What Happens if the Person at Fault in an Accident Has No Insurance in Denver, CO? 2024

Being in a car crash can be a stressful experience, especially if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Like many other states, Colorado requires drivers to have a certain amount of liability insurance in case of an accident. But what happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Denver, CO? Fortunately, there are still ways to help you obtain compensation and protect your rights.

Colorado’s System Of Fault-Based Insurance

In Colorado, liability for car accidents is based on who is at fault. In other words, the person who caused the accident must pay for the damages through their insurance or other means. All drivers in the state must carry liability insurance to cover bodily injuries sustained by others and property damage; however, not every driver obeys this law.

Some people may be uninsured or have inadequate insurance, making it more difficult to secure compensation. Colorado’s legal system provides various options for recovering damages in such cases.

Colorado Insurance Requirements

In Colorado, every driver must have at least the following types of liability insurance:

• Liability for bodily harm. Pays up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for harm caused by an accident.
• Property damage liability. Covers up to $15,000 in damages to someone else’s property.

What To Do if the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance

If you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance, you can still receive payment for your injuries and property damage in a number of ways. Here are some potential options:

• File a claim through your insurance. Certain types of insurance allow you to file a claim with your insurance company, even if the other driver is uninsured. It’s possible for your insurance to cover damages the other driver’s insurance would have covered. Health care costs, missed wages, and pain and suffering can be paid for with Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This extra security is invaluable when dealing with drivers who don’t have insurance, and Denver drivers can benefit from having it.MedPay is another type of extra insurance that can help pay for your medical bills after an accident, no matter who was at fault. The state of Colorado doesn’t require it, but it can help with the cost of hospital bills.You can get help paying to fix your car even if the other driver doesn’t have insurance if you have accident coverage. To get your car fixed or replaced, you can make a claim with your own insurance company.
• File a personal injury claim. If the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance and your coverage isn’t enough, you can file a personal injury claim against the driver to make them personally liable for paying for your damages. This option, however, may not get the desired results. Many uninsured drivers lack the financial means to pay for damages, so even if you win your case and get a judgment, it might be difficult or impossible to collect the awarded compensation. Personal injury claims can also require a lot of time and money.
• Look for other parties responsible. Sometimes, another party may be responsible for the accident, like the company that owns the car (if the driver was working), or even the local government (if the accident was caused by poor road maintenance or hazards). A skilled lawyer can do a thorough investigation of the accident to discover additional ways to pursue compensation.

Importance of Having Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Since dealing with an uninsured driver can be challenging, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is to ensure your car insurance covers uninsured or underinsured motorists. UM/UIM coverage gives you peace of mind and financial security in the event you get into a crash with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance. This type of coverage isn’t required, but it can impact the amount of money you receive after an accident.

FAQs

What Happens if You Get in an Accident Without Insurance in Colorado?

If you get in an accident without insurance in Colorado, you could be fined, have your driver’s license revoked, or be held personally responsible for the other person’s losses. Also, even if the other driver was at fault, you may not be able to recover payment for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. To avoid these legal and financial problems, having the proper insurance is essential.

Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver in Colorado?

In Colorado, you may sue an uninsured driver if they caused the accident. Unfortunately, even if you win the case, it may be hard to receive payment if the driver is not financially capable of paying. If you deal with an uninsured or underinsured driver, having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) on your own insurance is usually an effective way to make sure you’re covered.

What Is the Penalty for Being Uninsured in Colorado?

Colorado has strict laws against driving without insurance. If you are uninsured, you could face fines, license revocation, and high costs to get your license back. When someone breaks the law more than once, they get harsher punishments, including larger fines. Uninsured drivers who are involved in an accident may also be civilly liable, which means they could be responsible for paying for the other person’s losses.

What Is the Liability for a Car Accident in Colorado?

If someone is at fault in a car accident in Colorado, they are responsible for the damages sustained. If someone gets hurt, the driver who caused the accident may have to pay for their medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Colorado follows the “comparative negligence” rule, which means if both drivers are to blame for the accident, the amount of money a victim receives may be less than the cost of their damages.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

If you were in a car accident involving an uninsured driver, you may still have options to seek compensation for your damages. Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today for more information.