What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault

Car accidents can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you’re certain the accident wasn’t your fault. At Hepworth Holzer, LLP, we understand the complexities involved in navigating the aftermath of an accident and are committed to providing comprehensive guidance to help you through this challenging time.

Trustworthy, honest, efficient, and effective - all words that describe John Edwards and his staff! Working with the team at Hepworth Holzer helped me focus on getting well and not on the financial worries of my situation.

Kathy Crowley

John Edwards and his staff are excellent. They took the time to explain the process completely and worked hard to ensure I would get the most out of my settlement. John is a very caring lawyer who cares more about his cleint then the possible gain from the end results. He was able to work with my health insurance company to lower their reimbursement to the lowest possible amount and even ensured I would be taken care of with future claims by waiving co-pays for my shoulder and neck injury.

Lee Morris

Mr Holzer has an above-and-beyond, do the right thing approach to life. He is caring and thorough. I’m grateful to know him and have his assistance!

Sarah Brown

Charlie Hepworth provided excellent legal services to my husband and I. In 2015, I was struck by a semi-truck on the connector and spent five weeks in the hospital. Charlie was referred to us by a friend and we were so fortunate to have him on board. He was compassionate, knowledgeable, highly experienced, and guided us every step of the way. We are pleased with the outcome and having Charlie on our team certainly made the long process of recovery a bit easier.

Guy H.

I am writing specifically about John Kluksdal. The work that he did for me was nothing but amazing. When it was time to go into my settlement hearing, he worked extremely hard and was able to get a justifiable settlement. He's great!

Guy H.

Immediate Steps Post-Accident

First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure the safety of all parties involved in the accident. Check for any injuries and call emergency services if necessary. Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s wise to seek medical attention as some symptoms may appear later.

Once you have ensured everyone’s safety, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, to avoid causing further accidents and disruptions. Turn on your hazard lights and use road flares or cones if you have them, to alert other drivers.

It is essential to document the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, any visible damages, license plates, the road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries sustained. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.

Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details. However, limit your communication about the accident itself. Admitting fault or discussing details could complicate your legal and insurance claims process.

Navigating Insurance and Legal Procedures

After the immediate aftermath, contact your insurance company to report the accident, even if it wasn’t your fault. Provide them with all the gathered information and cooperate fully, but remember that you have the right to consult with an attorney before giving a detailed statement or accepting any settlements.

If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your damages and injuries. However, insurance companies often seek to minimize their payouts. This is where having legal representation can be invaluable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In Idaho, it’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Therefore, it is imperative to seek legal advice promptly to protect your rights and interests.

Understanding the intricacies of Idaho law is paramount in car accident cases. Idaho operates under a comparative fault system, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes it even more critical to have legal representation to accurately assess fault and advocate on your behalf.

In dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, one must also consider the long-term effects. Injuries that seem minor initially can develop into serious, chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical treatment. Without proper legal advice, you might settle your claim too early, potentially missing out on compensation for future medical costs, rehabilitation, or lost earning capacity.

Another aspect to consider is the psychological impact of a car accident. Trauma and emotional distress are common after such incidents and can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. These non-economic damages are also recoverable, and it’s important that they are factored into any settlement negotiations or legal proceedings.

Verdicts & Settlements

$7,550,000

Medical Malpractice

$5,500,000

Plane Crash/Wrongful Death

$5,000,000

Commercial Truck Collision/Wrongful Death

$4,800,000

Trucking Crash

$4,450,000

Industrial Accident Case

$3,800,000

Wrongful Death/Aviation

$3,300,000

Auto Accident

$3,000,000

Commercial Collision

$2,930,000

Medical Malpractice

$2,900,000

Liquor Liability

At Hepworth Holzer, LLP, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal assistance to individuals involved in car accidents in Idaho. Our experienced team understands the complexities of Idaho’s laws and the challenges you face after being involved in an accident that was not your fault. We are committed to standing by your side every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your case, where we meticulously analyze every detail of the accident to build a strong foundation for your claim. We recognize that every car accident is unique, and we tailor our legal strategies to reflect the specific circumstances of your case. This personalized attention ensures that we pursue the most effective path to securing your rightful compensation.

We handle all aspects of the legal process on your behalf, starting from the initial investigation to gather all necessary evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. Our team has the resources and experience to conduct in-depth investigations, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

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Navigating the insurance landscape is a critical aspect of our service. We are experienced at dealing with insurance companies, understanding their tactics to minimize payouts. Our negotiation ability is paramount in ensuring that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your expenses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. If negotiations do not result in a satisfactory outcome, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial, where our trial lawyers have a proven track record of success.

Our commitment extends beyond the financial aspects of your case. We understand the emotional and physical toll that a car accident can take on you and your family. Therefore, we strive to handle your case with the sensitivity and respect it deserves, providing support and guidance throughout the legal process. Our goal is to make the legal journey as stress-free as possible for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

In addition to our legal services, we believe in the importance of educating our clients about their rights and the legal process. This empowers you to make informed decisions about your case and enhances our collaborative efforts to achieve the best possible outcome.

Hepworth Holzer, LLP is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services for car accident cases in Idaho. With our experience, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to our clients, we ensure that you are well-represented and supported throughout the legal process. Our aim is not only to secure the compensation you are entitled to but also to facilitate your path to recovery, helping you move forward from the accident with confidence and peace of mind.