After a DUI crash, the injuries can be profound—physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. One of the most immediate financial blows many victims face is the inability to work. If you’re unable to earn due to injuries from a drunk-driving accident in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls, Idaho law provides avenues for seeking compensation for your lost wages.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we help Idaho victims recover income they’ve lost because of debilitating injuries from DUI crashes. Here’s what you need to know about claiming lost wages—and why legal help matters.
Idaho Is a Fault‑Based, Comparative‑Negligence State
As a fault-based state, Idaho allows victims to recover losses from the at-fault party. However, Idaho applies a modified comparative negligence rule: if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
That means if you’re recovering from a DUI crash but bear some responsibility—even up to 49%—you can still seek lost wage compensation, although reduced accordingly.
What Counts as Lost Wages?
Lost wages aren’t limited to salary. They can include:
- Hourly wages and overtime
- Self-employment income, commission, and bonuses
- Benefits and employee perks like healthcare, retirement, and paid leave
- Future earning capacity, if injuries cause long-term or permanent work limitations
The key is documenting not only what you’ve lost so far, but also what you would have earned in the future.
How to Prove Lost Wage Damages
Medical Records
Establishing your inability to work requires evidence from health professionals. Detailed medical records and return-to-work timelines strengthen your claim.
Employment Evidence
Use pay stubs, time sheets, tax returns, and offer letters. Any company documentation is helpful, especially for salaried or commission-based workers.
Employer Documentation
Your employer can provide a letter detailing your job duties, salary, benefits, and missed time.
Economic Experts
For complex cases—such as long-term impairment or self-employment—a vocational expert may calculate the future lost earning capacity.
Insurance Channels for Lost Wages
At-Fault Driver’s Liability Policy
If your crash was caused by a drunk driver, their insurance should compensate you for lost wages as part of your personal injury claim.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage, your own UM/UIM policy (if in place) may reimburse you. Idaho requires minimum liability coverage, but UM/UIM is optional. If you’re unsure whether you have it, we can help review your policy.
MedPay or Disability Insurance
Some medical payment coverages or disability benefits can offer immediate wage replacement while your personal injury claim develops.
Why Insurance Companies Push Low Settlements
Insurance adjusters may quickly offer a settlement to close your claim before the full effects of your injury—like future lost earning capacity—are clear. They rely on victims accepting less, especially when the injuries are invisible or recover slowly.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we know the tactics insurers use. We thoroughly prepare your case, document potential future impacts, and fight for full and fair compensation.
How We Help You Recover Lost Wages
- We examine your medical treatment timeline to match your injuries with your ability to work.
- We collect income documentation, from pay stubs to future earning projections.
- We work with economic experts when necessary to establish long-term loss.
- We negotiate firmly with insurers, prepared to push back on lowball offers.
- If needed, we will file a lawsuit and present your case in court to pursue full compensation.
Don’t Miss Idaho’s Filing Deadlines
Idaho gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Those two years can pass quickly, especially when you’re focused on recovering. Talk to a lawyer early to preserve your rights and avoid forfeiting potential lost wage compensation.
Call today to get your lost wage claim on track.
Sustaining injuries from a DUI crash should never mean losing your livelihood. Idaho law supports victims in seeking full recovery, including lost wages. But the process requires detailed documentation, legal experience, and aggressive negotiation.
If you were injured in a DUI crash in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls, Johnson & Lundgreen is here to help. We offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today.