When a crash happens, everything moves fast. You might be scared, hurt, or unsure what to do next. First, make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 to report the accident and ask for help. Even if you feel okay, let the medics check you. Some injuries take time to show. If you’re safe and can move around, take photos of the crash. Get pictures of the cars, the road, and anything that might help tell the story. This proof could be key later. Try to get names and numbers of any witnesses. Their stories might back yours up when it counts.
Watch What You Say
After a crash, it’s normal to say things like “I’m sorry.” But in legal cases, those words can be twisted to sound like you’re admitting fault. Instead, stick to the facts when talking to the other driver, police, or insurance companies. Share what happened without guessing or blaming. Let the truth speak for itself. And never agree to take blame or sign anything from an insurance company without talking to a lawyer first.
Get Medical Help and Keep Track
If a doctor says you need care, go. Waiting too long can hurt your case. It can also slow your healing. Make sure to follow your doctor’s plan and keep every appointment. Save every bill, note, and test result. These show how the accident hurt you and how much it cost to fix. This is your proof. If you stop treatment too soon or miss visits, the insurance company might say you’re fine and don’t need help.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Talk to Insurance
Insurance adjusters might seem helpful. But they work for the insurance company, not for you. They’re trained to get you to settle quickly, often for less than you deserve. A lawyer can speak on your behalf. They know the tricks adjusters use. They’ll make sure you don’t say something that hurts your case. And they’ll help you know what your claim is truly worth.
Understand Idaho Law
Idaho has rules about who pays for what in a crash. It’s a “fault” state, which means the driver who caused the crash must pay for the damage. But Idaho also uses what’s called “comparative fault.” That means if you’re partly to blame, your payment can be cut. If you’re found to be 20% at fault, you could lose 20% of your settlement. And if you’re 50% or more at fault, you might not get anything at all. This is why every detail matters. Getting the facts right helps protect your side of the story.
Don’t Wait Too Long
Time matters. Idaho gives you only two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for injuries. If you miss that deadline, your case could be tossed out. Even if you plan to settle with insurance, waiting too long can still hurt your chances. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better they can help you.
How to Keep a Record
Start a file. Keep everything in one place. Save copies of your police report, doctor visits, medicine costs, repair bills, and missed work days. Write down how you feel each day after the crash. This helps show how the injury affects your life. These notes help paint a full picture of your pain and what you lost.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, don’t panic. You might still be covered. Look at your own car insurance. If you have “uninsured motorist” coverage, that can help pay for your injuries. A lawyer can help figure out your options and deal with your insurance company if needed.
Why a Lawyer Can Help
You might feel like you can handle this on your own. But the law can be tricky. Insurance companies have teams working to pay as little as possible. A lawyer is your teammate. They know what to ask, what to file, and how to fight for what’s fair. Most personal injury lawyers don’t get paid unless you win. So they’re motivated to help you succeed.
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When the Crash Involves a Big Truck or Commercial Vehicle
Crashes with big trucks or work vehicles are different. These cases can get complicated fast. You’re not just dealing with one driver. You might be dealing with a company, their insurance, their lawyers, and maybe even other people who work on the truck. These companies move fast to protect themselves. They may try to hide or fix the truck before anyone checks it. That’s why it’s important to get legal help right away. A lawyer can send a letter to make sure the truck and its records are saved. They’ll also know what to look for to prove what went wrong.
Don’t Trust Fast Settlement Offers
Right after the crash, you might get a call with a money offer. It can seem like a quick fix. But those first offers are almost always low. They don’t include all your costs like future doctor visits, missed work, or how your life has changed. Once you sign and take the money, that’s it. You can’t ask for more later. That’s why it’s smart to wait. Let a lawyer review everything and help you figure out what’s fair. Rushing can cost you big.
Verdicts & Settlements
Social Media Can Hurt Your Case
It’s tempting to post about your crash. You might want to share photos or updates with friends. But be careful. Insurance companies check social media. If you say something that sounds like you’re not hurt, even if it’s just to stay positive, it can be used against you. They might use a happy photo to say you’re not really in pain. It’s safest to stay quiet online while your case is still open.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
A car crash can turn your world upside down. You’re dealing with pain, bills, stress, and maybe missed work. And just when you need peace, insurance companies start calling. You don’t have to go through it by yourself. Talk to someone who knows how to help.
At Hepworth Holzer, LLP, we’ve stood beside folks across Idaho who’ve been hurt in crashes. We help them get the care and money they need to heal and move on. If you’ve been in a wreck, call us. We’ll listen, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. You’ve been through enough. Let us help protect your rights after an Idaho car accident.