Colorado Personal Injury Settlement Calculator
Colorado uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar — you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. The state extended its statute of limitations from 2 to 3 years in 2023.
Colorado's Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Colorado follows the modified comparative fault rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — but only if you are 50% or less responsible. At 51% or more fault, you are barred from recovering anything.
Example: You are injured in a crash with $100,000 in damages and found 30% at fault. You recover $70,000 (reduced by your 30% share). If you were found 51% at fault, you recover $0.
Colorado's system is significantly more plaintiff-friendly than the contributory negligence rules used in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, and Washington D.C.
Statute of Limitations: 3 Years (Updated 2023)
Colorado extended its personal injury statute of limitations from 2 years to 3 years effective August 7, 2023 (HB 23-1071). Claims arising before that date may still be subject to the old 2-year limit — consult an attorney if your accident occurred near that date.
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury (on/after Aug 7, 2023) | 3 years |
| Personal Injury (before Aug 7, 2023) | 2 years |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years |
| Property Damage | 3 years |
Average Settlements in Colorado
Colorado settlements are driven largely by injury severity and where in the state the accident occurs. Denver metro juries tend to award higher verdicts than rural counties. The lack of PIP means all medical costs come directly into settlement negotiations.
- Minor injuries (soft tissue, whiplash): $10,000 - $35,000
- Moderate injuries (fractures, disc injuries): $40,000 - $100,000
- Serious injuries (surgery, long-term): $150,000 - $500,000
- Catastrophic/permanent injuries: $500,000 - $2M+
Top Cities in Colorado
| City | Population | Settlement Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 715K | Highest in state |
| Colorado Springs | 478K | Moderate-High |
| Aurora | 386K | Moderate |
Colorado Insurance Minimums
Colorado requires drivers to carry the following minimum auto liability insurance coverage:
Required Minimum Coverage (Colorado)
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $15,000 per accident
Colorado requires 25/50/15 minimum auto liability coverage. Colorado is unique in also requiring $5,000 in MedPay (medical payments) coverage per person.
Settlement Amounts by Injury Type in Colorado
Settlement values vary widely depending on how badly you were hurt. These ranges are based on typical outcomes in Colorado courts and insurance negotiations. Your case could be higher or lower depending on the specifics.
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range | Multiplier Used |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash / Soft Tissue | $8,000 - $22,000 | 1.5x - 2.5x |
| Fractures | $30,000 - $85,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Herniated Disc | $35,000 - $110,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Concussion / Mild TBI | $30,000 - $90,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Burns | $45,000 - $180,000 | 3x - 5x |
| Back / Spinal Injury | $75,000 - $380,000 | 3.5x - 5x |
| Knee / Shoulder Surgery | $45,000 - $140,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Wrongful Death | $450,000 - $2,500,000+ | N/A |
These numbers reflect cases where the other party was clearly at fault. If you share some blame, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Colorado's negligence rules.
Damages Caps in Colorado
Colorado caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $642,180 in most personal injury cases (adjusted annually for inflation). This cap can be raised to $1,284,370 with clear and convincing evidence. Medical malpractice non-economic damages are capped at $300,000, and total damages including economic are capped at $1,000,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado's statute of limitations for personal injury?
Colorado changed its statute of limitations from 2 years to 3 years in 2023 (HB 23-1071). Personal injury claims must now be filed within 3 years of the accident date. Wrongful death remains 2 years. Missing the deadline permanently bars your claim.
How does Colorado's modified comparative fault law work?
Colorado uses the modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is far more plaintiff-friendly than contributory negligence states.
What is the average personal injury settlement in Colorado?
Colorado settlements average $35,000 to $125,000. Denver and the Front Range metro area typically see higher verdicts. Minor injuries: $10K-$35K. Moderate injuries (fractures, soft tissue): $40K-$100K. Serious/permanent injuries: $200K-$1M+.
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