There are thousands of traffic accidents annually in Idaho. These collisions vary in cause, severity, and cost, with some of these crashes resulting in lawsuits against negligent drivers for personal injury damages.
We provide an overview of Idaho car accident and lawsuit statistics. If a liable driver hurt you or someone you loved in a motor vehicle collision, an Idaho car accident lawyer with our law firm can help you with a claim for compensation.
Recent Idaho Car Accident Statistics
According to the Idaho Office of Highway Safety’s 2023 crash report, there were more motor vehicle collisions in 2023 than in 2022. The number of fatality accidents increased by 28 percent.
In total, there were 27,679 traffic accidents. These collisions injured 11,859 people and resulted in 275 fatalities. Motorists aged 25 to 34 had the highest crash rate, and male drivers were in accidents more frequently than female drivers.
Idaho’s Traffic Crash Clock
The crash report breaks Idaho car accident statistics down by time. Framed this way, the numbers can seem alarming. According to the traffic crash clock in 2023:
- A traffic accident occurred every 19 minutes
- Someone suffered injuries every 44 minutes
- Someone died every 32 hours
- Someone suffered injuries or died in a motorcycle accident every 14 hours
- Someone suffered injuries or died in a pedestrian accident every 36 hours
- Someone suffered injuries or died in a bicycle accident every 46 hours

It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowIdaho’s “100 Deadliest Days”
The Idaho Department of Transportation (IDT) tracks the state’s “100 Deadliest Days.” This period is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when there is traditionally a spike in serious injury accidents and fatal collisions. This increase is attributed to more people being out of school, on vacation, and celebrating, leading to an uptick in risky driving behaviors, like drinking and driving, distracted driving, and speeding.
Data for 2024’s 100 Deadliest Days is in. Eighty-two people died in motor vehicle accidents, down from 93 during this period in 2023. Idaho counties with the highest crash rates during the 100 Deadliest Days included:
- Ada County
- Bonneville County
- Canyon County
- Twin Falls County
- Kootenai County
Top Seven Contributing Factors in Idaho Traffic Crashes
The Idaho Office of Highway Safety report identifies the top seven causes of traffic crashes in 2023. Idaho car accident statistics show that the most common contributing factors included:
- Driver distraction/inattention
- Failure to yield
- Alcohol/drug use
- Speeding
- Failure to maintain lane position
- Following too closely
- Failure to obey stop signs and signals
These actions are all examples of negligent driving. If a negligent driver injured you or someone you love in a collision, an Idaho personal injury lawyer with our law firm can handle your car accident claim.

If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationThe Economic Cost of Motor Vehicle Accidents
The 2023 crash report also examines the significant economic cost of Idaho car accidents. The combined cost of all crashes was over $5.9 billion, amounting to $3,037 per person in Idaho.
The cost breakdown is as follows:
- No injuries (property damage only): $4,448
- Possible injuries: $87,800
- Suspected minor injuries: $171,944
- Suspected serious injuries: $631,290
- Fatalities: $13.2 million
Recoverable Car Accident Compensation
If a liable party caused your car accident, an at-fault party may be financially responsible for your damages. In general, you can pursue compensation for the following with an auto insurance claim or car accident lawsuit in Idaho:
- Emergency transportation and medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Doctor fees
- Medical procedures
- Mobility aids
- Prescription drugs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Nursing
- Attendant care
- Lost income
- Lost future earning capacity
- Vehicle damages
- Household service
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress and anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowIdaho Car Accident Lawsuit Statistics
Idaho car accident lawsuit statistics can be difficult to measure because most auto accident claims do not result in a lawsuit or trial. The majority of cases get settled through insurance without going to court.
There are some statistics about car accident insurance settlements. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), in 2022, the average property damage liability claim was $6,551 and the average bodily injury liability claim was $26,501.
How much your car accident settlement may be worth will depend on variables unique to you and your case, including the type of injury you suffered, your healthcare expenses, and your missed work.
When Should You File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
You should file auto insurance claims immediately. If the insurance company refuses to offer full and fair compensation, you may need to take legal action.
Idaho Statutes § 5-219 allows two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If you do not pursue your case before the statute of limitations expires, you will likely be unable to seek damages in court.
Do You Need an Idaho Car Accident Lawyer?
If you or someone you love suffered a crash injury, an Idaho car accident lawyer with our law firm can help you navigate your claim or lawsuit. We can investigate the collision and build a case proving you deserve compensation. We can:
- Gather evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, video, photographs, and testimony from relevant case experts
- Identify liable parties
- Identify and pursue all of your recoverable damages
- Draft and file insurance claims
- Handle case-related communications, deadlines, paperwork, and “red tape”
- Negotiate for the maximum settlement possible
- Prepare your case for civil court and represent you at trial if necessary
- Provide you with frequent and timely updates
Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers About Your Idaho Car Accident
Idaho car accident statistics show that traffic crashes injure thousands of people annually. If a negligent driver hurt you, an Idaho car accident lawyer with Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help you with a claim or lawsuit.
Our firm has over a decade of experience fighting for accident victims. We have recovered over $40 million in settlements and judgments for our clients. Contact us online or call 24/7 for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you owe us nothing until we win your case.