Auto Accident Injury in Meridian, ID

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Meridian? 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 Meridian, ID that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Meridian, 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. According to the Idaho Transportation Department, Meridian has one of the highest rates of auto accidents in the state. Aggressive driving is a factor in more than half of all accidents statewide. In addition, distracted driving and animals in the roadway are also common causes of accidents. There are over 1,700 auto accidents per year in Meridian. Although many of these accidents are minor, nearly half involve injuries or deaths. However, proper seat belt use can significantly reduce the number and severity of injuries.

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.

If you get into a major accident in Meridian, especially one involving any injuries, alcohol, or hit-and-runs, you must call 911 immediately. However, you can report minor auto accidents directly to the Meridian Police Department, through their website.

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 Idaho Office of Highway Safety reports that there are around 26,000 auto accidents in Idaho every year. The annual total cost for these accidents is more than $4 billion. According to the Centers for Disease Control, yearly medical costs for auto accidents in Idaho total $2 million. In addition, the costs of missed work reach $349 million.

The National Safety Council reports that the average costs range from $12,000 to almost $100,000 per accident. Crashes involving serious injuries and fatalities can cost ten or more times this much. A Meridian attorney can help you factor in all of the costs from your accident. These can include the obvious medical or car repair bills as well as lost wages or loss of quality of life.

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 Meridian

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.

All Meridian drivers must carry liability insurance. Idaho insurance companies employ a fault system, so the at-fault driver’s insurance company typically pays the damages. In a lawsuit, Idaho courts will apply a modified comparative negligence standard. Under this system, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault. However, the court will reduce your damages by your fault percentage. In addition, if you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot collect any damages.

Statute of Limitations in Meridian

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. Idaho imposes a 2-year statute of limitations for auto accident injury claims in Meridian. However, you can file a claim for damage to personal property for up to 3 years from the date of the accident.

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 Meridian, 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!