The most expensive mistake is waiting because your child looked okay at first. In Idaho, that gap in treatment is what insurers use to cut or deny payment.

Most parents assume a delayed limp after a crash is still obviously part of the wreck. That is not how Idaho claims usually get handled. The insurer will look for a clean medical timeline: crash, symptoms, exam, diagnosis, follow-up. If there is a gap of days or weeks, they start arguing the knee injury came from sports, rough play, growth-related pain, or a pre-existing issue instead of the collision.

That matters a lot in Coeur d'Alene-area crashes, especially in fall deer season on US-95 or I-90, where a sudden swerve or impact can twist a child's knee even without obvious bruising. A torn ACL/MCL or growth-plate injury can show up later when swelling, instability, or limping gets worse.

In Idaho, the liability insurer does not get to pick your child's treating doctor. You do. But they may later demand an "independent medical exam," which is usually a defense exam for the insurance company, not neutral treatment.

The practical difference is this:

• Get your child examined immediately, even if the crash was days ago.
• Tell the provider the exact crash date, seat position, and when the limp started.
• Ask that the chart clearly connect the symptoms to the collision.
• Follow through on imaging, orthopedic referral, and physical therapy if ordered.
• Save every bill, discharge note, and school/activity restriction.

For bills, Idaho families often assume the at-fault carrier pays as treatment happens. Usually it does not. Health insurance, MedPay, or out-of-pocket often cover treatment first, and unpaid providers may later assert a lien against any settlement.

If law enforcement responded, get the crash report quickly. In North Idaho, that often means the Coeur d'Alene Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, or Idaho State Police report becomes part of proving what happened and when symptoms started.