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Idaho Local Accident Resources

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Charities That Local Accident Reports Supports

Idaho Local Accident Resources

Was Someone You Love Involved in a Fatal Accident in Idaho Today?

If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident in Idaho today, we know that you are embarking on a long and challenging journey through grief and possible legal battles.

After losing a loved one in a deadly crash, both the emotional and financial toll can be challenging to handle alone. You may require additional financial support due to extensive medical bills, vehicle insurance, and funeral costs. 

You don’t have to face these hardships alone; several resources are ready to assist you in whatever way they can. A wrongful death lawyer with experience in catastrophic accidents can guide you through the recovery process if you have suffered the death of a loved one due to criminal activity, DUI, negligence, or additional circumstances. 

No matter how complex your problems may be, there are available resources we will go over on this page to help guide you toward a better future after facing such a horrible loss. 

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If You Have Lost Income Due to a Wrongful Death Accident

In the event your family loses income due to the death of a loved one, you can turn to multiple resources that will help you receive financial aid and support:

  • Supplemental Security Income in Idaho – Statewide resources for adult and juvenile victims who do not possess adequate resources for financial aid in Idaho.
  • Idaho Lawyers – Directory for Idaho residents seeking legal assistance to receive compensation for the wrongful death of a friend or loved one as the result of a fatal crash.
  • Idaho State Bar – For residents of Idaho seeking the representation and assistance of a professional lawyer specializing in car accidents, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and more.

Need Help With Requesting an Official Copy of the Incident Police Report?

Car accidents can affect all parties involved for the rest of their lives, especially if the accident results in a wrongful death. Victims often file wrongful death lawsuits against all responsible parties to receive compensation for damages and losses. 

However, to do so, you will need to obtain a copy of the police report. In Idaho, copies can be obtained online for $9.00, or one of our skilled local car accident lawyers can get you a copy of your incident report. 

If you or someone you love was harmed in an Idaho car accident and need a copy of the police report, we can help you get one. Our local personal injury lawyer will provide you with a no-cost copy of your incident report, so contact us today to get started. We are here to help legally assist injured accident victims.

If You Require Emotional or Psychological Counseling or Additional Therapy

Losing a loved one in a fatal accident leaves a lasting impact on the victim’s family. If you require emotional support or counseling to cope with your experience with a catastrophic vehicular accident, be sure to visit the links below:

  • Psychological Association – Search statewide for psychologists who can help you recover from your traumatic experience or a friend/family member’s involvement in a motor vehicle accident.
  • Idaho Counseling Association – Group of professionals ranging from human development experts to therapists who provide support for victims of malpractice, wrongful accidents, and additional issues
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If You Require Financial Aid for Incidents Resulting from Criminal Activity

You may require additional help for fees related to legal assistance. If this is the case, be sure to consider the following resources:

  • Crime Victims Compensation Program – Created in 1986 to help innocent victims of accidents related to criminal activity, including wrongdoing as the result of a fatal car accident.

If You or a Loved One Were the Victims of an Accident Caused by DUI

Drunk driving is a terrible offense that can result in severe damage to innocent victims, their families, and friends. As reinforced by statewide law, the Idaho DMV has set the limits of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% for adults (21 years or older), 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for juvenile drivers (younger than 21 years). Motorists may face additional charges for consuming another chemical substance despite their BAC being 0.08%. 

Currently, Idaho ranks 11th among the states with severe problems related to drunk driving incidents. Overall, the state has experienced a fatality rate of 4.56 per 100,000 in DUI incidences. 

If a DUI incident has victimized you, a loved one, or a friend and require more in-depth support, visit the following links:

  • MADD Idaho – Mothers Against Drunk Driving seeks to provide endless support for victims of drunk driving incidents in the State of Idaho. To speak with a representative at the national headquarters, call (877) ASK. MADD or (877) 275.6233. To contact the MADD Idaho office in Boise, call 800.680.6233 or look up your local office in the MADD directory.
  • Ignition Lock Project – Established by the state governor and supported by MADD, this regulation ensures that former offenders accused of drunk driving will not operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol through the use of an integrated device on their vehicle.
  • DUI Therapy – If a friend or family member has already been charged with drunk driving or substance abuse, you can find some excellent resources for therapy and prevention in this listing of treatment programs in the State of Idaho.

