(208) 600-0702

FAQs
 

Do we have to open an estate?

• Often, yes—the personal representative typically brings the claim. We’ll guide you through that step.

How long will the case take?

• It varies with complexity, parties, and insurer response. Some claims resolve pre-suit; others require litigation.

What will it cost our family?

• We work on a contingency fee—no fee unless we recover. We explain percentages and case costs up front.

Can multiple parties be responsible?

• Yes. We evaluate all potential defendants (individuals, companies, product manufacturers, property owners, and others).

¿Atienden en español?

• Sí. Hablamos español y podemos explicar el proceso y preparar documentos en su idioma.

How We Help With a Wrongful Death 
 

Nothing can replace a loved one. Our role is to protect your family’s rights, secure evidence, and pursue accountability while you focus on each other. We handle insurers and deadlines, coordinate medical and financial records, document the full impact on your family, and build a fact-driven case aimed at meaningful compensation. You receive clear, straightforward updates, timelines, and honest expectations. If fair resolution isn’t offered, we are prepared to file suit and press your case in court. Hablamos español.
 

What is a Wrongful Death Case?
 

A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by another’s negligence or wrongful act (e.g., motor-vehicle crashes, dangerous premises, defective products, medical negligence, or other preventable events). Separate but related claims may include survival actions for the decedent’s own losses before passing.
 

Evidence we secure

• Police reports, 911 audio, dash/body-cam (where available)

• Scene photos, vehicle/product/premises inspections

• Event data/“black box,” telematics, maintenance and training records

• Medical records, bills, and employer documentation

• Company policies, prior incidents, and expert analysis (accident reconstruction, human factors, economics, medical)

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Who Can Bring the Claim?

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Typically, the personal representative of the estate brings the case for the benefit of eligible family members (such as a spouse, children, or parents). Which family members recover, and how much, depends on Idaho law and the facts of the case. Ask us to confirm who can file and who may recover in your situation.

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Idaho Rules 

• Fault: Idaho follows modified comparative negligence. Recovery can be reduced by any share of fault, and is barred at 50% or more fault.

• Deadlines (general guidance): Wrongful death cases are usually about 2 years from the date of death. Claims involving a government entity can require a notice of claim within ~180 days.

• Deadlines and parties can be complex—ask us to confirm yours.

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What To Do After a Crash 

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• Get medical care; follow your provider’s instructions

• Photograph vehicles, the scene, and visible injuries

• Collect witness names and contact info

• Avoid recorded statements without counsel

• Track bills, prescriptions, mileage, and missed work

• Call CRL—we take it from here

Not legal advice; for emergencies, call 911.
 

Our Process 

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1. Intake & Strategy — Review liability, insurance, and timelines; set the roadmap

2. Evidence & Records — Photos, video, black-box/EDR when available; medical records and wage proof

3. Valuation — Medical costs (past/future), lost income, pain and suffering, property losses

4. Demand & Negotiation — Data-backed demand; we handle the adjuster and push for full value

5. Litigation, if needed — File suit, conduct discovery, work with experts; trial-ready
   
    

Damages You Can Recover

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• Funeral and burial expenses

• Final medical bills and related costs

• Loss of financial support and benefits (past & future)

• Loss of companionship, care, guidance, and services

• Pain and suffering before death (survival claim, when applicable)

• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the loss

• Punitive damages (limited, when conduct is especially egregious)

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What To Do Now? 

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• Collect and keep any documents: reports, notices, bills, correspondence

• Make a list of potential witnesses and photos/video you’re aware of

• Avoid detailed statements to insurers without counsel

• Track out-of-pocket costs related to the loss

• Contact CRL—we will take it from here

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Contact Us Today

(208) 600-0702

LetsTalk@ClearRiverLegal.com