Colorado is an at-fault state
Colorado is a tort ("at-fault") state. The driver who caused the crash — and their insurer — is responsible for the injured party's damages. That's different from "no-fault" states where each driver's insurer pays first regardless of fault.
Minimum insurance in Colorado
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 property damage
These minimums are low. Serious injuries routinely exceed $25,000 in medical bills alone, which is why UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) coverage on your own policy often becomes the real source of recovery.
Comparative fault in Denver crashes
Colorado uses modified comparative fault (50% bar). Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault; at 50% or more, you recover nothing. Insurers exploit this — even a small admission ("I looked down for a second") gets used to push your fault percentage up.
Common Denver crash scenarios
- Rear-end collisions on I-25 during rush hour.
- Left-turn crashes at busy intersections like Colfax and Speer.
- Weather-related pileups on I-70 west of Denver.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) crashes with layered insurance.
- Hit-and-runs — where UM coverage is critical.
What to look for in a Denver car accident lawyer
- Handles Colorado auto cases specifically, not "everything."
- Knows local adjusters, judges, and jury tendencies.
- Understands stacking of UM/UIM policies and how to pursue multiple insurers.
- Will actually file suit — insurers know which firms don't.
- Clear written contingency agreement with costs explained.