Idaho Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline

Idaho is known for its mountainous beauty and the Rocky Mountain Foothills. With all this natural beauty, it’s no wonder that tourists and locals alike will drive from far and wide to visit the historic sites and untamed wilderness. While driving to your destination of choice is the most convenient way to travel, it can be dangerous at times. Thousands of car accidents happen every year on Idaho roadways due to carelessness, recklessness, or even criminal activity such as driving under the influence (DUI). If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in the state, you should know about the Idaho car accident settlement process and timeline. Keep in mind, these incidents don’t resolve themselves overnight and often take the assistance of a skilled attorney to help fight back against the car insurance companies.

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in Idaho?

When you’ve been injured or someone has been tragically killed as a result of a car accident, reporting requirements are the last thing on many people’s mind. However, following the rules is very important. You must immediately report your car accident when there is injury or death to another person or property damage of $1,500 or more. You will report the accident by calling 911, nearest police department, or Idaho State Police depending on where the accident took place. You must do this

Idaho Car Insurance Laws

In Idaho, as in most other states, you need car insurance as required under Idaho statute 49-1229. If you don’t have it, you can face fines, jail time, and a suspended driver’s license. The minimum amount of insurance is broken down as follows:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to 1 person in a single accident.
• $50,000 for total bodily injury to 2 people or more in an accident.
• $15,000 for property damage

For more information, contact the Idaho Department of Transportation (DOT)

How Do Car Accident Settlements Work in Idaho?

There are a number of events that typically follow a crash involving injury or property damage. You will report the matter to the police and then to your insurance provider. Either your insurance provider or the other party’s will begin an investigation into the claim and review all the evidence. A claims adjuster will come up with a settlement amount and that will be conveyed to you or your attorney. If you do not agree with the amount, you can attempt to negotiate or simply have your day in court.

What is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Idaho?

This isn’t an easy question to answer. Every car accident is different and has a unique set of facts. What your neighbor received in a settlement offer for his motorcycle accident may be drastically different than what you may be offered for your major vehicle collision involving a common carrier bus. Your attorney will best be able to assist you with the settlement process by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf and even writing a demand letter if necessary. If both parties cannot come to an agreement, you may have to go to court and ask for a civil jury trial.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Idaho?

In Idaho, you don’t have a very long period of time to file your claim under Idaho Code § 5-219. If you have suffered injuries, your time line is two years from the date of the car accident. If you are claiming property damage only, you have three years from the date of the incident. Missing a deadline could mean that you miss out on the opportunity to bring a lawsuit altogether.

Involved in a Car Accident? Let an Idaho Attorney Help With the Settlement

Car accidents can be a messy business, particularly if you've been injured as a result of another person’s negligence. Trying to recover the amount of money you deserve to make you whole again can be a time consuming and frustrating process. But it doesn’t have to be that way. An experienced car accident attorney in Idaho can assist you in the claims process and later in court.