How Much is Your Claim Worth?
How Much is Your Claim Worth?
See the dollar amounts paid to injured Idaho car accident victims. Look for cases similar to yours.
More than 27,500 vehicle crashes happen annually on Idaho roadways, resulting in 1,611 serious and fatal injuries.¹ If you or a loved one are injured in an accident, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver and other liable parties.
The average car accident settlement in Idaho for a moderate injury claim is $31,451. Average payouts range from $5,407 for minor injuries to $253,141 for severe injuries.
We analyzed a group of lawsuits filed in Idaho courts by injured crash victims. Most lawsuits were against the at-fault driver. Some cases involved other parties, like the driver’s employer. All lawsuits resulted in a payout to the victim from a jury verdict or pre-trial settlement.
Average Payout by Severity of Injury |
|
|---|---|
| Minor Injury | $5,407 |
| Moderate Injury | $31,451 |
| Severe Injury | $253,141 |
Payout Range by Severity of Injury |
|
| Minor Injury | $450 – $10,500 |
| Moderate Injury | $11,000 – $65,000 |
| Severe Injury | $125,000 – $1,800,000 |
Side-impact collisions are the most common type of traffic accident nationwide, followed by rear-end collisions.²
Average Side-Impact Collision Settlements |
|
|---|---|
| Minor Injury | $5,945 |
| Moderate Injury | $35,917 |
| Severe Injury | $145,375 |
Average Rear-End Accident Settlements |
|
| Minor Injury | $4,600 |
| Moderate Injury | $23,626 |
| Severe Injury | $239,314 |
Seriously injured victims often sustain more than one type of injury. Settlements and court awards are meant to compensate for all of the victim’s damages, including the pain and suffering that comes from significant physical injuries.
Average Neck and Back Injury Settlements |
|
|---|---|
| Minor Injury | $4,897 |
| Moderate Injury | $28,688 |
| Severe Injury | $190,021 |
Average Head Injury Settlements |
|
| Minor Injury | $2,340 |
| Moderate Injury | $65,000 |
| Severe Injury | $345,000 |
Juries, attorneys, and insurance companies usually base the value of an injury claim on the scope and severity of the victim’s injuries. A fair injury settlement covers medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, lost income, and an amount to compensate for the victim’s pain and suffering.
Idaho is a traditional fault state, meaning accident victims can pursue compensation without first having to rely on their own insurance coverage.
Most car accident cases in Idaho begin with filing an injury claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. Victims also have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, and other liable parties like the driver’s employer.
An easy way to estimate a fair payout for a minor to moderate injury claim is the “multiple method.”
Start by adding up your economic damages, including the full amount of your medical bills, lost income, and out-of-pocket costs for medical supplies and replacement services. Then add one to three times the total of your economic damages to account for your pain and suffering.
A multiple of one is reasonable if you spent a few days in the recliner with a heating pad on your neck. A multiple of two or three is justified if your injuries interrupted your normal activities for several weeks or months. For example, if a broken shoulder kept you out of work and unable to care for your aging parent for three months.
Severe injury claims are best handled by an experienced personal injury attorney to maximize your compensation. Your attorney will gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and the evidence to support your claim for past and future medical costs, lost income, and the extreme pain and suffering caused by debilitating injuries.
The average settlement for a car accident claim in Idaho is $31,451. Your settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries, shared fault, and available insurance funds.
Idaho’s Unfair Claims Settlement Practices statutes require insurers to settle a claim fairly and promptly once liability is reasonably clear.
Also, Idaho has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Adults must settle their insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident date.
No. Idaho is not a no-fault auto insurance state. You have the right to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver with an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Yes. Idaho drivers caught without proof of insurance are subject to fines ranging from $75 to $1,000 and possible jail time.
Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit attorneys from charging unreasonable fees. Personal injury attorneys typically charge a contingency fee between 33 and 40 percent of the final compensation they recover.
Minor car accident injuries include soft-tissue injuries like cuts, bruises, and muscle or tendon sprains and strains. A car accident victim with minor injuries might be too stiff and sore to go to work for a few days, but will usually be fully recovered in less than a month.
