Idaho Car Accident Attorney
Hurt in a car accident in Idaho? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — but the insurance company is already working to minimize what they pay you. At Goicoechea Law, we represent car accident victims throughout Idaho. We offer a free case review, and we charge no attorney fee unless we win your case.
Call 208.743.2313 for a free case review.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Idaho
The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect the value of your claim.
Call 911. Always call law enforcement after an accident involving injuries. A police report is important evidence in your case.
Seek medical attention immediately. If you suspect you are injured, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries — including concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal injuries — are not immediately apparent. Gaps in medical treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries were not serious.
Document everything at the scene. Photograph the vehicles, the road, traffic signs, skid marks, and your injuries. Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Do not admit fault. Questions of fault can be legally complex. Do not apologize or make any statements about what happened to the other driver or their insurance company. Even a casual “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize the value of your claim. You are not required to give a recorded statement.
Contact Goicoechea Law. The sooner you have an attorney, the better protected your claim will be.
Common Injuries in Idaho Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. We represent clients injured in accidents involving:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Herniated and bulging discs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Shoulder and knee injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful death
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful Idaho car accident claim may include compensation for:
Medical expenses. All past and future medical costs related to your injuries — including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, doctor visits, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and prescriptions.
Lost wages. Income you lost because you were unable to work while recovering. If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term, you may also recover for loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and suffering. Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and impact on your quality of life caused by your injuries.
Property damage. The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Wrongful death damages. If a family member was killed in a car accident, surviving family members may be entitled to funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Idaho’s Car Accident Laws
Idaho is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying the damages of those they injured. Generally the the at-fault driver’s liability insurance will contact you.
Comparative fault. Idaho follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover. Do not assume you have no claim just because you may have contributed to the accident — talk to an attorney first.
Idaho minimum insurance requirements are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. In serious accidents, these limits are often not enough to cover your damages.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Idaho
Not every driver on Idaho’s roads carries adequate insurance — or any insurance at all. If the driver who hit you was uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover through your own policy.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays your damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage pays the difference when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are not enough to cover your damages.
In Idaho, UM and UIM coverage is optional — but we strongly recommend purchasing both. If you are not sure whether your policy includes this coverage, we can review your policy as part of your free case review.
Why You Need an Attorney Before Talking to Insurance
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay as little as possible on every claim. After an accident you will likely hear from an adjuster quickly. They may seem friendly and helpful. They are not on your side.
Common tactics Idaho insurance companies use to minimize your claim include:
- Offering a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Asking for a recorded statement and using your words against you
- Arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or caused by something other than the accident
- Disputing the medical treatment your doctor recommended
- Delaying the claim hoping you will accept less out of financial pressure
An experienced Idaho car accident attorney levels the playing field. We handle all communication with the insurance companies, protect you from tactics designed to reduce your claim, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Long Do You Have to File in Idaho?
In Idaho, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within two years, you permanently lose your right to recover. Do not wait — contact us as soon as possible after your accident.
We Represent Car Accident Victims Throughout Idaho
We represent car accident victims across Idaho including Lewiston, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Sandpoint, Moscow, Orofino, Grangeville, Kamiah, and surrounding communities.
Free Case Review — No Fee Unless We Win
If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident in Idaho, contact Goicoechea Law today. Your consultation is completely free and confidential. We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call 208.743.2313 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Goicoechea Law, LLC 826 Main Street · Lewiston, Idaho 83501