Car Accident Lawyer in Boise, ID

There are many reasons why a car accident lawyer is a critical part of your car accident recovery team. If you were injured in a Boise car crash due to someone else’s negligence, you most likely experienced frightening and life-threatening consequences. Most car accidents result in severe physical and emotional injuries that require months of recovery and rehabilitation. In some instances, injuries can result in permanent impairments or wrongful death. Regardless, you do not need to handle the financial losses on your own, nor should you let the at-fault party get away with their actions.

However, navigating a car accident claim can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when you are focusing on your recovery. For this reason, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation from Boise car accident attorneys at Mountain States Injury Law. You deserve justice when a driver fails to pay attention and causes a car accident resulting in you being injured.

Moreover, the at-fault party must be held responsible for the damages they caused. This includes physical, emotional, and property damage. By engaging the services of a car accident lawyer in Boise, you can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Allow us to fight for your rights and handle your car accident claims.

Here at Mountain States Injury Law, we help you protect your rights, file your personal injury claim, and guide you through the car accident process. With our experience and legal knowledge, you can have peace of mind and focus on recovering, rather than the financial situation resulting from the accident.

There are many reasons why a car accident lawyer is a critical part of your car accident recovery team. If you were injured in a Boise car crash due to someone else’s negligence, you most likely experienced frightening and life-threatening consequences. Most car accidents result in severe physical and emotional injuries that require months of recovery and rehabilitation. In some instances, injuries can result in permanent impairments or wrongful death. Regardless, you do not need to handle the financial losses on your own, nor should you let the at-fault party get away with their actions.

However, navigating a car accident claim can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when you are focusing on your recovery. For this reason, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation from Boise car accident attorneys at Mountain States Injury Law. You deserve justice when a driver fails to pay attention and causes a car accident resulting in you being injured.

Moreover, the at-fault party must be held responsible for the damages they caused. This includes physical, emotional, and property damage. By engaging the services of a car accident lawyer in Boise, you can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Allow us to fight for your rights and handle your car accident claims.

Here at Mountain States Injury Law, we help you protect your rights, file your personal injury claim, and guide you through the car accident process. With our experience and legal knowledge, you can have peace of mind and focus on recovering, rather than the financial situation resulting from the accident.

Types of Car Accidents in Boise, Idaho

Unfortunately, with many cars on the roads car accidents are an everyday hazard for many citizens of Idaho. According to an AAA study, the number of people killed in fatal car crashes continues to increase. The report also suggests casual driving habits are the primary reason for the increase.

While every car crash case is unique, there are specific patterns of how Idaho car accidents occur. The most common types include:

#1. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions usually occur from drivers following too closely or ignoring the road. If a driver does not keep sufficient distances from the car in front of them, the rear driver may lack space and time to brake and avoid a collision. Other rear-end collisions include impaired driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving.

While the rear driver is most likely to cause a car accident by driving too close, they are not always at fault. In some instances, the driver in front can be responsible if they stop too suddenly in a busy traffic lane or reverse without reason. Regarding rear-end collision-related injuries, they vary from neck injuries to broken bones, whiplash, or damage to the spinal cord.

#2. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous car accidents but are less common. Due to both cars moving toward each other, the impact’s force is considerably magnified. The most common causes of head-on collisions are reckless driving, speeding, DUI, distracted driving, and fatigue. Injuries are often severe and can include internal organ damage, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and more.

#3. Side-Impact Collisions

These collisions occur when a car moving in one direction strikes another vehicle at a perpendicular angle. Usually, the cars form a ‘T’ shape when they collide. Side-impact collisions can be hazardous for the passengers on the side of the car that is struck. It is proven the vehicles’ sides have less mass to absorb the collision’s impact, compared to the rear or front ends.

Such crashes are generally caused by drivers failing to obey traffic signals and signs, yield, or stop at intersections. An impaired, reckless, or distracted driver can cause a side-impact collision and be held financially accountable for the damages others have sustained in the accident.

#4. Sideswipe Accidents

Due to drivers failing to check their blind spots before changing or merging lanes or due to distraction, impairment, speeding, or recklessness, many sideswipe collisions occur. Such accidents occur if cars traveling parallel to each other strike the side of the other vehicle. The initial impact can cause the cars to lose control and move into other lanes or off the road, hitting other cars, cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians.

