Idaho Personal Injury
Settlement Calculator
Idaho follows Modified Comparative (50% bar). Settlements average $18,000 to $72,000 depending on injury severity, fault, and representation. The 2 years statute means you must act — but not rush into a bad deal.
A Boise cyclist was doored on 8th Street by a driver exiting a parallel-parked car without checking their mirror. Broken collarbone, 8 weeks off work as a carpenter. The driver's Progressive offered $7,500. Medical: $22K. Lost wages: $12,800. Idaho's 50% bar meant the driver's attorney would try to argue the cyclist was riding too close to parked cars — pushing toward the threshold. Calculator showed $48K–$72K. A Boise attorney preempted the fault argument with dashcam footage. Settlement: $58K.
⚖ Idaho’s Negligence Law Explained
Idaho uses modified comparative fault with a strict 50% threshold (Idaho Code § 6-801). If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing — one of the strictest bars in the country. At 49% or less, damages are reduced by your fault percentage.
Example: You are 30% at fault. Total damages: $60,000. Under Idaho’s law, you recover $42,000. If the insurer argues you are at or above the threshold, you recover $0. Fault allocation is the most critical negotiation point in any ID claim.
⏰ Statute of Limitations: 2 years
2 years (Idaho Code § 5-219). Wrongful death: 2 years. Government: 180-day notice of claim required.
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | From accident date |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | From date of death |
| Property Damage | Varies | Check state code |
| Government Entity | Shorter — notice required | Often 6 months or less |
📈 Average Settlement Amounts in Idaho
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range | Multiplier Used |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash / Soft Tissue | $6,000 – $22,000 | 1.5x – 2.5x |
| Broken Bones | $22,000 – $82,000 | 2x – 3.5x |
| Herniated Disc | $38,000 – $148,000 | 3x – 5x |
| TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) | $148,000 – $580,000 | 4x – 7x |
| Spinal Cord Injury | $400,000 – $1.7M+ | 5x – 9x |
| Wrongful Death | $320,000 – $2.4M+ | Varies |
The multiplier method: Medical bills × severity factor (1.5x–7x) + lost wages = your settlement range. This is the same formula adjusters and attorneys use. Calculate yours free →
📌 Key Factors That Affect Your ID Settlement
▪ 50% bar — no room for split-fault arguments
Idaho's equal-fault bar means insurers only need to demonstrate you were equally responsible to eliminate your recovery. Fight any fault allocation early and aggressively with documentation.
▪ Boise growth is changing the verdict landscape
Boise is the fastest-growing major city in the country. New residents, more traffic, more accidents — and a jury pool that's increasingly urban and plaintiff-aware rather than conservative rural Idaho.
▪ Agriculture and farming accidents are high-value
Idaho's agricultural sector produces serious equipment injury claims involving tractors, combines, and irrigation systems. These often have workers' comp and third-party components.
▪ 180-day government notice is firm
Idaho gives 180 days to notify government entities before suing. Accidents on state highways or involving state vehicles require prompt attention.
🏙 Settlement Trends by City in Idaho
| City | Population | Settlement Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Boise | 240K | Highest — Ada County, fastest-growing Western city, increasing PI verdicts |
| Nampa | 115K | Moderate — Canyon County, more conservative jury pool |
| Meridian | 120K | High — Ada County market, suburban Boise |
| Idaho Falls | 64K | Moderate — Bonneville County, conservative Eastern Idaho |
📋 Insurance Coverage in Idaho
Idaho is at-fault. Required minimums: $25K/$50K/$15K. No mandatory PIP. MedPay is widely available and recommended to cover immediate medical bills.
- Liability: Required — pays the other party if you cause an accident
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Strongly recommended
- MedPay: Optional — pays your bills regardless of fault
- PIP: ❌ No (At-Fault State)
🔔 What to Do After an Accident in Idaho
- Call 911 and secure a police report. Non-negotiable documentation of fault.
- Photograph everything — vehicles, road conditions, your injuries, witnesses.
- Seek medical care the same day. Any gap weakens your claim.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Calculate your fair value before responding to any offer. Free calculator here.
- Send a formal demand letter once treatment is complete, with all bills and lost wage documentation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Idaho
What is Idaho’s statute of limitations?
2 years (Idaho Code § 5-219). Wrongful death: 2 years. Government: 180-day notice of claim required.
How does Idaho’s negligence law affect my settlement?
Idaho uses modified comparative fault with a strict 50% threshold (Idaho Code § 6-801). If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing — one of the strictest bars in the country. At 49% or less, damages are reduced by your fault percentage.
What is the average settlement in Idaho?
Settlements range from $18,000 to $72,000. Minor: $5,000 – $18,000. Moderate: $20,000 – $65,000. Severe: $100,000 – $480,000.
Do I need an attorney in Idaho?
For minor injuries with clear liability, self-representation can work. For moderate–severe injuries or disputed fault, an attorney typically recovers 3–4x more than self-represented claimants — even after their 33% fee. Our calculator helps you decide.
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