Type of Injury: Aggravated injuries to her neck and back
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $450
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant collided in an intersection after Defendant failed to stop at a stop sign and broadsided plaintiff’s vehicle at low speed. Plaintiff was involved in four motor vehicle accidents over six years, with this particular accident the third in the series. Plaintiff acknowledged prior injuries to her neck and back but claimed that this accident aggravated her condition to the point that she could no longer engage in her occupation as an artist/painter. Defendant admitted liability for the accident, but denied causation of Plaintiff’s injuries. This case was tried to a jury which awarded Plaintiff a verdict of $450.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Gordon v. Adler, CV PI 01-3159
Type of Injury: Neck & back pain; headaches; seizure-like panic attack; radiating shoulder pain; memory problems
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,200
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a traffic light when defendant rear-ended her vehicle. Two other vehicles subsequently rear-ended defendant’s vehicle. Defendant admitted liability and the trial proceeded on the issue(s) of proximate cause and/or damages. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered neck and back pain; headaches; seizure-like panic attacks; radiating shoulder pain; and memory problems as a direct result of the accident and that she could not lift more than 20 pounds due to her injury. Defendant contended that plaintiff was enrolled in an EMT training class in which she was required to lift patients and that plaintiff was exaggerating the extent of her injury. Jury awarded plaintiff $1,200.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Jung v. Roberts, CVPI9800441
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,250
Case Summary: Plaintiff and his girlfriend were traveling in a northerly direction en route to the girlfriend’s house. Defendant was driving in the opposite direction. As defendant attempted to make a left turn, the two vehicles collided in plaintiff’s lane of travel. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way and that defendant should have observed his vehicle despite the fact that it was dusk and snowing. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant contended that: plaintiff did not have his headlights on; it was dark, not dusk, at the time of the accident; and the dark conditions prevented him from observing plaintiff’s vehicle. Case Settled for $2,500.
Location: Bingham County
Case Name and Docket Number: Ybarra v. Dyer, CV 97-284
Type of Injury: Plaintiff 2-soft tissue injuries to his neck and back: Plaintiff 1-soft tissue injuries to his cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine and right shoulder
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,472
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was a passenger in a vehicle operated by Plaintiff 2. Defendant made a left turn in front of plaintiffs’ oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision. Plaintiffs alleged that defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiffs further alleged that Plaintiff2 suffered soft tissue injuries to his neck and back and Plaintiff1 suffered soft tissue injuries to his cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine and right shoulder as a direct result of the collision. Defendant contended that: Plaintiff2’s injuries were not proximately related to the accident; Plaintiff1 had a preexisting injury to his lower back; and Plaintiff1’s injuries were proximately related to his preexisting lower back condition. Jury awarded $ 3,427 for Plaintiff2 and $ 3,209 for Plaintiff1.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Marlatt v. Rippen, CV PI 99-84
Type of Injury: Soft tissue back injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in an automobile stopped at a traffic light. Defendant was traveling in the same direction and he rear-ended the vehicle in which plaintiff was a passenger. The driver of plaintiff’s vehicle was not injured in the collision. The Court granted plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment on the issue of liability and the trial proceeded on the issue(s) of proximate cause and/or damages. Plaintiff alleged that his soft tissue back injuries were proximately related to the collision. Defendant contended that neither vehicle sustained damage in the collision and that plaintiff had treated for lower back pain prior to this accident. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $ 5,000.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Bernabe v. Larson, CV04-00349
Type of Injury: Soft tissue back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff had stopped in a construction area. Another car stopped behind. Defendant ran into the rear of the second vehicle, pushing it into Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff had suffered soft tissue back injuries in a prior motor vehicle accident. He claimed these were aggravated in this accident. However, his doctors had difficulty differentiating between injuries caused by the two accidents. Plaintiff had medical bills of approximately $2,500. This case settled during mediation in which Defendant agreed to pay Plaintiff’s medical bills, plus $3,000 in general damages.
