Average Car Accident Settlement Amounts in Colorado

Photo of a totaled car from an accident for a blog about Colorado car accident settlements.What is the average car accident settlement in Colorado? While it is natural to want a straightforward answer, settlement amounts vary widely based on the severity of injuries, liability, insurance coverage, and many other factors. Understanding what influences compensation in Colorado can help you better estimate what your claim might be worth and prepare for the process ahead.

How Car Accident Settlements Are Calculated in Colorado

Settlements are designed to compensate victims for both financial and non-financial losses. In Colorado, these damages generally fall into two categories:

  • Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and other quantifiable expenses.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement.

Colorado car law also sets certain limits on damages. For instance, non-economic damages are generally capped, although exceptions exist in cases involving permanent physical impairment. These laws can significantly affect the final settlement amount.

Average Car Accident Settlement in Colorado

While every case is unique, industry data and reports from personal injury cases suggest that the average car accident settlement in Colorado ranges from $15,000 to $75,000 for moderate injury cases. Minor accidents with limited injuries may settle for under $10,000, while severe cases involving long-term disability, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death can result in settlements well into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Factors that influence the size of your settlement include:

  • The severity of your injuries and the required medical treatment
  • Whether you missed work and lost income during recovery
  • Future medical expenses or rehabilitation needs
  • Insurance policy limits of the at-fault driver
  • Whether multiple parties share fault
  • Strength of the evidence supporting your claim

Comparative Negligence in Colorado

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you are 20 percent at fault, you may recover only $80,000. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover compensation at all.

How Insurance Policy Limits Affect Settlements

Even if your damages are high, the insurance coverage available often determines how much you can actually recover. Colorado requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident. In cases where damages exceed these limits, victims may need to pursue additional claims against other responsible parties or rely on their own underinsured motorist coverage.

Examples of Settlement Ranges

  • Minor Injury Cases: Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and short recovery times typically fall between $5,000 and $25,000.
  • Moderate Injury Cases: Broken bones, surgeries, and extended recovery often range from $25,000 to $100,000.
  • Severe Injury Cases: Life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage or brain injuries may exceed $250,000, with some reaching multimillion-dollar verdicts or settlements.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount. Without experienced legal representation, accident victims may accept settlements that do not fully cover their medical costs, lost income, or long-term needs. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf, gather evidence, and build a compelling case to maximize your compensation.

At Treviño Law, our Denver car accident attorneys have extensive experience navigating Colorado’s insurance laws, comparative negligence rules, and settlement negotiations. Whether your accident happened on I-25, Colfax Avenue, or a local neighborhood road, our team understands the unique challenges of Colorado car accident cases. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to ensure your claim is supported by strong evidence.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Colorado

If you have been injured in a car crash, the actions you take immediately after can have a direct impact on your settlement. Follow these steps to protect your case:

  • Seek medical care, even if you think your injuries are minor.
  • Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
  • Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
  • Collect contact information from witnesses.
  • Do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Colorado?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. There are exceptions to this rule, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed properly and on time.

Maximizing Your Settlement

Every car accident case in Colorado is different, but there are key strategies to maximize your settlement:

  • Document all medical treatments and expenses.
  • Keep records of lost income and job impacts.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan.
  • Avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media.
  • Work with an experienced attorney who knows how to challenge insurance companies.

Contact Treviño Law for Help With Your Colorado Car Accident Claim

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, understanding the average settlement amount is only the first step. Every case is unique, and having a skilled attorney can make the difference between a low settlement and the compensation you truly deserve. At Treviño Law, we fight tirelessly for accident victims across Colorado and offer free consultations to review your case. You do not pay unless we win for you.

About Attorney Jaime Treviño

Jaime Treviño is the founding attorney of Treviño Law. After beginning his career representing insurance companies, Jaime experienced a turning point that inspired him to fight for injured victims instead. Today, he brings that unique perspective to every case, using his knowledge of defense strategies to secure justice for his clients. With memberships in both the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Jaime is recognized for his results and dedication to his clients.