Quick Answer
After a drunk driving crash in Boise, you generally have two years to file an injury claim in Idaho (Idaho Code § 5-219). In Idaho, beyond the drunk driver, a bar or seller can be liable under the state’s Dram Shop Act, but only if you give written notice of the claim within a short deadline, so act quickly. Acting early helps preserve the evidence needed to prove the driver was impaired. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Have You or a Loved One Been Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident in Boise? It’s Time to Seek Justice.
At Goldberg & Loren, our Boise drunk driving accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll drunk driving accidents can have, and we are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (208) 213-1163 today for a free consultation. Let us fight for you and help you move forward from this devastating incident. Don't wait, justice is just a phone call away.
A Message From George Goldberg
“I am a member of the Idaho State Bar, and I have spent more than 30 years fighting for people who were hurt by someone else’s negligence. In Idaho you have just two years to act, and the insurance company starts working against you from day one — one recorded statement can cut what you recover. Our Boise team makes the system work the way it is supposed to. When you call, you work directly with our attorneys, and you pay nothing unless we win.”
George Goldberg, Founding Partner, Goldberg & Loren · Member, Idaho State Bar
What is a Drunk Driving Accident?
A drunk driving accident occurs when a person operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, leading to a collision or other dangerous situations on the road.
This reckless behavior significantly increases the risks of injuries or fatalities, both for the intoxicated driver and other innocent parties involved.
Driving under the influence impairs a person's ability to react quickly and make responsible decisions while on the road. It affects their cognitive skills, coordination, and judgment, making them unable to respond appropriately to changing traffic conditions or avoid potential hazards.
The impaired driver may veer across lanes, fail to stop at intersections, or drive at excessive speeds, putting everyone around them at great risk.
Such accidents often result in severe injuries or even death due to the high-impact forces generated during a collision involving an impaired driver.
In Idaho, the legal implications for drunk drivers are severe. Under Idaho law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Depending on the severity of the offense and the number of previous convictions, violators may face:
- Community service or other penalties
- Fines and court costs
- Ignition interlock device installation on vehicle
- Jail time
- License suspension or revocation
Idaho has adopted a dram shop law that holds establishments liable for over-serving intoxicated individuals.
If an establishment unlawfully serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident, the establishment may be held partially responsible for the damages incurred.
This legislation serves as a deterrent for establishments to responsibly monitor the alcohol consumption of their customers and prevent drunk driving accidents.
Common Types of Injuries from a Drunk Driving Accident in Boise
Drunk driving accidents in Boise can result in a variety of injuries, both physical and psychological. Some of the most common injuries from these types of accidents include:
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries are those that occur inside the body, such as lacerations, organ damage, or broken bones. These types of injuries can be difficult to diagnose and often require surgery to repair.
- Psychological Trauma: Psychological trauma is a type of emotional injury that is caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event such as a car accident. Symptoms may include depression, anxiety, or fear.
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): A SCI is a serious injury that can result in partial or complete paralysis. It is caused by damage to the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, or nerve tissue in the spinal cord. The effects of an SCI depend on where the injury occurs and how severe it is.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms may present immediately after the accident or later and can include confusion, headaches, impaired coordination, and loss of consciousness.
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced drunk driving injury attorneys will help you understand your rights and what you are entitled to. We will fight for the maximum compensation available for your injuries and other damages.
Types of Damages Recoverable After a Drunk Driving Accident in Boise
The victims of a drunk driving accident in Boise can seek compensation for their damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances of the case, they may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages, including the following:
- Legal Fees: Victims of drunk driving accidents may be able to recover compensation for any legal fees incurred while bringing their case to court.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases involving serious injuries, the victim's spouse may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship and support caused by the accident.
- Lost Wages: Drunk driving victims may also be entitled to compensation for any wages lost due to the accident. This can include not only current lost wages but also future income that would have been earned if the accident had not occurred.
- Medical Expenses: Individuals affected may be able to recover both current and future medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This can include doctor visits, surgery, hospital stays, psychological counseling, rehabilitation services, medication, and any other medical costs associated with the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims may be able to recover compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Victims of drunk driving accidents may also be able to recover compensation for property damage caused by the accident. This can include damage to vehicles, homes, and other personal property as a result of the crash.
- Punitive Damages: In certain cases, a court may award punitive damages to punish an at-fault driver for their behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Wrongful Death: In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may be able to seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, damages for the loss of companionship, and other related damages.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact our personal injury lawyers in Boise, who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident in Idaho
In Idaho, victims of drunk driving accidents have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. [1]
This time limit is known as a Statute of Limitations. Victims must understand this time limit and take all necessary steps to protect their rights promptly. If they fail to do so, they may be barred from recovering compensation for their injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Boise Today
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents in Boise receive the compensation they deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on victims and their families. Our lawyers will fight for you every step of the way to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
We offer a free initial consultation and will work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about any up-front costs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Source:
[1] Section 5-219 – Idaho State Legislature. (n.d.). https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title5/t5ch2/sect5-219/
We Represent Families Who Have Suffered Injuries Due to a Drunk Driver in the Following Cities and Communities Near Boise, Idaho.
- Nampa, ID
- Middleton, ID
- Star, ID
- Mountain Home, ID
- Eagle, ID
- Caldwell, ID
- Emmett, ID
- Nyssa, ID
- Meridian, ID
- Kuna, ID
- Garden City, ID
- Ontario, ID
- Fruitland, ID
- Idaho City, ID
- Payette, ID
- Homedale, ID
Sources:
Idaho Code § 5-219 — limitation of actions (personal injury), Idaho Legislature. legislature.idaho.gov
Idaho Code § 6-801 — comparative responsibility, Idaho Legislature. legislature.idaho.gov
Idaho Code § 49-1305 — duty to report an accident, Idaho Legislature. legislature.idaho.gov
Idaho Code § 23-808 — furnishing alcoholic beverages, Idaho Legislature. legislature.idaho.gov