Colorado Car Accident Statute of Limitations [2025 Updated]

When you become injured in a car accident in Colorado, you retain the right to file a claim to recover damages. This would also hold the liable driver or drivers accountable for their actions and the harm you have suffered. However, there is a time limit on these claims, so it is vital that you understand the Colorado car accident statute of limitations and how they pertain to personal injury claims in 2025. At Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, we can help you file your claim on time.

After suffering an injury in a car accident, you are most likely feeling extremely overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. This is understandable as the medical bills begin to pile up and you find that, because of your injuries, you are unable to return to work. In these scenarios, holding the liable party accountable for compensation can make all the difference in your own physical and financial health. That’s why it is so important to understand the time limits on these claims.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents in Colorado?

When deciding to file a personal injury claim after a car accident, it is crucial that you do so within the given timeframe, or statute of limitations, of three years in Colorado. This means you have three years from the moment your injuries were caused in the accident to file a claim to recover damages. Missing this deadline can cause you to lose out on your chances of recovering compensation for your damages.

Regardless of the strength of your evidence or the severity of your injuries or damages, if this deadline is missed, you lose out on any chance of compensation. This can be life-altering, especially for individuals who do not have the necessary medical insurance coverage to pay for the treatment and recovery of any injuries sustained in the car accident. By understanding how the Colorado statute of limitations works, you can protect yourself.

If someone else is responsible for the damages you have suffered, do not jeopardize your ability to recover compensation and seek justice by missing out on this vital deadline. This is one of the reasons why consulting a Denver car accident attorney right away following an accident can be so essential. A legal professional can keep your claim from missing the statute of limitations deadline, giving you every opportunity to recover the damages you deserve.

Exceptions to the Car Accident Statute of Limitations

There are several exceptions to the car accident statute of limitations in Colorado. These exceptions can extend or modify your filing deadline in certain ways. Knowing these exceptions can make all the difference in your personal injury case. They can include the following:

• Discovery: The most significant exception to the statute of limitations is the discovery rule. In certain situations, the injuries you suffer may not make themselves apparent right away. Instead, you might discover your injuries at a later date. With the discovery rule, the timeline for the statute of limitations will begin on the date you discovered your injuries, rather than on the date the accident occurred.
• Wrongful Death: If you lose a loved one in a personal injury case, most often, the statute of limitations tightens to two years, in which you can file a claim to recover certain death damages. However, if the car accident brings with it a charge of vehicular homicide, the statute of limitations for the family of the deceased to bring a civil claim is raised to four years.
• Minors: Another important exception to the statute of limitations on personal injury cases, including car accidents, is a situation involving a minor. When a minor is injured in a vehicle accident, the statute of limitations can be tolled until that individual reaches the age of majority or 18, and the three-year filing period can begin on their 18th birthday. This protects a child’s rights, allowing them to pursue a claim once they come of age.

FAQs

Q: What Damages Can You Seek in a Car Accident Case in Colorado?

A: There are several damages one can seek in a car accident injury case in Colorado. These can include:

• Costs of treating and recovering from injuries
• Future anticipated medical costs for your accident-caused injuries
• Lost wages
• The future loss of earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• In rare cases, punitive damages

Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Colorado?

A: There are several injuries an individual can suffer in a Colorado car accident. These can range in severity and include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Cuts
• Bruises
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ or nerve damage
• Muscle sprains or strains
• Punctured lungs due to broken ribs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Concussions
• Head trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries

Q: What Should You Do Following a Car Accident in CO?

A: Following a car accident in Colorado, you can take several actions to protect yourself and any future claim you may decide to file. First, move yourself and any passengers to a place of safety off the roadways. Then, contact the police and medical services. You will also want to document the accident by taking photos of your injuries and the accident site itself. Also, exchange contact information with the other drivers.

Q: How Long Can a Car Accident Claim Take to Settle?

A: It can take a variable length of time to settle a car accident personal injury claim, as several factors of these cases can impact the timeframe, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• How long it might take to recover from them
• The complexity of the case overall
• The cooperation of all parties involved

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

If you have been injured in a Colorado car accident, it is vital that you speak with an attorney as soon as you are able to. The timeframe of the statute of limitations has already begun for your case. The attorneys at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard can seek competition on your behalf and let you know of any exceptions to the statute of limitations you may be eligible for. Contact our offices today.