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Car Accident Laws in Colorado

If you were recently in a crash, understanding car accident laws in Colorado can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your rights from the start.

Your Boulder car accident lawyer from Purvis Thomson, LLP has been helping Colorado families since 1985, and we know how important timing and legal details are in cases like yours. Even a small delay or missed step can affect what you can recover. Reach out today so we can help you take your next steps forward.

Why Choose Purvis Thomson, LLP?

Colorado car accident cases are rarely simple. The rules are specific, and even one small misstep can affect how much you recover. Our firm has been helping clients across Colorado since 1985, and we are here to walk you through the process with the kind of insight that only comes from decades of local experience. Here is what you can expect when you work with us:

  • A team that understands how Colorado’s fault laws work and how to build your case around them
  • Straight answers and regular updates from attorneys who know the rules and speak your language
  • Familiarity with local courts, adjusters, and complex situations that other firms might avoid

Laws That Affect Car Accident Claims in Colorado

Every car accident case in Colorado is impacted by the laws that define fault, insurance coverage, and what you need to prove. These laws apply whether you were hit by another driver, injured by a dangerous road condition, or harmed because of defective auto parts.

Your Boulder personal injury lawyer from Purvis Thomson, LLP will help you understand how these rules apply to your specific situation and what steps make the most impact early on.

How Colorado’s 50% Bar Rule Works

Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, if the court finds you were equally or more responsible for the crash, you cannot recover compensation. If you are found 49% or less at fault, your total award is reduced by that percentage.

Insurance Minimums and Required Proof of Coverage

Colorado requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, which is outlined in C.R.S. § 42-7-103. At a minimum, drivers must have $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. You are also required to carry proof of financial responsibility, typically through an insurance card or policy number.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Colorado

Colorado sets strict deadlines for filing a car accident claim, and missing them can affect whether your case even gets heard. In most situations, the standard deadline is typically three years from the date of the crash under C.R.S. § 13-80-102. Certain details, like whether the case involves neck and back injuries, a government agency, or a commercial vehicle, can change how much time you have to file. Factors that can affect the statute of limitations include:

  • The injured person is a minor at the time of the crash
  • The accident involved a city or state-owned vehicle
  • The injury resulted in a wrongful death claim
  • The at-fault driver left the scene or could not be identified
  • Medical providers discovered injuries well after the crash
  • The crash involved multiple vehicles or a commercial truck
  • Delays in access to records or insurance coverage information

If you miss the filing deadline, the court may not allow your claim to move forward at all. Some exceptions exist, but courts apply them very narrowly and only in specific cases. A catastrophic injury lawyer with our firm can help you understand whether you still have time to recover the compensation you deserve.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Who Knows Colorado Law

The laws that apply after a car accident in Colorado can shape everything from how fault is decided to what your case is worth. Even small legal differences or missed deadlines can affect your ability to recover what you need. If you are unsure where to start, contact us to speak with a reputable car accident lawyer in Colorado from Purvis Thomson, LLP.