Accidents & Injuries in Colorado

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-80-102 gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For claims against government entities, Colorado Revised Statutes Section 24-10-109 requires a notice of claim within 182 days of the incident — well under six months. Missing this government notice deadline may bar your claim entirely.

Under CRS 13-21-111, Colorado uses a 50% modified comparative fault bar. If you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, Colorado law may bar you from recovering any compensation from the other party.

Colorado requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of mandatory auto insurance. After an accident, your own PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of fault. However, for serious injuries exceeding PIP limits, you may still pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance.

Colorado does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury accident cases. Non-economic damages in general negligence claims are uncapped, though medical malpractice non-economic damages face a separate cap under CRS 13-64-302. Punitive damages in Colorado are typically limited to the amount of compensatory damages awarded.