Idaho Fault Rule
Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar): Idaho follows a 50% modified comparative fault bar. An injured claimant may only recover damages if their contributory negligence is less than the negligence of the defendant (49% or less).
Statute of Limitations
2 Years (Idaho Code § 6-801 & § 5-219): Claimants must finalize settlement agreements or initiate formal civil actions within 2 years of the collision date.
Statutory Insurance Minimums
25/50/15 ($25k bodily injury / $50k per accident / $15k property damage): These mandatory insurance minimums represent the maximum available coverage under standard policies unless the driver purchased higher optional coverage.
How Fault Apportionment Affects Claims in Idaho
When negotiating auto accident claims in Idaho, insurance adjusters calculate damages using an itemized formula that adds economic losses (medical bills, future treatment, lost earnings, property repair) to non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life).
Under Idaho Code § 6-801, contributory negligence does not bar recovery if such negligence was not as great as the negligence or gross negligence of the person or persons against whom recovery is sought. If you are 50% or more at fault, recovery is completely barred. Idaho enforces a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury under Idaho Code § 5-219. Understanding this threshold prevents accident victims from being pressured into unfair initial liability splits during adjusters' telephone recorded statements.