Idaho Falls is the largest city in eastern Idaho with a population of 68,001 as of 2023. It is part of Bonneville County and is located next to the Snake River. There are around 86 attorneys currently serving Idaho Falls, but if you want to practice injury law in this city, here is what you need to know:
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Licensing Requirements
To become a personal injury lawyer and practice law in any part of Idaho, you must be admitted to the Idaho State Bar. This requires graduating from an accredited law school, passing the bar exam, undergoing a character and fitness review, and getting sworn into the bar. You must also be in good standing with the bar association of every state where you are licensed.
In Idaho, attorneys must complete 30 hours of continuing legal education every 2 years to maintain their license. At least 3 of these hours must cover ethics.
Understanding Local Courts
There are four main courts located in Bonneville County that injury lawyers need to be familiar with:
- Bonneville County Courthouse – This houses the Seventh Judicial District Court which hears major civil cases involving claims over $10,000 and serious criminal cases. There are 5 district court judges, out of a total of 42 in the state.
- Bonneville County Magistrate Court – Includes magistrates who hear misdemeanor cases, small claims under $5,000, juvenile cases, and preliminary felony hearings. Idaho has 87 in total, with at least one in each county.
- Idaho Falls City Court – Hears misdemeanor cases and city ordinance violations that occur within city limits.
- Ammon City Court – Same jurisdiction as Idaho Falls City Court but for cases within Ammon City limits.
Finding Clients
A law firm’s website establishes an online presence, allows 24/7 access to services, builds credibility, improves client communication, and enables potential clients to research attorneys and case results. An informative, user-friendly website is crucial for promoting and growing a successful modern legal practice. Despite this, 13% of law firms in 2023 did not have a website.
Aside from a website, the most common sources of injury law clients in Idaho Falls include:
- Referrals from doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other medical professionals
- Recommendations from past clients
- Advertising on TV, radio, billboards, online, and in the local newspaper
- Community networking at local events
- Working with police reports and visiting accident sites to connect with potential clients
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Some of the most common injury cases in this region involve:
- Car accidents – Idaho Falls sits at the intersection of two major highways. The number of crashes in the state rose by 0.4% to 27,661 in 2022.
- Semi-truck accidents – Many big rigs transport goods along I-15 and US-20. Truck accident fatalities fell by 21% in 2022.
- Premises liability – Slip and falls, lack of security, etc. Falls were the second leading cause of death in Idaho in 2021.
- Animal bites/attacks – Loose dogs are an issue in rural areas.
- Workers’ compensation – Agriculture, manufacturing, and construction injuries.
- Medical malpractice – Cases against EIRMC and other providers.
By understanding the local courts, finding clients, and preparing for common accident cases, you can build a successful injury law practice in Idaho Falls. Connecting with other personal injury lawyers in the area can also help you learn the ins and outs of practicing locally.
