Auto Accident Injury in Idaho Falls, ID
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Idaho Falls? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Idaho Falls, ID that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Idaho Falls, Idaho
According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. City Data reported a significant drop in the number of auto-related fatalities between 2018 and 2019. There was a near 60% reduction in this category. However, this does not mean that motorists in Idaho Falls should allow their awareness on the road to lapse. Recent studies suggest that rural drivers are at as great a risk as urban drivers. Mainly, due to the sheer amount of time spent behind the wheel.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
Idaho Statute demands that any driver involved in an accident must report the accident if it meets certain criteria. If the crash resulted in death or serious injury, the driver has to report it. In addition, if there was property damage totaling more than $1,500, the driver has to report this as well.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number, and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The Center for Disease Control has reported that traffic accidents in Idaho cost an excess of $300 million each year. Inexperienced and distracted driving from young adults is a major culprit. This group accounts for 43% of the total costs, totaling over $131 million.
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Idaho
Liability Laws for Idaho Falls
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. Idaho Insurance Laws require a driver to carry liability insurance, regardless of the name on the title of the vehicle. A minimum of $25,000 must be carried per driver or $50,000 per occurrence.
Statute of Limitations in Idaho Falls
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The Idaho Legislature gives a resident of Idaho Falls 2 years to file for their auto accident. If you allow this time to lapse, you will be beyond the statute of limitations for the case.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Idaho Falls, ID
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Idaho state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!