STATE LAW – IDAHO LIBRARY – GUIDE 22
Idaho Settlement, Release & Claim Closure
Settlement should come only after responsible parties, applicable insurance, first-party rights, damages, liens and reimbursement interests have been identified.
Idaho releases do not automatically discharge every tortfeasor
Idaho Code § 6-805 provides that a release of one tortfeasor does not discharge other tortfeasors unless the release so provides. The statute also governs reduction of the remaining claim in the circumstances it describes.
Contribution consequences require separate review
Idaho Code § 6-806 addresses when a released joint tortfeasor is discharged from contribution liability to other tortfeasors. Multi-party settlements should therefore identify the settling parties, remaining claims, allocation, and the statutory effect on contribution.
Preserve first-party insurance rights before signing
Christmann v. State Farm confirms that Idaho consent-to-settle and subrogation defenses require attention to actual prejudice and the insurer’s preserved subrogation interest. Before executing a liability release, separately review UM/UIM, MedPay, reimbursement, lien, indemnity, and subrogation consequences.
PUBLIC-INTEREST LEGAL EDUCATION
VictimsGuide does not provide legal services or create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance requirements, deadlines, remedies and controlling authority can change. Verify current primary authority, policy language and the law applicable to the particular event before legal reliance.
Official Sources
Verify current Idaho law at the source
The reviewed Idaho guide content above is preserved. Use current statutes, insurance regulation, controlling cases and the operative policy before legal reliance.
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