How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Colorado?
Colorado generally allows two years for personal injury and three years for motor vehicle accident claims. Claims against a governmental entity require a Notice of Claim within 182 days. Missing these deadlines usually ends the case permanently.
How much does a Denver personal injury lawyer cost?
Almost all Denver personal injury lawyers work on contingency: no fee unless they recover money for you. Typical fees are 33% before a lawsuit is filed and 40% afterward, plus case costs. Always get the fee agreement in writing.
Is Colorado a no-fault state for car accidents?
No. Colorado is an at-fault (tort) state. The at-fault driver's insurer is responsible for damages. However, your own MedPay and UM/UIM coverage may also apply regardless of fault.
What if I'm partly at fault for the accident?
Colorado uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but if you're 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Does Colorado cap personal injury damages?
Yes. Colorado caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) and has separate caps for wrongful death and medical malpractice. Economic damages like medical bills and lost wages generally aren't capped, and the non-economic cap is periodically adjusted by statute.
Should I give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement?
Generally, no — not without speaking to a lawyer first. Recorded statements are used to lock you into descriptions of pain or fault before you fully understand your injuries. You are not required to give one.
What is my Denver injury case worth?
It depends on liability, injury severity, total past and future medical bills, lost income, permanence, and available insurance limits. Any specific dollar promise before a full case evaluation should be treated as a red flag.
How long does a Denver personal injury case take?
Simple cases can resolve in 6–9 months. Serious injuries typically take 12–24 months. Cases that go to trial can take 2–3 years. The main driver of timing is how long medical treatment takes to reach maximum medical improvement.
Do I have to go to court?
Most Colorado personal injury cases settle without trial. Even when a lawsuit is filed, cases often settle in discovery or at mediation. Trials happen, but they are the exception, not the rule.
Can I still recover if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
Often yes — through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. That's why UM/UIM is the most valuable coverage on many Colorado auto policies. Check your policy today.