Colorado Fault Rule
Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar): Colorado enforces a 50% modified comparative fault bar with a specialized 3-year statute of limitations specifically for vehicular collision claims.
Statute of Limitations
3 Years (C.R.S. § 13-21-111 & C.R.S. § 13-80-101): Claimants must finalize settlement agreements or initiate formal civil actions within 3 years of the collision date.
Statutory Insurance Minimums
25/50/15 ($25k bodily injury / $50k per accident / $15k property damage): These mandatory insurance minimums represent the maximum available coverage under standard policies unless the driver purchased higher optional coverage.
How Fault Apportionment Affects Claims in Colorado
When negotiating auto accident claims in Colorado, insurance adjusters calculate damages using an itemized formula that adds economic losses (medical bills, future treatment, lost earnings, property repair) to non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life).
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-111, contributory negligence does not bar recovery if such negligence was less than the negligence of the person against whom recovery is sought (i.e., 49% or less). If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages from the other party. Colorado law provides 3 years under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n) to file motor vehicle tort actions. Understanding this threshold prevents accident victims from being pressured into unfair initial liability splits during adjusters' telephone recorded statements.