When a drunk driver tragically takes a life, the emotional and financial aftermath devastates families. In Idaho, impaired-driving fatalities account for over half of all traffic deaths—51% in 2022 alone. If you’ve lost a loved one in a DUI crash in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls, you might be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we help grieving families seek justice and financial relief during these difficult times.
Why Drunk Driving Fatalities Are So High in Idaho
Recent data underscores the severity of the problem:
- From 2018 to 2022, impaired driving fatalities in Idaho rose from 108 to 110, representing 51% of all traffic-related deaths in 2022.
- In economic terms, crashes involving impaired drivers cost Idaho over $1.67 billion in 2023.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re reminders of lost lives and shattered families. If your loved one became another statistic, the law gives you the power to hold wrongdoers accountable and help rebuild what was lost.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim in Idaho?
A wrongful death claim arises when someone’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act—like DUI driving—results in the death of another. Under Idaho Code §5‑311, survivors and the deceased’s estate can file a lawsuit seeking compensation .
This civil claim is separate from any criminal charges the drunk driver may face. Even if the driver is convicted or, conversely, cleared, your family can still pursue financial recovery to ease the burdens left behind.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Idaho specifies who is eligible to file:
- A personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate
- Surviving spouse, children, or parents
- Other dependents or heirs, including siblings, aunts, uncles, or cousins
The personal representative (or executor) typically brings the claim on behalf of all eligible family members.
What Can You Recover?
In Idaho, wrongful death damages are designed to address both economic and non-economic losses. You may be entitled to recover:
Economic Damages
- Final medical expenses (hospital and treatment costs before death)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income and future support (what the deceased would have provided financially)
Non‑Economic Damages
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Mental suffering (grief, emotional distress, and trauma)
- Punitive damages (available in DUI cases where the intoxication was especially reckless)
Economic and non-economic damages (funeral, lost income, companionship, emotional pain) are recoverable. Non-economic damages are capped, except in medical malpractice.
Idaho’s Illinois: You Have Two Years to File
Under Idaho Code §5‑219, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. If the case involves a government employee or entity, additional notice requirements may apply.
Because evidence and memory fade, it’s best to begin the process sooner rather than later.
Why Hiring an Attorney Is Crucial
Wrongful death cases—especially those involving DUI—are complex and emotionally taxing. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we offer:
- Thorough investigation: Gathering police reports, dashcam footage, toxicology results, and witness statements
- Strong economic analysis: Calculating lost lifetime earnings, benefits, and household contributions
- Compelling presentation of emotional losses: Via testimony, expert support, and personal statements
- Skillful negotiation and courtroom readiness: We’ll pursue fair settlements—or take the case to trial if needed
- Compassionate support: We understand your pain and guide you with patience and respect
Examples of DUI-Related Wrongful Deaths
We’ve represented Idaho families in cases involving:
- Rear-end crashes caused by impaired speeding drivers
- Head-on collisions after a drunk driver crossed the center line
- Weekend night crashes during peak “100 Deadliest Days,” fatalities spike
- Multiple-vehicle pile-ups involving an intoxicated driver’s negligence
Each case is unique, but every family deserves justice and compensation.
Getting the Justice You Deserve
A wrongful death claim isn’t about monetary gain—it’s about accountability, support, and closure. While no amount of money can restore your loved one, holding a drunk driver accountable can give your family some measure of relief and the resources needed to move forward.
Contact Johnson & Lundgreen for a Free Consultation
If you lost a loved one in a DUI crash in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls, reach out today. The statute of limitations is strict, resources are finite, and time is of the essence.
Contact Johnson & Lundgreen today for a free, confidential consultation. We don’t collect fees unless we win, and we’ll stand with your family every step of the way.