Personal Injury Due to a Drunk Driver in Boise or Meridian?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2000, there were over 1,700 crashes where a driver or pedestrian was found to have a BAC of 0.01 or more. While the legal drunk driving limit in Idaho is currently 0.08, alcohol in any quantity is known to have a serious effect on a person’s ability to react quickly, make good judgment calls, and drive safely. In Idaho 114 people were killed and an estimated 4,000 people were injured as a result of drunk driving.

Alcohol use and car accidents cost the people of Idaho close to one billion dollars in 2000. These costs include medical bills, property damage, loss of life and productivity, missed time on the job, and other fees that are incurred when these accidents take place. Sadly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, victims have taken on about half of the total costs drunk driving exacts on the citizens of Idaho. Victims should not have to pay due to the poor decisions of another person. The law affords individuals the right to seek compensation for their property damage, personal injury expenses, and lost wages resulting from alcohol-related car accidents.

So, what can you do if you are a victim of a car accident involving alcohol in Boise or Meridian, Idaho? First of all, if you are in an accident and suspect that the other driver may have been drinking, it is essential that you contact the police. The Idaho government lists some key signs that a person may be drinking. Among these wide turns, crossing lines, swerving, stopping for no reason, driving very quickly or slowly, or slow response to lights are all signs that an individual may be under the influence of alcohol. Slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or slow movements could also be a sign that a person may be under the influence. Law enforcement officers in Idaho are specially trained to determine whether an individual has been driving while under the influence. Your personal injury case will be stronger in court if another driver is found to be guilty of a DUI. For this reason it is important to report the accident to the police, note any odd behavior or traffic maneuvers, and make sure that these observations are included in the police report. Without a police report, it is only your word versus the word of the other driver.

Once your police report has been filed, it is important that you seek proper medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained in the accident.

Finally, contacting a skilled personal injury lawyer in Meridian or Boise, Idaho can ensure that you receive justice and compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation fees, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can properly calculate the value of your case and help you negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the money you deserve.

The Law Office of Johnson & Lundgreen has years of experience working for the people of Boise and Meridian, Idaho. If you believe you may have been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.