Accident Prevention in Idaho

In recent years, the State of Idaho has established tactics for preventing unfortunate motor vehicle accidents and resulting fatalities.

  • Highway Safety – Sponsored by the State of Idaho, this website provides resources concerning aggressive driving, distracted driving, seatbelt safety, and negligence. Also, it promotes educational courses on the strategic highway safety plan, crash trends, and more.
  • Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety Measures – Promoted by the Idaho Department of Transportations, this web page provides steps to ensure the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians on Idaho roadways. Additional resources include external links to traffic safety, transportation plans, and safe school routes.

Charities that Local Accident Reports Supports

At Local Accident Reports, we support several of these charities throughout Idaho. These compassionate professionals and volunteers touch the lives of victims dealing with the aftermath of life-changing accidents. 

  • Arrive Alive Tour – The staff tours schools and campuses to bring awareness to the deadly consequences of driving while texting, drunk, and distracted.
  • Because Kids Grieve – Activities, events, and resources geared toward helping children cope with grief.
  • The Compassionate Friends – You can find support groups of parents, grandparents, and siblings who’ve suffered the loss of a son, daughter, or grandchild. 
  • Eluna – Children who struggle with grief or addictions receive personalized care, support services, camps, and activities.  
  • Grief Resource Network – GSN offers bereavement services, support groups, and educational materials for community members coping with the loss of a child, spouse, or pet.
  • Healing Tree – This charity offers resources, educational materials, and entertainment that promote healing from abuse and trauma. 
  • Horizon – Home health and hospice for families who need 24-7 care for their loved ones 
  • Hospice of North Idaho – Grief support services for hospice families and others in the community dealing with the death of someone they love.
  • National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving – NFTSD hosts events and activities focused on reducing teen-related motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities.  
  • Stop Distractions – This grassroots non-profit aims to end accidents resulting from distracted drivers. 
  • Willow Center – Support programs, camps, and other resources to help kids, teenagers, and their families cope with grief and loss. 
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Things to Know About Wrongful Death Cases

Anybody can experience the devastating shock of a loved one’s sudden death. Family members sometimes find it challenging to start over following this heartbreaking event. 

You may have some nagging questions that deserve answers. Local Accident Reports can help with some of those questions if you or someone you know is in this position. These commonly asked questions will help you determine the best course of action to take when pursuing the legal side of a catastrophic death. 

What Is a Wrongful Death?

When someone passes away as a result of the “wrongful or neglectful act of another, it is known as a wrongful death (Idaho Code § 5-311 (2021). The following are some of the most common kinds of wrongful death claims:

  • Vehicle crashes 
  • Premises liability
  • Medical malpractice
  • Defective products 
  • Workplace accidents 
  • Nursing home neglect

The categories above apply to civil cases. Sometimes, a person who causes a death may also have criminal charges filed against them. However, even when a criminal charge is being pursued, families can still file a civil lawsuit to recover damages for their loss. 

You are still allowed to seek financial compensation even if the defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case. One does not depend on the other, although if the defendant is found guilty in their criminal case, it could strengthen your chances of receiving a fair settlement or verdict in a wrongful death claim. 

Suits require a significant investment of time, energy, and devotion. Knowing Idaho’s procedure for filing civil claims can help prepare you for your journey to justice. The following is a brief rundown of the duties carried out by a lawyer in wrongful death cases:

  1. Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer: You can make an appointment for a free case evaluation. The attorneys hear your version of events and go over whatever papers you have (such as police reports, medical records, pictures, and videos) during this appointment. They will talk about your alternatives and advise you on the viability of your claim. You can also choose during this consultation if you wish to retain legal representation. 
  2. File a Petition: You submit a formal petition at the district court clerk’s office. This legal document explains the accident that resulted in wrongful death and the requested remedies. The defendant generally has 21 days to admit or deny the claim. 
  3. Start the Discovery: All assertions must be backed up or disproven by facts. Both parties’ attorneys request documents from the opposing attorneys. For example, your lawyer may ask the defense attorney for sworn witness testimonies. This fact-finding process is called the discovery. 
  4. Negotiate a Settlement: Settlements reached outside of court are the norm. Many parties choose this course of action to avoid a heated, protracted, and expensive court battle. 
  5. Represent Clients in Court: If a settlement isn’t reached, the next step is to go before a jury or judge in a trial. Each attorney makes a case for their client. A jury or judge returns a verdict after considering the evidence, facts, and legal arguments. 