Location: Bonneville County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Melville v. Bowen, CV 98-2665
Type of Injury: Cervical sprain/strain in neck; thoracic sprain; lower back pain; left shoulder dysfunction; and left hand numbness
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,700
Case Summary: Plaintiff, who is Defendant’s employer, was hunting with Defendant. The parties were each driving separate vehicles down a gravel road, with Plaintiff’s vehicle in the lead. An animal crossed Plaintiff’s lane of travel, forcing Plaintiff to make a quick stop. Defendant ran into the rear of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff was diagnosed with a cervical sprain/strain, a thoracic sprain, lower back pain, left shoulder dysfunction and left hand numbness. Liability was not disputed. Defendant argued that Plaintiff had experienced essentially the same complaints prior to the accident, and had been treating with a chiropractor on the average of about 1.5 times per week in the year before the accident. Efforts at mediation were unsuccessful. However, parties agreed on settlement about two weeks before trial for $6,700.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Urquiaga v. Swanson, CV PI 99-495
Type of Injury: Laceration and scarring to right arm
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle when the Defendant made a left turn in front of the plaintiff’s host vehicle, causing a collision. Plaintiff suffered laceration and scarring to right arm. Defendant admitted liability, but disputed plaintiff’s alleged injuries and damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $10,000.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Johnson v. Holtry, CV02-00519
Type of Injury: Soft tissue injury to neck
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Defendant made a left turn in front of plaintiff’s vehicle at an intersection, causing a collision between the two automobiles. Plaintiff claimed defendant was negligent in failing to yield right-of-way to plaintiff’s vehicle and that the impact resulted in cervical soft tissue injury to plaintiff requiring pain management therapy. Defendant did not admit liability, but did not vigorously contest it. Case Settled for $ 10,000.00 prior to trial.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Gardner v. Lefler, CV PI 01-3230
Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. The first occurred when Defendant 1 pulled out from a stop sign, failing to yield the right of way to Plaintiff. The second occurred approximately two years later. Plaintiff was stopped at a railroad crossing and was rear-ended by Defendant2 in an accident which caused minimal property damage. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue injuries with some gaps in treatment for her injuries. She was still receiving treatment when the second accident occurred, and alleged that her injuries were aggravated. Both claims were resolved in one mediation. The first claim settled for $10,500. The second claim settled for $5,300.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Mixon v. Stubblefield, CV PI 00-502
Moderate car accident injuries include more extensive sprains and strains, simple fractures, slipped or herniated discs, whiplash, and concussions. Victims might have to miss work for weeks or months and may be left with residual effects from moderate injuries.
Type of Injury: Soft tissue injury to neck and back
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at the intersection. Defendant, who was operating his brother’s vehicle, downshifted, but was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision and rear-ended plaintiffs’ automobile. Defendant was traveling approximately 10 to 15 mph at the time of the impact. Plaintiff subsequently presented to the emergency with complaints of soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant contended that the impact was minimal, resulting in no property damage to his vehicle, and that plaintiff’s injuries were not proximately related to the collision. Case settled for $11,000.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Morris v. Clark, CV OC 00-2393
Type of Injury: Soft tissue injury to his cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines; post-traumatic stress symptoms
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $19,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped in a line of traffic at a red light when defendant rear-ended his vehicle. Plaintiff alleged that the road had only one lane of travel in each direction. Further, plaintiff suffered soft tissue injuries to his cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Defendant contended that the accident occurred at a point where the roadway had two lanes of travel in his direction of travel and that he was attempting to pass plaintiff and other vehicles stopped at the traffic light at the time of the accident. Further, an unidentified motorist pulled out from a driveway to his right, creating a sudden emergency, and that he lost control of his truck on the wet road surface and collided with plaintiff’s vehicle. Case settled for $19,000.
