If you were hurt or your car was damaged after a traffic accident in Colorado, you should familiarize yourself with a few state regulations whether or not you decide to file a claim for your losses. Generally speaking, you can sue any parties at fault for money you spent on medical bills, property damage, lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working, and other connected losses. Here are some important things to know about Colorado car accident laws.
What impact does fault have on car accident cases in Colorado?
Colorado adheres to the standard “fault”-based system regarding responsibility for harms and other losses following a car accident. It
differs from other states in that the party at fault for the collision is also liable for paying for any injuries, vehicle damage, and other damages from the accident. That implies that the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider will pay for other people’s damages brought on by the collision up to the limits of the driver’s liability policy.
What are Colorado’s time limits on auto accidents?
State legislation known as a “statute of limitations” establishes a deadline for a potential plaintiff to file a case. Different timeframes apply depending on the harm you experienced or the type of case you wish to file.
Note that a claim for auto insurance is not subject to the statute of limitations. Any insurance provider, whether yours or the other driver’s, will demand that you submit a claim “promptly” or “within a reasonable time” following the collision. At the very least, you should notify them a few days or, at most, a few weeks of an occurrence that may result in a claim.
The statute of limitations for Colorado auto accidents is three years from the accident’s date. If you want to claim against the accountable party, you must do it within three years; otherwise, the statute of limitations will prevent you from making that claim.
How long do you have to file a police report after a car accident?
In Colorado, it is advisable to report a car accident to the police as soon as possible. The state mandates that drivers engaged in collisions that cause injury or property damage immediately contact the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Depending on your local jurisdiction, doing otherwise could result in criminal charges and fines. Therefore, it is best practice to contact the appropriate local law enforcement agency following any motor vehicle mishap, even if no one was hurt.
How do I comply with a car accident’s statute of limitations?
Consultation with a car accident lawyer at The Wilhite law firm as soon as possible is the best approach to ensure that you fulfill the statute of limitations in a case involving a car accident. The attorneys will help you file your claim in court to safeguard your rights and ensure you don’t miss the statute of limitations.
Final words
Knowing your state’s auto accident regulations is generally a good idea, but if you’ve been harmed in a collision, you may require extra assistance from a car accident lawyer.