A minor car accident in Boise may seem like something you can handle on your own. If the vehicles have limited damage and you can walk away from the crash, hiring a lawyer might feel unnecessary.
However, even a relatively minor collision can lead to unexpected problems. Injuries may become more noticeable over time, repair costs can increase, and an insurance company may dispute who was responsible. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options before you settle a claim or accept responsibility for the accident.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident?
You may not need an attorney for every minor collision. For example, a property-damage-only accident with no injuries and no disagreement over fault may be relatively straightforward.
However, you may want to speak with a Boise car accident lawyer if:
- You suffered injuries or developed symptoms after the crash
- You needed medical treatment
- The insurance company disputes liability
- The other driver blames you for the accident
- Your claim is denied or undervalued
- You have missed work because of your injuries
- Multiple vehicles or parties were involved
- The insurer asks you to provide a recorded statement
- You are unsure what your claim may be worth
A consultation can help you determine whether hiring an attorney makes sense based on the circumstances of your accident.
Can a Minor Car Accident Cause Serious Injuries?
Yes. The amount of vehicle damage does not necessarily tell you how badly someone was injured.
Even a low-speed crash can cause injuries such as whiplash, back and neck injuries, concussions, soft-tissue injuries, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Some symptoms may not be obvious immediately after an accident.
Getting appropriate medical care can protect your health while also creating documentation of your injuries. Waiting too long to seek treatment may also give an insurance company an opportunity to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the crash.
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
A lawyer can evaluate the accident and help determine whether you have a viable personal injury claim.
Depending on your situation, an attorney may:
- Investigate how the accident occurred
- Obtain police reports, photographs, and witness statements
- Review medical records and other evidence of your injuries
- Identify potentially responsible parties and insurance coverage
- Calculate your accident-related losses
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance companies
- Advise you about settlement offers
- File a lawsuit when necessary
Having legal representation can be particularly helpful when an insurer challenges your injuries, minimizes your losses, or argues that you were partly responsible.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partly at Fault?
Potentially. Idaho uses a modified comparative negligence system. Under Idaho Code § 6-801, an injured person can generally recover damages when their negligence is less than the negligence of the person or parties they are seeking compensation from. However, the recovery is reduced according to their percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you were found 20% responsible for an accident, your compensation could generally be reduced by 20%.
Because fault can directly affect the amount you recover, it is important to be cautious about admitting responsibility before all the facts have been investigated.
What Compensation Could Be Available After a Minor Accident?
Compensation depends on the injuries and losses caused by the collision.
A car accident claim may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
Even when an accident initially appears minor, these costs can add up if an injury requires ongoing treatment or prevents you from working.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Idaho?
Idaho generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits under Idaho Code § 5-219. Certain circumstances can affect the applicable deadline, so you should not assume that you have the full two years in every case.
Waiting can also make a claim more difficult even before the statute of limitations expires. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to locate, and memories can fade.
Contact a Boise Car Accident Lawyer at Feller & Wendt, LLC for a Free Consultation
If your Boise car accident caused injuries, medical expenses, missed work, or a dispute with an insurance company, speaking with a lawyer may be worthwhile even if the collision seemed minor.
A Boise personal injury lawyer at Feller & Wendt, LLC can review the circumstances of the accident, explain your legal rights, and help you decide what to do next. Consider scheduling a free consultation before accepting a settlement so you can better understand the potential value of your claim and whether you need legal representation.
Feller & Wendt, LLC – Layton Office
67 S. Main St., #100
Layton, UT, 84041
801-499-5060
801-421-1569
Feller & Wendt, LLC – St. George Office (by appointment only)
169 W 2710 S Cir, Suite 202-A
St. George, UT, 84790
801-499-5060
801-421-3132
Feller & Wendt, LLC – Salt Lake City Office
4424 South 700 East, Suite 240
Millcreek, UT, 84107
801-499-5060
801-421-2445
Feller & Wendt, LLC – Phoenix Office
1 N 1st St, Suite 7550
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
480-702-2277
480-360-4471
Feller & Wendt, LLC – Mesa Office
2222 S Dobson Rd, # 500
Mesa, AZ, 85202
480-702-2277
480-573-7601
Feller & Wendt, LLC – Boise Office
5536 N Eagle Rd,
Boise, ID, 83713
208-595-6953