Location: Twin Falls County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Clough v. Warrell, CV 96-2161
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and chest injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $19,375
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving on a multi-lane access road to an interstate highway. Defendant was operating a tractor-trailer, traveling in the same direction. He made a right turn into the path of plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff argued that defendant driver was negligent in making a right turn in front of her vehicle, swinging wide into the middle lane and back to the right, thereby cutting off her assured clear distance and causing her to collide with the trailer. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue neck and chest injuries. Defendants contended that plaintiff improperly attempted to pass the tractor-trailer on the right. However, Jury found for plaintiff. Per plaintiff’s counsel, photographs of both vehicles post-accident showing plaintiff’s automobile wedged under the trailer portion of the tractor-trailer suggested that defendant driver was at fault.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Newcomb v. Koski, CVPI98-0094B
Type of Injury: Injury to her right knee
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was stopped at a red light when it was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by the defendant. Plaintiff contended that: defendant was negligent in driving while intoxicated and in rear-ending her vehicle; defendant’s actions constituted wanton misconduct warranting punitive damages; and she sustained an injury to her right knee and required surgery. Plaintiff’s husband claimed a loss of consortium. Defendant contended that Plaintiff had prior knee injuries from a prior motor vehicle accident and/or athletic injuries. Case settled for $20,000.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Jones v. Jack, CV PI 01-36
Type of Injury: Herniated disc at L3-4
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a stop sign when she was rear-ended by Defendant. The impact was described as “substantial.” An MRI scan taken a few years before the accident showed a herniated disc at L3-4. However, Plaintiff alleged that she was symptom-free at the time of this motor vehicle accident, and that the accident aggravated the condition to the point where future surgery was being strongly considered. Defendant admitted liability but contended that plaintiff’s injuries were not causally related to this accident. Case subsequently settled for Defendant’s liability policy limits of $25,000.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Axtell v. Bonfrisco, CV PI 9800329
Type of Injury: Aggravated cervical spondylosis and carpal tunnel syndrome
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving approaching an intersection when Defendant attempted a left turn in front of Plaintiff, causing a collision. Plaintiff required surgery for cervical spondylosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Evidence established that Plaintiff was afflicted with each of these problems prior to the car accident. Plaintiff’s treating physician stated that the pre-existing conditions were aggravated by the accident, but that carpal tunnel surgery was only minimally related. Liability was mildly disputed on the grounds that Plaintiff was traveling at an excessive speed. This case settled for $25,000
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Drilling v. Barton, CV PI 9500229
Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical fracture
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $28,256
Case Summary: Defendant rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle at an intersection. Defendant claimed the impact was minor and that the Plaintiff told the investigating police officer following the accident that “I’m okay.” X-rays showed a cervical fracture following this accident and Plaintiff eventually underwent surgery. The defense noted that the Plaintiff had been involved in a prior multiple rollover car accident about ten years earlier. However, X-rays taken at that time showed no cervical fracture, and Plaintiff claimed she was not suffering any lingering symptoms by the time of this latest accident. This case was tried to a jury which returned a verdict for the Plaintiff in the amount of $28,255.75.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Hurlbert v. Welch, CV PI 01-008
Type of Injury: Whiplash injuries and TMJ
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $38,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were traveling in the same direction in their respective vehicles. The roadway was wet. Plaintiff stopped her auto at a crosswalk. Defendant’s vehicle skidded on the wet roadway and rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle, resulting in minimal or no visible property damage. Plaintiff alleged that: defendant was negligent in failing to maintain proper control of his vehicle; and she suffered whiplash injuries and TMJ as a direct result of the accident. Defendant contended that he was confronted with an emergency situation and that plaintiff’s injuries were proximately related to a subsequent rear-end collision in which her vehicle was totaled. Case Settled for $38,500 prior to trial.
Location: Bonneville County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Egan v. Nelson
Type of Injury: Soft tissue back and shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $63,375
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling on a public highway. As plaintiff proceeded straight through a T-intersection, defendant made a left turn into the path of plaintiff’s vehicle. The front portion of plaintiff’s vehicle struck the passenger side of defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed that defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way. Further, plaintiff sustained soft tissue back and shoulder injuries and claimed $ 3,600 in medical specials and $ 28,000 in lost income. Defendant contended that plaintiff was inattentive and failed to see her vehicle as she crossed plaintiff’s path and that plaintiff could have avoided the accident if she had exercised due care. Jury found that both parties were at fault for the accident. Plaintiff award of $ 84,500 less 25% comparative negligence yielded a net verdict of $63,375.
