Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you are involved in an accident, you may be disoriented and not know what to do.
Colorado has enacted numerous laws to help keep motorists safe. Knowing the rules that apply to you and what to do if you are involved in an accident is essential.
Contact our Denver car accident lawyers at Dan Caplis Law to discuss your legal options and file a claim. Schedule your free consultation today.
Colorado Mandatory Minimum Auto Insurance Requirement
All Colorado drivers must carry a minimum automobile liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage to another party. The minimum coverage amounts in Colorado are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident.
- $50,000 for bodily injury and death for multiple parties involved in an accident.
- $15,000 for property damage in any one accident.
These are the minimum required coverage amounts. Driving without them can result in a fine, community service, or suspension of your driver’s license.
Injuries in a Colorado car accident can quickly exceed these coverage limits. Additionally, these minimum limits do not cover the policyholder or their passenger. Consider purchasing additional coverage to protect yourself and your passengers.
Steps To Take After A Car Accident in Denver, CO
If you are involved in an accident, you must stop at the accident scene, but out of the traffic flow if possible, as outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1602.
After stopping, Colorado Revised Statutes §42-4-1606 requires you to report the accident to the police if there is any bodily injury, death, or property damage. Nearly every accident must be reported to the police. You can call 911 or the local police department. If, for any reason, the police do not respond to the scene, you must file an accident report online within 60 days of your accident.
You must also exchange information with the involved drivers. Give your name, address, registration, and insurance information.
Colorado Is An At-Fault State For Car Accidents
Colorado is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that the party who causes the accident is liable for the damages caused to anyone injured in the accident. The at-fault party’s insurance company will pay for damages up to the policy’s limits.
Some states follow a no-fault system where the driver’s insurance policy pays for their injuries regardless of who is at fault.
Colorado Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Colorado follows a modified comparative fault model. When an accident happens, fault may be apportioned among multiple parties by percentages that total 100%. In Colorado, you cannot receive compensation if you are fifty percent or more at fault.
You may recover compensation from the other at-fault parties if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault and your damages total $10,000, you could still recover $70,000 after deducting your percentage of fault.
At Dan Caplis Law, we work to avoid or limit having any fault assigned to you and to maximize your compensation.
Colorado’s Statute of Limitations For Car Accident Injury Claims
A statute of limitations sets the time limit for filing a claim to recover compensation. You cannot recover compensation for your damages if you miss your filing deadline.
The filing deadline for car accident claims in Colorado is three years from the accident date, as outlined by Colorado Revised Statutes §13-80-101. However, there are some exceptions. For example, a wrongful death claim arising from a car accident has a statute of limitations of two years. You must consult an experienced Colorado car accident attorney to determine your filing deadline.
Contact an Experienced Denver Car Accident Attorney From Dan Caplis Law Today
If you have been injured in a Colorado car accident caused by another party, you may have the right to recover compensation for your damages. However, insurance companies and defense attorneys will work to avoid liability by denying or devaluing your claim.
You need the help of an experienced Colorado car accident attorney to get the justice and compensation you deserve. At Dan Caplis Law, we have an unmatched record of recovering maximum client compensation and want to help you.
Call(303) 770-5551 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim. We will listen to you, answer your questions, and explain your rights. If we take your case, we will work tirelessly to get the justice and compensation you deserve.