share of responsibility while highlighting the other party’s negligent actions.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Idaho?
Idaho law establishes specific time limits for filing a car accident lawsuit. Generally speaking, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there can be exceptions to this rule. For instance, in cases involving a government entity, you might need to file a notice of claim within as little as 180 days after the accident.
Because these time limits are strict and missing them typically means losing your right to compensation, it’s crucial to contact a qualified lawyer from Attorneys of Idaho as soon as possible after your auto wreck. Early legal intervention also allows us to begin investigating while the evidence is fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
The following are the most important actions to take to protect yourself and your claim:
- Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers.
- Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent
- Contact your insurance company, but stick to basic facts about the accident and avoid speculating.
- Avoid admitting fault. Let the investigation determine what happened
- Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and other accident-related documents.
- Speak with a qualified car accident attorney in Idaho who can protect your rights.
What Are Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents?
Some of the most common types and causes of traffic accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving, when vehicle operators engage in activities that take their attention from the road
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes
- Following too closely (tailgating), which prevents drivers from stopping in time when traffic slows suddenly
- Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, drugs, or medications
- Failure to adjust speed and driving behavior to match weather or road conditions
- Accidents involving uninsured motorists
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rideshare accidents, including those involving Uber and Lyft drivers
What Are Typical Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident?
Injuries from a car accident can lead to long-term or lifelong pain and limitations. The more common injuries our law firm sees include the following:
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash and muscle strains, are common in rear-end collisions. While these injuries might seem minor, they can cause chronic pain and necessitate extensive treatment.
- Broken bones frequently occur in moderate to severe crashes. These injuries often require surgery and physical therapy, and they may also result in permanent limitations or disabilities.
- Head and brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of car accidents. Even mild concussions can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and personality.
- Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime care and dramatically affecting quality of life.
- Back injuries, including herniated discs, can cause chronic pain and limit mobility.
- Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. These include damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other trauma that requires immediate medical attention.
- Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, are real consequences that can be just as disruptive and consequential as physical injuries.
Contact an Idaho Car Accident Lawyer Today
When you’re ready to seek accountability and maximum compensation for your auto accident injuries and how they’ve affected your life, Attorneys of Idaho wants to hear your story.
Our honest, trustworthy, and reputable legal team has the experience and resources to handle complex car accident cases throughout Idaho. We believe in being “big enough to fight but small enough to care,” as we combine compassion with results to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation with a skilled and empathetic car accident attorney. You pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.