Is Colorado a No-Fault State?

Here You Will Learn if Colorado Is a No-Fault State and What You Should Do if You Were in an Accident

When you get in a car accident, the first thing you may be thinking about is getting medical attention for your injuries.

After that, your thoughts will likely turn to how you will pay for those damages, including any future medical expenses and lost wages for missing work.

If you live in the state of Colorado, you may have questions about where to turn.

One common question many people ask is, “Is Colorado a no-fault state?” Whether or not a state is a no-fault state can significantly impact your financial recovery and who will provide it.

Here, our Denver car accident lawyers discuss whether Colorado is a no-fault state and how to go about seeking financial recovery after an accident.

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What Does “No-Fault” Mean?

“No-fault” means that if you sustained injuries in a car accident, you can go to your own insurance to cover your medical bills and lost earnings, no matter who was at fault for the crash.

This is the origin of the term “no-fault.” It does not mean that no one was actually at fault, but it means that your own insurance will help cover your expenses regardless.

In contrast to a no-fault state, an “at-fault” state requires you to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Is Colorado a No-Fault State?

Colorado used to be a no-fault state, but since 2003, it is not any longer.

Now, Colorado is an at-fault state. If you sustained injuries in a car accident, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Colorado Insurance Requirements

Because of the nature of at-fault States, Colorado requires all drivers to have a certain amount of car insurance. These are minimum amounts. In other words, drivers may have more liability coverage than the amounts stated below, but not less.

The minimum required amounts are:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death for all persons per accident
  • $15,000 in property damage per accident
  • $25,000 in bodily injury or death per person

When people get hurt in car accidents, insurance coverage should pay for not only medical expenses but also damage to the car and other property.

If the driver that is at fault causes personal injury or property damage that will cost more than these amounts, that driver may have to pay for any damage or injury that exceeds their policy limits.

What if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

In Colorado, you can purchase underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage from your own insurance company.

This add-on may cover you if you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

Do I Have Any Additional Options?

If you get in an accident with either an underinsured or uninsured driver or the cost of your injuries will exceed any available coverage limits, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

It’s a good idea to get an experienced attorney’s assistance and guidance in this area.

Start Your Claim Today

If you need compensation for injuries you sustained from another party’s negligence on the road, we can help.

During a free consultation, we will discuss your accident and all the available avenues to pursue compensation.

Contact the attorneys at Denver Trial Lawyers ® today by calling (303) 647-9990 to learn more.

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