CO·State Guide
Personal Injury Law in Colorado
Key rules for personal injury claims in Colorado — statute of limitations, fault system, damage caps, insurance requirements, and government claim deadlines.
Key Points — Colorado
- 01Modified comparative fault — barred at 50%+ fault
- 02Generally 3 years for motor-vehicle injury claims versus 2 years for general injury claims
- 03Non-economic damages cap adjusted for inflation
- 04Fault-based auto insurance system
Rules at a Glance
- Statute of Limitations
- Generally 2 years for personal injury; motor-vehicle bodily injury claims generally have a 3-year period. Accrual and exceptions require separate review.
- Fault System
- Modified comparative fault (50% bar) — Colorado bars recovery if the injured person is 50% or more at fault.
- Damage Caps
- Non-economic damages capped at approximately $642,180 (adjusted for inflation). Can be raised to $1,284,370 with clear and convincing evidence.
- Government Notice Deadline
- Written notice within 182 days for claims against government entities.
- Auto Insurance System
- Colorado uses a fault-based auto insurance system. Its former no-fault system ended in 2003.
- Minimum Liability Coverage
- 25/50/15.
- Workers' Comp Deadline
- Report within 4 business days. File claim within 2 years.
Fault System in Colorado
Colorado bars recovery if the injured person is 50% or more at fault.
Auto Insurance in Colorado
Colorado uses a fault-based auto insurance system. Its former no-fault system ended in 2003.
Minimum required liability coverage: 25/50/15..
General information only. This page explains common concepts in plain language. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. For any specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.