You were injured in a car accident in Idaho that wasn’t your fault. Even if you had a minor share in fault, you could be entitled to compensation from the party at fault. Idaho is a tort state, which means you can file a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurer and seek compensation for your losses. There is also the modified comparative fault rule. Your fault percentage will determine what you eventually get out of the awarded settlement. Hiring a Boise Idaho auto accident lawyer can help your case in a big way. When you are meeting an attorney for the first time, here are some questions to ask.
A quick questionnaire for lawyers
- How long have you been working as an accident lawyer in Boise?
- Do you take other types of personal injury cases?
- Will you work on my case personally?
- What is the worth of my claim? How does my fault impact the settlement?
- Can you share details of your recent settlements?
- What can I possibly do to protect my interests?
- The insurance company wants a statement. What should I do?
- How much would you charge for my case?
- Have you represented clients at a trial for car accident lawsuits?
- Will my case go to trial?
Table Of Contents
Finding the right accident lawyer
Not all attorneys deal with car crash lawsuits and accident claims. You have to do your homework and find someone who is experienced in negotiation and litigation. Usually, accident claims are settled outside of court, which means the lawyer negotiates with the insurance company on behalf of the client and gets an acceptable settlement offer. However, when that doesn’t happen, a civil lawsuit can be filed against the at-fault driver. Idaho’s statute of limitations allows just two years to file such lawsuits following a crash. You need to ensure that your lawyer is ready to handle the circumstances and can file a lawsuit when needed.
Friends and Close Relatives
While it is perfectly legal to lend your car to your friends, and relatives, it is not advisable to do so often. Car assumes major legal responsibility including potential injury and deadly circumstances in relation to injuries of pedestrians. Similarly, car insurance providers may try to wiggle out if the person driving the car during a collision was not on the list of members. Hence, in such circumstances, the damages are taken out of your insurance coverage and result in major damage. Hence, be sure to only lend your vehicle to a very responsible person living with you. Furthermore, be sure to check the areas of the car that are covered in case of collisions. These can vary widely depending on the car, the status of the driver, the county, and the state.
Children and Parent
In most states in the United States, parents are held responsible for the fault of their children in auto accidents. This includes cases wherein the child was a minor, and drove in a reckless or incompetent manner. This is known as negligent entrustment and can result in significant damages to the parents. The family purpose doctrine adopted in some states holds a guardian of the car, generally parents are liable for damages regardless of the fault in a car collision. Similarly, people who sign a minor’s legal application for a driving license are responsible for potential damages during a car collision. In states like California, parents or legal guardians are responsible for signing the license. Moreover, the state also holds parents liable together regardless of their relationship with the minor.
Cost of hiring a lawyer in Boise
Most accident lawyers in Boise and the rest of Idaho work on a contingency fee, which means no upfront fee. If you get a financial settlement from the other party (or their insurer), the lawyer will charge a part of the settlement, which may vary between 25% and 40%, depending on the case.
There is no immediate cost of hiring an accident lawyer, and you have no reason to step back from seeking legal help. Consult a lawyer now.