A sideswipe crash can lead to serious injuries, especially if there is a secondary impact. The most common injuries include head injuries, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.

What Should You Do After a Boise Car Accident?

Unfortunately, regardless of how safe you drive, an Idaho car accident can happen at any time. A car accident can be traumatic and life-changing. An accident causes many issues to come to mind, from property damage to serious injuries, lost income, or future medical expenses. Severe car accidents can cost thousands of dollars in medical expenses and damages, partially covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Contacting a Boise car accident lawyer could be the difference between winning or losing personal injury cases. If you seek compensation for vehicle accidents, Mountain States Injury Law is here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Our legal team dedicates its time to building solid car accident claims and helping car accident victims receive the money they deserve when injured wrongfully by others. If you have been involved in a car crash in Boise, ID, there are some steps you should follow.

1. Contact the authorities and call for medical support

First, try to remain calm. While we understand how frightening car accidents are, it is important to not panic. Call 911 and receive immediate medical attention. There are instances where people involved in car accidents believe they are fine because they do not detect any injuries. While this may be true, it is in your best interest to allow a healthcare provider to examine you. The medical report can serve as significant evidence against the at-fault party.

 2. Write up a police report

When a police officer asks you something, try to answer honestly. However, do not admit guilt. Based on your statements and the other drivers involved, law enforcement will issue a police report. It is in your best interest to not leave the accident scene before the officials allow you to. Contact our Boise car accident attorneys as soon as you receive medical attention and answer the police’s questions.

3. Contact a car accident attorney

As a car accident victim, you deserve financial compensation. Speaking to a car accident lawyer is the best option to determine the maximum compensation for your personal injury case. At Mountain States Injury Law, we provide a free initial consultation to cover your concerns and any questions you may have. If you think you are at fault or not, we will help you determine your percentage of fault, and conclude if you are eligible to seek compensation.

4. Notify your insurance company

Be sure to contact your insurance company and notify them about your motor vehicle accident. This is vital because the insurance company is the first source you turn to when setting up recovering damages. However, please do not deal with insurance companies on your own. Instead, let us handle negotiations.

What Type of Damages Can You Recover?

If someone else is at fault for your injuries and damages, you should never cover the costs alone. When you contact us, we will review all information, evidence, and the way you have been affected by your damages. This ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are relatively easy to determine in personal injury cases due to the numeric value of the damages. These damages include medical care, hospital bills, prescription medication, medical equipment, rehabilitative therapy, or transportation costs. Moreover, they include lost wages and the loss of future earning potential. Our Boise car accident attorneys can also include the costs of repairing or replacing your car.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages tend to be more challenging to evaluate. Once all the relevant information is collected, we can determine the total value of your car accident claim and provide proof of how these damages have affected your life. We understand what fair compensation will be worth. Some examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering – the physical pain you have been put through following the car accident and throughout your recovery process
• Mental anguish – if you have developed anxiety, become depressed or your mental health has been compromised
• Loss of enjoyment of life – when you no longer can do things you used to enjoy, such as driving, dancing, or playing sports
• Disfigurement – if you had a limb amputation, suffered burns that changed your physical appearance, or were disfigured in some different way
• Loss of consortium – when you lose the ability to have a loving relationship with your spouse

According to Idaho’s statute of limitations, if you want to file a car accident claim, you have two years from the date of the accident in the case of bodily injury and three years for property damage. For non-economic damages, there is a maximum settlement of $250,000. If you have been involved in a Boise car accident and are unsure if you can file for damages, be sure to contact our car accident lawyers immediately.

Speaking to a Boise auto accident lawyer is the ideal option to receive a personal injury case evaluation and determine the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.

Understanding Idaho’s Comparative Negligence Doctrine

It is vital to understand that Idaho is a comparative negligence state, not a contributory state. Victims do not need to worry about a small percentage of fault when trying to recover compensation for a car accident. Under Section 6-801 of the Idaho Statutes, comparative responsibility does not bar financial recovery when recovering damages for someone else’s negligence.

