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Idaho Vehicle Accidents and What to Do Next

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A significant number of vehicle accidents in Idaho happen each year. These collisions can involve not only passenger cars but also trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Regrettably, injuries resulting from these crashes are often severe or even life-altering.

If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, it’s crucial to stay calm and know the right steps to take. Beyond handling the immediate situation, there may be financial compensation available to help you recover from your injuries. An Idaho accident attorney can help you understand your rights, file the appropriate insurance claims, and pursue the compensation you deserve to cover damages associated with your injuries.

What to Do Next After the Accident in Idaho

Immediately after a vehicle accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused. However, taking the right actions is crucial for your safety, and well-being, and protecting your legal rights.

Report the Crash: Idaho law requires reporting accidents to law enforcement if they involve injuries, deaths, or significant property damage (exceeding a certain threshold). A police report will serve as official documentation of the incident, which will be essential later.
Check Yourself and Others Involved: Your immediate priority should be the well-being of everyone involved. Assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Do the same for the occupants of other vehicles.
Call for Emergency: If anyone requires medical attention, don’t hesitate to call 911. Even seemingly minor injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional, as some conditions might not present symptoms right away.
Secure the Scene: If possible, move your car to a safe location off the roadway. This prevents further accidents and helps preserve the scene. Turn on hazard lights and use flares if necessary to alert approaching drivers.
Gather and Exchange Information: Exchange essential information with all other drivers involved. This includes names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance policy information. If there are any witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information as well. Their testimony might become crucial in establishing fault.
Document the Crash Scene: Take as many photos and videos as possible to document the accident scene. Capture damage to all vehicles, skid marks, the position of the vehicles, traffic signs or signals, and any other relevant details. Also, take pictures of your visible injuries.
Notify Your Insurer: Promptly contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process. Be careful about the information you provide – stick to the facts, and avoid admitting fault.
Seek Medical Attention: It’s vital to get a medical evaluation, even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent. A medical examination helps identify potential injuries and starts the process of documenting them for insurance purposes.
Consult a Lawyer: It’s wise to contact a Boise personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified legal professional can ensure your rights are protected, guide you through the complex process of filing a personal injury claim, and help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.

By following these steps after a vehicle accident, you’re prioritizing your safety and well-being while also establishing a foundation for a successful insurance claim or legal case, should it be necessary. Remember, having an experienced Boise injury lawyer on your side makes navigating the aftermath significantly less stressful.

Causes and Injuries in Idaho Vehicle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of vehicle accidents in Idaho include:

Distracted Driving: Simple actions like texting, adjusting the radio, or even eating can take a driver’s focus from the road, making a collision tragically more likely.
Impaired Driving: Impairment drastically reduces a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and coordination, increasing the risk of dangerous decisions and severe accidents.
Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or simply driving too fast for the conditions (like rain, snow, or fog) gives a driver less time to react.
Reckless Driving: Behaviors like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running red lights show a blatant disregard for the safety of others.
Weather Conditions: Weather conditions can make driving treacherous, even for the most cautious drivers. It’s essential to reduce speed and exercise extra caution in challenging weather conditions.

Injuries suffered in these accidents can range from minor to catastrophic, including:

Broken Bones: The force of an accident can easily cause fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
Whiplash: This common neck injury occurs when the head is violently jerked forward and backward, straining the muscles and ligaments.
Head Injuries: Impacts to the head in a crash can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and other serious consequences.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other life-changing impairments.
Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Emotional Trauma: Accidents aren’t just physically damaging; they can also cause lasting emotional and psychological trauma including anxiety, PTSD, and flashbacks.

Understanding these common causes of Idaho vehicle accidents and the severe injuries they inflict highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the need to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Your Rights After an Idaho Vehicle Accident

As a victim of a vehicle accident in Idaho, you have legal rights, including the right to:

Seek medical care for your injuries.
File an Idaho personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover damages.
Seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any permanent disability.
Be represented by a Boise injury lawyer to protect your interests.

Craig Swapp & Associates’ team of Idaho accident attorneys offers compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation to victims of vehicle accidents in Idaho. Our experience and proven results as Idaho accident attorneys ensure that you navigate the post-accident process with informed confidence. We work diligently to advocate on your behalf, challenging any unfair fault attributions and maximizing your rightful compensation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp

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“I was concerned with all the paperwork”

Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.

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Spokane, WA

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My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.

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Spokane, WA

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I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.

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Salt Lake City, UT

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I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.

J. Rohas,

Caldwell, ID

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My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.

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West Jordan, UT

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