If you drive down the freeway, you will often see large signs or billboards placed by the Idaho Department of Transportation warning people not to drink and drive. On the radio similar warnings are given. In fact, even after beer commercials the advertiser often gives a little warning about “Please drink responsibly”. However, in spite of all of these warnings, people still drink and drive. When a person drinks and then gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, their reaction time and ability to make decisions is slowed. This leads to bad decisions and terrible accidents resulting in property damage and personal injuries, or even death. Racine Olson has been working to care for people who have been injured in drunk driving accidents since approximately 1940. Our attorneys are well known throughout southern Idaho and are always willing to help. Located in Pocatello, we are just twenty minutes from Blackfoot and would be happy to meet you in cases where you are prevented from coming to us.
Drunk Driving Constitutes NeglegenceIt would seem to go without saying that if a person is driving drunk that person is automatically negligent. In Idaho if a person is found to be driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.08, that person is held to be legally intoxicated. In other words, in legalese language, that person is automatically negligent as a matter of law or, stated another way, is negligent per se.
When a person is said to be negligent per se, the injured party no longer has to prove liability at trial. Rather, fault is eliminated from the trail and only damages need to be shown. This generally means that pressure can be brought on an insurance company sooner and a settlement reached because the insured has already been established to be at fault for the accident. Experienced attorneys understand the importance of having this established early in the proceedings and will work to reach a favorable conclusion for you immediately.
Drunk Driving DamagesAt Racine Olson in Pocatello, we understand the various categories of damages that a person can be reimbursed for in such an accident period. They include medical bills, lost wages, disfigurement, loss of future earning capacity, as well as damages for pain and suffering. In cases that involve drunk driving, punitive damages may also be available in order to deter the at- fault party and others like him or her from engaging in such reprehensible behavior in the future. We understand how to have such issues presented to the jury in order to maximize your recovery. In addition, we know how to deal with insurance companies for favorable settlements. Regardless of whether your accident happened in Blackfoot, Bingham County, or here in Pocatello, your attorneys at Racine Olson understand the law and are able to maximize your claim to its highest value. We would be happy to meet with you. Problem Solved.