This page collects the rules that decide what an injury claim is worth in Idaho: who can recover when both sides share the blame, how long you have to sue, what insurance drivers must carry and whether the state caps damages. Every rule links to the statute or court decision behind it, and every calculator on this site uses these same values.
Idaho is an at-fault state, so claims are paid by the at-fault party’s insurer, and its 50% bar rule sets how much your own share of fault costs you.
Fault. Idaho uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar. Your award drops by your share of fault, and at 50% or more you recover nothing, so an even split leaves you with nothing. Insurers know this, so expect them to argue your share up.
Filing deadlines. You have two years from the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Families have two years for a wrongful death claim, usually counted from the date of death. Claims against a government agency need written notice much sooner.
Car insurance. Idaho is an at-fault state, so the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays your claim. Drivers must carry at least $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per crash and $15,000 for property damage, written 25/50/15.
Damage caps. A cap on non-economic damages that started at $250,000 and is adjusted every July 1 for wage growth. It does not apply to willful or reckless conduct.
Dog bites. No dog bite statute. The owner is liable if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or if they were negligent.
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage, and at 50% or more you recover nothing.
two years from the injury in most cases.
Usually the at-fault party’s insurer: auto, homeowner’s or business liability coverage. The policy limit often sets the practical ceiling.
Yes. A cap on non-economic damages that started at $250,000 and is adjusted every July 1 for wage growth. It does not apply to willful or reckless conduct.