Location: Bonneville County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Jeffs v. Lamont, CV 99-1907
Type of Injury: Head trauma resulting in coma and cognitive impairment; Low back compression fracture
Type of Accident: Single vehicle
Award/Settlement Amount: $65,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 17 year-old male, was a front seat passenger in a vehicle operated by defendant high school friend. Defendant momentarily took his eyes of the road to look for the defroster switch in his parents’ automobile, lost control of the vehicle and struck guardrails on both sides of the road. Plaintiff alleged that: defendant was showing off at the time of the accident; defendant was negligent in operating his vehicle in a reckless manner, entitling plaintiff to punitive damages; and he suffered a compression fracture of the low back and head trauma resulting in coma and cognitive impairment. Defendant contended that he was merely negligent and, therefore, plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Case Settled for $65,000.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Harmon v. Gordon, CVPI0020
Severe car accident injuries can leave the victim with a lifelong disability. Victims of severe accidents can suffer multiple injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, back and joint injuries, and internal injuries. Some severe injury victims can never resume their pre-accident work, school, or activities of daily living.
Type of Injury: Compression of brachial plexus; cervical sprain; multi-directional shoulder instability
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $125,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating his motorcycle southbound on a two-lane road. Defendant was traveling in the same direction ahead of plaintiff. Defendant pulled to the right shoulder of the road. As plaintiff attempted to pass on the left, defendant made a U-turn across the roadway into a small dirt turnaround on the opposite side of the road. Plaintiff struck defendant’s vehicle. He was thrown several feet and struck a telephone pole on the shoulder of the road. Plaintiff suffered compression of brachial plexus, cervical sprain, multi-directional shoulder instability. Defendant contended that plaintiff intended to illegally pass regardless of anything she may have intended to do. Case Settled for $125,000.
Location: Latah County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Hill v. Broenneke, CV00-509
Type of Injury: Fractured femur; fractured elbow; and soft tissue injury to lower back
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $140,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was riding his bicycle east. Defendant company’s chauffeur, in the course of his employment, was driving a station wagon north. Plaintiff’s bicycle collided with defendant’s vehicle at an intersection. The intersection was controlled by a traffic light. Plaintiff alleged that he had a green light and that defendant’s chauffeur was negligent in running a red light and in failing to yield the right-of-way. Further, plaintiff suffered a fractured femur requiring insertion of a femur rod; fractured elbow; and soft tissue injury to lower back. Defendant contended their chauffeur had a green light and plaintiff was traveling at an excessive rate of speed. Defendant counterclaimed for property damage to their station wagon. Plaintiff’s award of $200,000 less 30% comparative negligence yielded a net verdict of $140,000 plus interest.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Williams v. Garibov, CV-2013-0000631-PI
Type of Injury: Face and head contusions with soft tissue elbow, hand and shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $145,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was slowing to make right turn at an intersection when his car was rear-ended by defendant at a high rate of speed. Plaintiff suffered face and head contusions with soft tissue elbow, hand and shoulder injuries. Case Settled for $145,000 prior to trial.
Location: Bonneville County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Deon v. Maughan, CV 02-402
Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-traumatic brain injury with dementia; depressive disorder; comminuted fracture of his right forearm; chronic cervical and thoracic sprains/strains; myofascitis and chronic subluxations; laceration on the right side of his head
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $150,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was exiting a parking lot. Defendant, a police officer was approaching from his left, responding to a burglar alarm. Defendant was traveling about 70 mph in a 35 mph zone and did not have his emergency lights or siren activated. The plaintiff’s vehicle was hit broadside by defendant. Plaintiff suffered a moderate traumatic brain injury with dementia. He also suffered depressive disorder; a severely comminuted fracture of his right forearm which required surgery; chronic cervical and thoracic sprains/strains, with myofasciitis and chronic subluxations; laceration on the right side of his head which healed with very minor scarring. Although initially disputed, the police department admitted liability just before trial was set to commence. Parties agreed to settle plaintiff’s claim for $150,000.
