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What should I do after a car accident in Colorado?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

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

  • Stop and exchange information (C.R.S. § 42-4-1601). Hit-and-run with injury is a felony.
  • Render reasonable aid.
  • Call 911 for any injury.
  • 2. Mandatory Reporting

  • Police: Required for injury, death, or apparent property damage (C.R.S. § 42-4-1606).
  • Driver's Crash Report (Form DR 3447): Within 10 days to DMV if law enforcement did not investigate.
  • Notify insurer.
  • 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

  • Motor vehicle personal injury: 3 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)) — note this is longer than the 2-year general PI rule.
  • General personal injury: 2 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-102).
  • Property damage: 3 years for motor vehicle (§ 13-80-101(1)(n)).
  • Wrongful death: 2 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-102).
  • Colorado Governmental Immunity Act: Notice within 182 days (C.R.S. § 24-10-109).
  • 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.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • 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
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • 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.