Colorado Car Accident Laws Explained: Deadlines, Fault, and Compensation
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Denver, Colorado, it’s important to understand your legal rights and obligations. Colorado has specific laws that govern deadlines for filing claims, how fault is determined, and what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
At Ferris Law Firm in Denver, CO, we help accident victims navigate these complex rules and fight for the compensation they deserve. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key laws every Colorado driver should know.
Colorado Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit after a car accident:
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3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries caused by a motor vehicle crash.
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2 years from the date of the accident to file other personal injury claims (not involving vehicles).
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3 years for property damage claims related to a car accident.
Important: If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely. That’s why it’s best to speak with a Denver car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
Colorado’s Fault and Comparative Negligence Rules
Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine fault in car accidents. This means:
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Each driver can be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident.
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You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
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Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
This system makes fault disputes critical. Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto victims to reduce payouts. An experienced Denver auto accident attorney can gather evidence to protect your rights.
Colorado Car Insurance Requirements
Colorado requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to cover damages in an accident:
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$25,000 for bodily injury per person
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$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
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$15,000 for property damage
Optional but highly recommended coverage includes:
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Protects you if the other driver has no insurance or not enough coverage.
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Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Covers medical bills for you and passengers, regardless of fault.
Because medical costs and damages often exceed the minimum coverage, many victims end up facing unpaid bills. A lawyer can help identify all possible sources of compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
If you’ve been injured in a Colorado car accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation:
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Medical Expenses: Current and future medical care, rehabilitation, and medications.
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Lost Wages: Income lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
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Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement.
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Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
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Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For long-term injuries that affect daily activities.
Why Hire a Denver Car Accident Lawyer?
Understanding the law is just the first step. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. A skilled Denver personal injury lawyer can:
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Investigate the accident and gather evidence of fault.
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Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.
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Ensure you meet all filing deadlines.
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Fight for the full compensation you deserve in court if necessary.
At Ferris Law Firm in Denver, we are dedicated to protecting car accident victims and ensuring they are not taken advantage of by insurers.
Colorado’s car accident laws can be complex, but knowing the rules around deadlines, fault, and insurance can help you protect your rights. If you’ve been in a crash in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, don’t wait to get legal advice.
At Ferris Law Firm in Denver, CO, we offer experienced guidance, strong advocacy, and consultations to help accident victims move forward. Contact us today to discuss your case.