Location: Kootenai County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Gonderman v. City of Falls, CV 95-6628
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $166,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling northbound when Defendant broadsided his vehicle at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed that: he suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries with 5% permanent partial disability of back; and he had to change jobs after the collision due to his injuries, resulting in a lower rate of pay. Defendant contended that plaintiff was contributorily negligent: in cutting in front of defendant driver; and in traveling at an excessive rate of speed. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict in the amount of $166,500. Per plaintiff’s counsel, the jury believed plaintiff’s job change was credible and reasonable. Per defendant’s counsel, testimony of plaintiff’s expert economist was convincing.
Location: Bonneville County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Munns v. Jenkins
Type of Injury: Herniated disc at C6-C7; right C7 nerve root compression; C6-C7 foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $225,000
Case Summary: As plaintiff drove northbound while it was snowing, a southbound vehicle owned by defendant and operated by its employee lost control around a sharp curve, counter steered, slid sideways and entered plaintiff’s travel lane. Plaintiff suffered a herniated disc at C6-C7, right C7 nerve root compression, C6-C7 foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy treated with a C6-C7 anterior cervical decompression and fusion with hardware. The plaintiff claimed he was not able to avoid a collision, he steered to the right as an evasive maneuver, and the front of his vehicle struck the front passenger side of defendant’s vehicle. The defendants denied liability and claimed plaintiff’s pre-existing spinal condition caused his alleged injuries and damages. The court entered a $225,000 judgment for the plaintiff against defendants.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Holder v. Goodson, CV-PI-2016-04756
Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries; anxiety disorder
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $333,627
Case Summary: Plaintiff, the owner and operator of a waste removal business, was operating her company’s large pickup truck on a two lane road. As plaintiff stopped to make a left turn into a restaurant parking lot, defendant rear-ended her vehicle at a speed of approximately 50 m.p.h. Defendant admitted that she was distracted at the time of the impact. Both vehicles were totaled in the collision. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries, and anxiety disorder requiring psychiatric treatment. Plaintiff claimed $17,000 in past medical specials, $36,129 in future medical expenses and $5,000 in past lost income. Defendant contended that: plaintiff’s injuries and psychiatric condition were pre existing; and plaintiff was exaggerating the extent of her injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $333,627.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Collins v. Reed, CV03-00316
Type of Injury: Brain injury causing permanent right-sided hemiplegia
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $740,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a car involved in what was described as a “serious” motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff’s host vehicle was struck head-on by Defendant’s automobile. Plaintiff was 3-1/2 years old at the time of this accident. He suffered a brain injury causing permanent right-sided hemiplegia. Plaintiff had medical bills of approximately $225,000. This case settled for a present value of $ 740,000. The settlement included cash of $340,000, with an additional $ 400,000 to fund a structure paying $ 1,845.63 per month beginning on Plaintiff’s 18th birthday. The monthly payment will increase annually by 2% until Plaintiff is 65 years old.
Location: Davis County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Contreras v. Doe, 13700260
Type of Injury: Orthopedic and internal injuries resulting in scarring on hands, neck and abdomen; and compression of cervical spine
Type of Accident: Single-vehicle
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,800,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was employed as an engineer by Defendant 1. Twenty-seven employees were sent to service a nuclear power plant. Defendant 2 co-worker leased an automobile from Defendant 3. Plaintiff and co-workers dined at a restaurant. While returning to the hotel where they were lodged, the auto left the roadway and rolled over. Plaintiff was ejected from the vehicle. He suffered orthopedic and internal injuries resulting in scarring on hands, neck and abdomen; and compression of cervical spine requiring several surgeries and resulting in temporary total paralysis, loss of sensation below torso, altered gait and residual problems with bladder and bowel control. Plaintiff claimed $150,000 in medical specials. Defendants did not admit liability but did not vigorously contest it. Plaintiff’s claim succeeded in a jury trial and he received an award of $1,800,000.
Location: Ada County, Idaho
Case Name and Docket Number: Cheung v. Wasatch Electric, IC 97-020335
Cases include collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles. Victims include drivers and passengers, including a three-year-old child who suffered catastrophic injuries.
In some cases, the plaintiff sued more than one defendant, such as the at-fault driver and their employer.
One case in our sample group resulted in an unusually high jury verdict of $1,800,000. This case is not used in our averages calculations, to avoid skewing the average payout amount for that category.
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