The person who brings the case is the plaintiff. The burden of proof rests with the plaintiff under the law. To establish negligence in these situations, you must fulfill four legal requirements.

  • Duty of Care – This concept means the defendant (the party accused of causing the accident) is responsible for operating their vehicle in a manner that does not put others at risk. For instance, if the defendant is a driver who fails to obey traffic signals, they are obligated to drive safely and adhere to traffic laws.
  • Breach of Duty – You prove this element when you can show that the driver did not follow proper safety regulations, such as running a red light or exceeding the speed limit.
  • Causation – Here, there must be a direct link between the actions of the defendant and the injuries sustained by the plaintiff. For example, if evidence shows that a collision occurred because the driver ran a red light, this establishes causation between their actions and the accident.
  • Damages – This element identifies the financial costs associated with the accident, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages resulting from injuries sustained in the collision.

The key to assisting surviving family members in proving their cases is evidence. This is where a highly qualified lawyer can help you the most. They have the necessary knowledge and resources to compile the evidence needed to prove the four components of negligence.

The parties who may file claims are specified by Idaho law. These individuals include:

  • Spouses
  • Children (including stepchildren)
  • Deceased person’s parents
  • Personal reprsenttative (execuotor)
  • Heirs

If the deceased had other dependents, they can also file. These potential plaintiffs include blood relatives, adoptive siblings, and a putative spouse. 

The amount of time you have to launch a wrongful death claim is limited by the statute of limitations. According to Idaho Code § Section 5-219, you have two years to file. The time limit begins on the day the departed loved one dies.

The monetary judgment a surviving family may seek in a wrongful death case is called damages. Damages are divided into three categories. The first is financial recovery, which covers lost wages, burial fees, and medical bills. 

Non-economic is the second. In this case, families might get financial support to lessen the emotional toll of their loss. These losses may include loss of companionship and emotional distress. As per Idaho Code § 6-1603 (2021), the maximum amount of compensation is $399,430.74. 

Lastly, there is punitive damages, in which a judge imposes a monetary fine on the offending person to discourage such behavior.

Survivors of a wrongful death often suffer financial hardships. Money can’t fill the void of losing a loved one, but compensation can aid in a family’s financial recovery. The non-economic and economic impact of the death is considered when determining a claim’s value. 

A careful, in-depth examination of the claim is necessary for the computation. For example, funeral costs, hospital bills, loss of future wages, the extent of contributory fault, and pain and suffering are factored into these damages. The age and health of the deceased is another factor.  

A set timetable does not exist. Each case is unique and varies by complexity. The process could range from a few months to many years. A wrongful death lawsuit involving just one car and one pedestrian, for example, may be settled by an attorney more quickly than one involving a multi-vehicle pile-up. 

The number of parties involved, the volume of evidence, back-and-forth negotiations, and courthouse schedules are common elements influencing the timeline. An attorney can estimate what to expect but cannot provide a precise completion date. 

One of the most complicated situations to handle is wrongful death. This is primarily due to dealing with the legal system while coping with intense grief. It’s not easy to keep revisiting a loved one’s death in the pursuit of justice. Whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial, emotional strain often accompanies the process. 

Legal representation is not required by law. Nonetheless, families are strongly advised to entrust their legal matters to a wrongful death attorney. You have a much greater chance of a favorable outcome when represented by a skilled attorney.

They also understand the Idaho statutes that pertain to your claim. They have the experience and knowledge to manage tough negotiations and legal disputes. They can uphold justice, defend your rights, and seek the maximum compensation.

Yes, to put it briefly. A modified comparative negligence rule is in place in Idaho. Under this legal theory, a family can get compensation if the departed person’s contribution is less than 50%. 

