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by Matthew C. Andrew - June 27th, 2025
What happens when someone dies in a car accident is more than a tragic headline—it’s a life-changing reality that blindsides families. In Idaho, the aftermath of such a crash unfolds across multiple fronts: potential criminal charges, insurance battles, and the heavy question of who’s legally responsible. At Andrew Injury Law, we step in when your world is upended, helping you understand what comes next and fighting to protect your rights with heart and resolve.
When a fatal car accident occurs, criminal charges may be filed against the driver responsible, especially if negligence, intoxication, or reckless driving were involved. In Idaho, charges could range from vehicular manslaughter to DUI-related homicide. The state pursues these criminal proceedings and is separate from any civil action the family may take.
The Idaho Code addresses manslaughter in vehicle-related deaths, and penalties can include prison time and loss of driving privileges.
Liability in a fatal crash depends on whether someone’s negligence directly led to the death. This may include running a stop sign, failing to yield, or driving distracted. Police reports, dashcam footage, and eyewitness accounts often become key pieces of evidence.
Idaho follows a modified comparative fault rule. If the deceased was partially at fault, the surviving family may still recover damages if the decedent was less than 50% responsible. This legal standard is critical when insurers try to shift blame to reduce payout obligations.
Under Idaho law, the surviving spouse, children, parents, or estate representative may bring a wrongful death lawsuit. According to Idaho’s wrongful death statute, these parties can seek compensation for financial and emotional losses.
This includes funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship. The claim must be filed within the statute of limitations, making timely legal advice essential to preserve the right to sue.
Engaging with insurance companies after a fatal crash requires caution. It’s common for insurers to contact families quickly, seeking statements or offering early settlements. These offers rarely reflect the actual value of the claim.
We’ve seen families pressured to sign releases before they understand their rights. Our role is to manage all communication with insurers, ensuring that your words are not used against you and that any offer is evaluated for fairness.
A car accident death insurance payout refers to the compensation provided through liability insurance or personal policies when a fatality occurs in a car crash. This may include bodily injury coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, or life insurance benefits.
The amount depends on the policy limits and the circumstances of the accident. In Idaho, every driver must carry liability insurance, but these minimum limits may not cover the full loss, which is why additional claims may be necessary.
Losing a loved one in a car accident can lead to substantial financial pressure. Beyond funeral costs, families often face the sudden loss of income, medical bills, and future support. Idaho Code § 6-801 allows the recovery of both economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death cases:
Damages may include:
Every case is unique, and the exact compensation available depends on the facts and applicable insurance coverage.
You’re grieving. You’re confused. The last thing you need is legal red tape. Without guidance, making costly mistakes or missing important deadlines is easy. Idaho imposes a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, so time is critical. That’s where we come in.
We approach every case with empathy and precision. We aim to alleviate the legal burden so families can focus on healing while we handle the paperwork, investigation, and negotiation.
If your family has suffered the devastating loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Andrew Injury Law today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a team that understands Idaho law and prioritizes your family’s needs. We’re here to support you, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
Client Reviews
4 months ago 
Matt was very helpful in explaining the law and setting realistic expectations about my mothers case. He listened to the facts and gave solid advice about what to do next. I know his time is valuable and limited so I appreciated his complementary consultation and advice. I will definitely turn to him in the future.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Matt Andrew was so helpful and encouraging regarding our small auto accident negotiation. We received clear and comprehensive suggestions and outline of action for us to take. We are grateful to have spoken with him directly and on the first phone call to his office. Great attitude and genuine interest in helping. Definitely recommend.
Matt is a “Tell it like it is”, Attorney. He will scour the data, and go to bat for you. He becomes your liaison, so you can really focus about just getting better, and though he wont loan you any money, he’ll tell you what you need you need to do to survive if you’re out of work for a bit. Attorneys aren’t cheap, you’ll end up with more if you use one. Heed his advise for the strongest case argument in your favor.
I called Matt he was driving he took my information and he immediately called me back, he answered my question and gave me advice on how to handle the situation, he very helpful for my situation, he was thorough
Andrew Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Idaho. We focus on representing individuals who suffer injuries from someone else’s negligence. We use a compassionate and aggressive approach to help our clients after an injury. Our team knows that injuries can be life-altering. Our Boise injury lawyer fights for our clients every step, leading to trial if necessary. Get in touch with the Boise injury lawyers from Andrew Injury Law today.
Andrew Injury Law represents people who need help during the most challenging times. Injuries are life-changing in many ways. Even a minor injury can leave you out of work for weeks with mountains of medical bills. Permanent injuries require more medical attention and bring more bills. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Call our personal injury lawyer in Caldwell for a free case review.
You must get legal representation immediately when you suffer an injury or lose a loved one. The insurance companies are vultures looking to diminish your claim. They don’t care about the pain you are suffering. They only care about their bottom line. When you file a personal injury claim, you will pursue justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. Andrew Injury Law helps injured individuals seek compensation from negligent parties. We offer free case reviews, so call our office today.
Our primary goal is to hold the at-fault party responsible by getting you financial reimbursement for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today with our Meridian personal injury lawyer from Andrew Injury Law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
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