If a drunk driver has hit you in Idaho, there’s a good chance the at-fault driver’s insurance company will contact you quickly with a settlement offer. It might seem like a relief—after all, you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and plenty of stress. But before you say yes, take a step back and ask yourself: Is this really enough to cover everything I’ve lost?
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve seen too many injury victims accept lowball offers from insurers, only to find out later that their compensation fell far short of what they truly needed. Here’s why you should think twice before accepting the first settlement after a DUI crash—and what to do instead.
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
It’s easy to assume that an insurance company is there to help you. But insurance adjusters have one main job: protect the company’s bottom line. After a DUI crash, the evidence of fault may be clear, but that doesn’t mean the insurer will offer you full and fair compensation.
Instead, they often rush to make an early offer in hopes that you’ll accept it before you know the full value of your case.
Why the First Offer Is Usually Too Low
There are several reasons why the first settlement offer is almost never enough:
- It may not include future medical costs if your injuries require ongoing treatment, surgery, or physical therapy.
- It likely undervalues pain and suffering, which is a significant component of non-economic damages in a DUI crash.
- It may not account for lost earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your job or must take on lower-paying work.
- It could release the at-fault driver and insurer from further liability, even if you discover new injuries or complications later.
Once you accept a settlement, you typically can’t go back and ask for more, no matter what happens in the future.
The Impact of a DUI on Your Personal Injury Claim
In Idaho, drunk driving is a serious offense, and that can strengthen your civil personal injury claim. If the driver who hit you was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their reckless behavior may entitle you to additional compensation beyond standard damages.
In some cases, you may be able to pursue punitive damages, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly to avoid this possibility—another reason to be cautious about that first offer.
How an Idaho Personal Injury Lawyer Helps
An experienced DUI accident attorney does more than negotiate—you get a full team on your side to:
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost income, and future losses.
- Investigate the crash using police reports, BAC test results, eyewitness statements, and expert analysis to build a solid case.
- Negotiate with the insurance company from a position of strength.
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve handled DUI crash cases across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, and beyond. We understand the nuances of Idaho’s personal injury laws and fight for every dollar our clients deserve.
What You Should Do Instead of Accepting the First Offer
If you’ve been injured in a DUI crash and receive a settlement offer, here’s what we recommend:
- Don’t sign anything right away: Insurers may push you to sign a release quickly—that’s by design.
- Get a medical evaluation: Ensure all injuries are properly diagnosed, even if they appear minor at first.
- Document everything: Keep records of treatment, missed work, and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Talk to an attorney: A free consultation with Johnson & Lundgreen can help you understand what your case is really worth—before you agree to anything.
You Only Get One Shot at a Fair Settlement
The first offer might seem like a lifeline, but it’s often just a tactic to limit what the insurance company pays. Once you sign, your right to pursue more compensation disappears, even if your condition worsens or you discover additional damages later.
Don’t sell yourself short. A trusted personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate the offer, identify red flags, and determine whether it’s in your best interest or if you should fight for more.
Trust Johnson & Lundgreen to Protect Your Rights
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we know how devastating DUI crashes can be—and how quickly insurance companies try to take advantage of victims. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you deserve full and fair compensation for what you’ve lost.
We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we recover money for you. Let us fight for your future. Contact us today.