What to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents remain a serious issue in the state of Idaho. In 2021, there were over 8,600 injury crashes in the Gem State.

A car accident can leave anyone in a state of disbelief. Your plans for the day are thrown out the window, replaced with handling matters related to the collision.

In the aftermath of an accident, it is often unclear what steps should be taken. If you have been in a car accident in Idaho, Andrew Injury Law is here to assist you.

Should I Call the Police?

According to Idaho Code § 49-1305, you should call the police if the accident resulted in any injuries, fatalities, or more than $1,500 in property damage. If you contact the police for a minor accident, they are not obligated to visit the scene, but you will still need to file an accident report.

If the driver is incapable of reporting the accident due to incapacitation or a physical injury, but a passenger is able to contact the police, he or she is required to do so.

When a police officer arrives on the scene, the officer will normally conduct an investigation and file a collision report. The report will include the parties involved, road conditions, and who the officer thinks is responsible for causing the crash.

Idaho Car Insurance Basics

Idaho requires that drivers file accident claims through the at-fault driver’s insurance. Since you are filing the claim through an insurance company that does not offer you coverage, this is considered a third-party claim. 

Idaho requires its drivers to carry the following minimum liability coverage:

• $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person;
• $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident; and
• $15,000 of property damage liability coverage.

Bodily injury liability coverage will cover the cost of drivers’ and passenger’s medical bills. Liability coverage is the maximum amount of coverage that an insurance company is obligated to pay the injured party.

Property damage liability coverage will cover the cost of repairing another person’s property. Property damage can include damage to another vehicle, fence, telephone pole, or any structures. 

Insurance policies generally cover the drivers who are named on the policy, family members, and anyone who was given permission to drive your vehicle. You will want to review the terms of your insurance policy or speak with your insurance agent to know which drivers are covered under your insurance. 

Filing a Claim with the Insurance Company

The insurance company’s objective is to settle your claim for as little as possible, so they will find any reason to place the blame on you. Insurers want to collect premiums, not lose money paying claims.

A claims adjuster may decide to conduct an independent investigation and discuss the accident with you. The insurance adjuster may get an estimate for repairs that undervalues your claim. You should reach out to two to three trustworthy mechanics to receive your own repair estimates to provide evidence supporting your claim.

Your claim could be rejected if you don’t watch what you say to an insurance adjuster. It is important that you don’t answer any questions regarding the accident before first consulting with your car accident lawyer.

A Car Accident Lawyer Fighting for You

If you have suffered injuries or lost a family member due to a car accident, you need reliable counsel. In the past decade, Attorney Matthew Andrew has recovered millions for his clients. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation.