What should I do after a car accident in Colorado?
Colorado is an at-fault (tort) state since the 2003 sunset of its prior no-fault statute. Auto accidents are governed by C.R.S. Title 42 (Vehicles) and Title 13 (Civil Procedure).
1. Immediate Steps at the Scene
2. Mandatory Reporting
3. Minimum Liability Insurance
25/50/15 under C.R.S. § 10-4-620. Uninsured Motorist coverage offered, can be rejected in writing.
4. Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar
Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, contributory negligence is not a complete bar unless the plaintiff's negligence was as great as (50% or more) the combined negligence of the defendants. If less than 50%, damages are reduced by plaintiff's share.
5. Statute of Limitations
6. Damages Caps
Colorado caps non-economic damages at approximately $729,790 (2026 adjustment from $250K base under C.R.S. § 13-21-102.5, adjusted for inflation), with higher caps for clear and convincing evidence cases.
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- Public entity defendant — 182-day Notice of Claim deadline
- Damages may exceed CGIA caps or non-economic statutory caps
- Insurer asserts you reach the 50% fault threshold
- C.R.S. § 10-4-620
- C.R.S. § 42-4-1601
- C.R.S. § 42-4-1606
- C.R.S. § 13-21-111
- C.R.S. § 13-21-102.5
- C.R.S. § 13-80-101
- C.R.S. § 24-10-109
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.