Car accidents are stressful enough, but finding out the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance can make things far worse. Despite Idaho law requiring drivers to carry liability insurance, many still drive uninsured or underinsured. If you’re injured by someone who doesn’t have adequate coverage, you may be left wondering who will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve helped clients throughout Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Twin Falls navigate this difficult situation. Here’s what you need to know—and how to protect your rights—if an uninsured driver hits you in Idaho.
Idaho’s Minimum Insurance Requirements
Idaho law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability coverage of:
- $25,000 for injury or death to one person
- $50,000 for injury or death to two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage
However, these limits are just the minimum, and many drivers don’t have insurance at all. According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly one in eight drivers nationwide is uninsured. When one of these drivers causes a crash, recovering compensation becomes more complicated.
What to Do Immediately After the Crash
If an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you, take the following steps to protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of recovery:
- Call the police: Always report the accident and request an official police report. This will help establish fault and document the other driver’s lack of insurance.
- Get medical attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and documentation is key to your claim.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact info of any witnesses.
- Avoid giving statements: Don’t admit fault or give recorded statements to insurers without legal advice.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your insurance coverage options and take legal action if needed.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Idaho
Your own insurance policy may be the key to getting compensation when the other driver is uninsured. Idaho offers Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, which pays for your losses if the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance.
Although UM/UIM coverage is optional in Idaho, most people carry it, often without realizing it. This coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses (in fatal crashes)
It’s important to note that UM/UIM claims are filed with your own insurance company, which means your insurer becomes the opposing party. Unfortunately, even your own provider may attempt to undervalue or deny your claim. That’s why having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side is crucial.
Other Potential Sources of Compensation
If uninsured motorist coverage is not available or doesn’t fully cover your damages, your attorney may explore other avenues, including:
- Suing the uninsured driver personally: While this is an option, it’s often difficult to collect compensation if the driver has limited financial resources.
- Employer liability: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may be held liable.
- Third-party liability: In some cases, a defect in the vehicle, unsafe road conditions, or another driver’s actions may have contributed to the crash.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we thoroughly investigate every accident to uncover all possible sources of compensation for our clients in Boise, Meridian, Nampa,Twin Falls, and throughout Southern Idaho.
Why Legal Help Is Essential
Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims are complex. Insurance companies may delay, dispute the extent of your injuries, or even deny your claim outright. Without strong legal representation, you could end up shouldering the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
Our attorneys at Johnson & Lundgreen understand the tactics insurance companies use—and we know how to fight back. We’ll review your policy, gather evidence, and work to get you the compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or in court.
In some cases, we can even obtain additional benefits such as attorney fees and interest, if the claim is presented properly, and in a timely manner. This can be crucial in maximizing your recovery and obtaining everything you are entitled to receive.
Time Limits Matter
Idaho has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Longer limits may apply in uninsured and underinsured claims, but thorough investigation is required to make sure time limits are not missed. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to understand your legal options and start building your case. Coordination with all of the liable, medical payments, health, UM and UIM coverages available is often fairly complex, and if not done correctly, can result in lowered payouts and potential losses of benefits.
Review Your Coverages
Uninsured and Underinsured coverage is usually comparatively very affordable. Doubling or tripling your coverage, or even more, is usually not that expensive. You should not rely on what coverage someone else is willing to pay for to take care of your needs in the future. Having sufficient coverage can make a huge difference to your peace of mind and to you or a family member’s ability to recover from a devastating injury and pay all of the hospital and medical charges, lost income and other losses involved. We are happy to review your coverage with you and advise what adjustment might need to be made with your coverage.
Talk to a Boise Uninsured Driver Accident Attorney Today
Being hit by an uninsured driver can feel like a dead end—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right legal guidance, you can still recover damages and move forward with confidence. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we offer compassionate, experienced representation for injury victims across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Twin Falls.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation and get answers to your questions.