Car accidents are unexpected, stressful, and often overwhelming—especially when injuries or vehicle damage are involved. Whether you’re in downtown Boise, on I-84, or on a rural road in Ada County, knowing what to do immediately after a crash can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation.
As experienced car accident attorneys based in Boise, we’ve handled hundreds of cases where early mistakes made the legal process more difficult. This guide will help you take the right steps after a collision in Idaho—starting from the moment the crash occurs.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority after a crash is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt—or even if you’re not sure—call 911 immediately.
In Idaho, you’re required to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage. It’s always safest to call law enforcement and let them assess the scene.
Even if you feel okay, remember that adrenaline can mask pain. Don’t decline medical attention if it’s offered at the scene—you may have injuries that take hours or days to appear.
2. Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If the accident is minor and your vehicle is operable, Idaho law allows (and encourages) drivers to move their vehicles off the roadway to avoid blocking traffic and reduce the risk of a secondary crash.
Turn on your hazard lights and use cones or flares if you have them. However, do not move anyone who is injured unless they’re in immediate danger (like from fire or oncoming traffic).
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Idaho law requires drivers involved in a crash to exchange key information, including:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make and model
- Insurance carrier and policy number
Remain calm and polite. Do not admit fault or apologize—even casually—as this could be used against you later in the legal process.
4. Document the Scene Thoroughly
Use your smartphone to take photos and video of the scene. Capture:
- All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
- Visible injuries
- Road conditions, skid marks, debris
- Traffic signs or signals
- Weather and lighting
Also, take note of:
- The time and location of the accident
- The direction each vehicle was traveling
- Witness names and contact info (ask them for a brief statement if they’re willing)
This evidence can be critical for your insurance claim or lawsuit, especially if the other driver tries to change their story.
5. Speak to Police and Get a Report
When Boise Police, Ada County Sheriff’s deputies, or Idaho State Police arrive, cooperate fully and answer their questions truthfully—but stick to the facts.
Avoid speculation or blaming yourself. If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”
Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report, which you’ll need for your claim. In Boise, crash reports are usually available online through the Idaho State Police or city websites.
6. Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)
Not all injuries are obvious right away. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries can take hours or days to appear. That’s why you should always follow up with a doctor as soon as possible—even if you didn’t leave the scene in an ambulance.
Getting prompt medical care is crucial for your recovery and also provides documentation of your injuries, which can support your claim later on.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Most companies require notice within 24–72 hours. When speaking to them:
- Stick to the facts
- Don’t admit fault
- Don’t downplay your injuries
- Don’t agree to a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, you are not required to speak with them—and you shouldn’t without legal guidance.
8. Contact a Boise Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured, don’t try to handle the legal and insurance issues alone. Idaho’s fault-based insurance system can be complex, and insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts.
An experienced Boise car accident attorney can help you:
- Investigate the crash
- Deal with the insurance companies
- Calculate full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- File a lawsuit if needed
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