How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Idaho?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, time isn’t just ticking on your recovery — it’s also ticking on your ability to file a claim. Idaho law gives injured individuals a limited window to take legal action, and once that window closes, so does your opportunity to recover compensation.

As a Boise personal injury lawyer, I often hear the question: “What’s the personal injury claim deadline in Idaho?” Let’s walk through the timeline for filing a personal injury claim in Idaho, the exceptions, and why acting sooner rather than later is always in your best interest.

Idaho’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases

In most cases, Idaho allows you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and it applies to a wide range of cases, including:

• Car wrecks
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bicycle and pedestrian injuries
• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Daycare accidents
• Other personal injuries caused by negligence

That two-year period usually begins on the date the injury occurred.

Special Rules and Exceptions for the Personal Injury Claim Deadline

While the two-year rule covers most personal injury claims in Idaho, certain cases involve different timelines:

• Injuries involving minors – If the injured person is under 18, the clock may be paused (“tolled”) until they turn 18. This gives them until age 20 to file, but parents or guardians may still bring a claim earlier on their behalf.
  
• Claims against government entities – If your injury involves a city, county, or state agency (like a fall on public property), you must file a notice of claim within 180 days — not two years.
  
• Wrongful death – If you’re filing a wrongful death suit on behalf of a loved one who passed away from their injuries, the two-year period usually starts on the date of death, not the date of the injury.
  
• Medical malpractice – Different rules apply, including a potential limit of two years from when the malpractice occurred or was discovered, whichever comes first. Additional steps, like prelitigation screening, may also be required.

Because these exceptions can shorten or extend the timeline, it’s important to talk to a personal injury attorney as early as possible — even if you’re unsure whether you want to move forward yet.

What If You Didn’t Know You Were Injured?

For most cases, the countdown starts on the date of the injury. But there are rare situations where you may not immediately know you’ve been harmed. Maybe your symptoms appeared weeks later, or you didn’t realize the full extent of your injuries right away.

In those cases, Idaho law may allow what’s known as the “discovery rule.” This means the statute of limitations may begin on the date you discovered the injury — or reasonably should have — rather than the date of the incident. However, these exceptions are not automatic, and they can be difficult to prove without an experienced personal injury attorney.

What Happens If You Miss the Personal Injury Claim Deadline?

If the statute of limitations expires before you file your claim, you could lose your legal right to pursue compensation — permanently. Courts typically won’t hear your case, and insurance companies have no reason to negotiate once they know the deadline has passed.

Even if you think you might be out of time, don’t make that decision on your own. I’ve worked with clients who assumed they had no options left, only to find that an exception applied to their case.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

Two years may sound like plenty of time, but waiting can seriously hurt your case. Here’s why:

• Evidence disappears – Surveillance footage gets erased, accident scenes change, and witnesses become harder to track down.
• Memories fade – The longer you wait, the less reliable witness statements may become, including your own.
• Insurance companies take advantage of delays – Insurance adjusters may question the severity of your injuries or claim that something else caused them.
• The process takes time – Building a strong case isn’t instant. The earlier you involve a personal injury attorney, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s time to negotiate or file suit.

A personal injury attorney can step in early to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and handle communication with the insurance company from the start. Getting legal guidance early gives you the best chance at building a strong claim and recovering the compensation you deserve. The sooner you act, the more control you have over the outcome.

Don’t Let Time Run Out on Your Rights

If you’ve been injured in Idaho, don’t wait to get the answers you need. Whether you’re still recovering or unsure if you have a case, a quick conversation can make all the difference.

At Jane Gordon Law, I help clients understand exactly how much time they have — and what needs to happen before that clock runs out. I’ll evaluate the facts of your case, determine whether any exceptions apply, and handle the paperwork and legal deadlines so you don’t have to stress about missing something.

From investigating the incident to negotiating with insurers and preparing your case for court if needed, I’ll guide you through every step with clarity and compassion.

Let’s make sure your rights are protected! Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.