However, Idaho also applies a modified comparative negligence law. This means comparative negligence of a certain threshold can lead to zero recoveries. Under this law, your comparative responsibility cannot be as great as the defendant’s. In fact, you cannot be more than 49% at fault for your injuries. Contrarily, you will lose the right to seek compensation from the other driver. At a 49% comparative negligence or less, the court will reduce the award by the amount equal to the percentage of your fault. For example, a 10% comparative negligence will reduce a $100,000 compensation to $90,000.

Determining comparative negligence is critical for estimating the financial value of your personal injury case. Civil courts may analyze police reports, scene investigations, witness statements, video footage, medical documents, photos, and cellphone records for car accident claims. The court listens to both sides of the car accident, examining evidence presented and determining how much – if any – you have contributed to the accident. The court will then award a verdict accordingly. If you have contributed to the car accident by 25% for example, the court will diminish your recovery award by 25%.

All car accident victims have the right to fair compensation. While we understand how traumatic car accidents are, we also understand and know how to win car accident claims. Our Boise car accident attorneys can help you calculate comparative negligence and prepare a solid case to maximize your compensation award. Contact Mountain States Injury Law, today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.

Why Should You Contact a Boise Car Accident Lawyer?

Once a car accident is over, there will be more challenges to follow. A car accident generally marks the beginning of a time-consuming turmoil and can be extremely difficult to navigate. After the accident, you must deal with the insurance companies to determine fault, prove injuries, or reach fair settlements. Life quality depends significantly on the circumstances of your situation because every car accident is unique.

When a car accident occurs, you require knowledgeable and compassionate Boise car accident lawyers to help you receive the compensation you deserve. This includes compensation for your serious injuries, pain and suffering, property damages, and any other damages you may be entitled to. Engaging the services of a Boise car accident lawyer is a wise decision. Opportunistic insurance companies may attempt to manipulate and adjust your settlement after the accident takes place, offering you a lower payout.

Insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind, but the legal team of Mountain States Injury Law does. Our Boise car accident lawyers understand how the judicial system works and have the skills, knowledge, and dedication to counteract and rebut any measures other parties may use against you.

Without a Boise car accident attorney by your side, the at-fault party may blame you for the accident, require recovery compensation or even put you in a financial bind. Allow us to use our legal tactics, and avoid being taken advantage of. At Mountain States Injury Law, our legal team will investigate all the evidence available to build a solid car accident claim. Additionally, we will provide exceptional legal representation and allow you to focus on recovery and spending time with your loved ones.

Here at Mountain States Injury Law, we believe in working closely and personally with car accident victims and showing them the compassion they deserve. We know any car accident can considerably impact an individual’s life, either temporarily or permanently. Regardless, you are not alone. We are here to fight for you and your rights! Contact our office today to get a free consultation with our car accident lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum amount of auto insurance in Idaho?

Yes. With only rare exceptions of drivers who wish to post an indemnity post, most car owners must have specific minimum liability insurance to drive legally within the state. The insurance will cover medical bills, property damage, and other expenses that might be incurred from a car accident by the other driver.

For bodily injury or death for one person, the minimum insurance is $25,000, for bodily injury or death for one accident is $50,000, and for property damage for one accident is $15,000. Unless drivers signed a waiver otherwise, the insurance plans should cover an amount equal to your bodily injury coverage in uninsured motorist coverage. If the other driver does not have insurance, this can also substitute for expenses related to the accident.

What happens if a driver hits me and leaves the scene?

The penalties for a hit-and-run accident are steep. In such a situation, you should report the driver and remain at the accident scene until the police arrive to file reports. The penalties for a hit-and-run accident include up to $5,000 fines, five years in Idaho state prison, and a one-year suspension of driver’s license (drivers are not allowed to drive at all).

Is there a cap on damages recovered from a car accident?

Economic damages, such as loss of wages, medical expenses, or other calculatable expenses, are not capped in Idaho. On the other hand, Idaho limits non-economic damages (disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of consortium) to an amount determined by the annual wage under Idaho Statute 6-1603. The average yearly wage changes on July 1st, but at the time of this writing, the limit is currently $250,000.

What happens if someone drives a car without insurance?

Driving a car in Idaho without insurance or an indemnity bond is considered a violation of the state’s motor vehicle financial responsibility law. Penalties for such violations include fines of $75 for the first violation, $1000 for further violations within the next five years, or jail time of up to six months.