Furthermore, payment is reduced according to the extent of the departed individual’s fault. Suppose they are 10% to blame for the death. The payout would drop from $175,000 to $157,500.

The other party’s improper or careless acts are at issue in both claims. Who can file a claim is the primary difference. Legal action may be taken by the surviving member or their representative in a wrongful death case. An injured person files a lawsuit against the negligent party in personal injury cases.

First, always dial 911 to get responders on the way. Capture pictures or videos at the scene of the collision. Obtain contact information from any witnesses as well. 

One critical step is to get medical care as soon as possible. You may not feel pain right away, but you might develop symptoms later. Keep records of your medical treatments and any related receipts. Inform your insurance company about the incident. 

Lastly, get in touch with a personal injury attorney specializing in motor vehicle accidents. Their services include a free case evaluation and an explanation of your legal options.  

Traffic Statistics in Idaho

The population of The Gem State is 1,964,726 as of July 2023, and people travel throughout the state using various transportation options. Therefore, learning more about road safety is beneficial whether you drive, walk, or ride a bicycle. We’ve highlighted some important information that may influence how you travel.

  • Dangerous Highways and Intersections: Idaho Highway 55 has the reputation of being one of the scariest in the nation. Other notable roadways with a fair share of crashes include I-15, I-84, Broadway Avenue and Front Street (Idaho Falls), Fairview Avenue and Curtis Road (Boise), and Chinden Boulevard and Eagle Road (Boise).
  • Motor Vehicle Fatalities: In 2023 alone, 277 individuals died in traffic crashes. This alarming number is the highest fatality rate since 2003. According to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), 105 of the people killed in 2023 didn’t wear a seatbelt.
  • Leading Causes of Accidents: Multiple factors contribute to Idaho’s alarming rise in traffic fatalities. The top five reasons for these crashes include inattention (1,820), failure to yield (1,655), following too close (1,392), failure to maintain lane (1,350), and alcohol (1,291). 
  • Vehicle Crashes: There were 277 people who died in a fatal crash in 2023. The deadly accidents occurred across a broad spectrum of transportation modes. Here’s a breakdown of deaths by category: motor vehicles (152), motorcyclists (40), pedestrians (31), bicyclists (7), and off-the-road vehicles (4). 
  • Worst Driving Times: Unfortunately, fatal crashes are a 24/7 occurrence. However, specific hours, days, and months see the most significant upticks in these tragic traffic events. Based on ITD data, the riskiest day to drive is Saturday. Since 2016, 17% of crash fatalities took place on that day. The deadliest time of day for Idahoans to be in traffic is 4 – 5 pm. 
  • Fatal Accident Demographics: The age group who suffered the highest loss of life is individuals 20 years old and younger. Canyon County had the most fatalities at 110, while the city of Boise came in number one with 54 deaths.
  • Drunk Driving: Nationwide, over 10,000 people lose their lives in alcohol-related auto accidents each year. In 2022, 1,799 crashes involved alcohol; this is a 4.0% increase compared to the year prior. Out of that number, 110 were fatal, followed by 746 suspected injuries. 

In 2023, the Idaho Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined forces with 50-plus law enforcement statewide to promote seatbelt usage. The three-week campaign focused on police officers pulling over non-compliant drivers and educating them about the benefits of wearing seatbelts. 

These statistics can serve as an eye-opener for all Idaho residents. The numbers reveal the need to make road safety a top priority. After all, there are real lives behind each stat. Bringing attention to roadway hazards can help us make better decisions. Safer driver choices are vital to preventing auto accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

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Idaho Grief & Trauma Resources

Resources by State

Contact Local Accident Reports Today

We understand that facing the aftermath of an accident is an emotional and laborious process, one you don’t want to go through it alone. Our experienced Idaho wrongful death lawyers will assist you in any way they can to get the justice and compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to helping accident victims and their families during such a troubling time; contacting us is the first step toward receiving the justice you deserve. 

Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Call (888) 657-1460 for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you need to move forward confidently.

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Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type and State

Car Occupants

Car Occupants

70

Pickup and SUV Occupants

Pickup and SUV Occupants

109

Large Truck Occupants

Large Truck Occupants

11

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists

25

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

16

Bicyclists

Bicyclists

3

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