Personal Injury Statistics in Colorado
Understanding personal injury statistics in Colorado helps you benchmark your case value, understand the legal environment, and set realistic expectations for your claim.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
$15,000 – $65,000
Average Settlement Range
Varies widely by injury severity and case type
Modified comparative fault (51% bar)
Fault System
Directly affects how damages are calculated
2 years
Statute of Limitations
Time to file from date of injury
At-Fault (Tort)
Auto Insurance System
At-fault driver's insurer liable
Colorado Injury Cases — By the Numbers
52,000 cases/yr
PI Cases Filed Annually
$49,500
Average Settlement
$30,000
Median Settlement
47%
Plaintiff Trial Win Rate
15 mo
Avg. Time to Settle
Motor Vehicle Accident
Top Injury Type
12 mo
Civil Court Backlog
34%
Avg. Contingency Fee
Key Facts About Colorado Injury Law
Colorado applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar under C.R.S. § 13-21-111 — if you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages; below that threshold your award is reduced proportionally by your share of fault.
Colorado requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under C.R.S. § 10-4-706, providing up to $5,000 in no-fault medical benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Colorado is 2 years under C.R.S. § 13-80-102; however, claims against government entities must comply with the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act and 182-day notice requirements.
Colorado Personal Injury Law Overview
Colorado uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar, so an injured party who bears majority fault cannot recover. The state mandates PIP coverage in auto policies, providing some no-fault medical benefits even in a primarily tort-based system. The statute of limitations is 2 years for personal injury. Colorado courts see significant litigation from skiing and outdoor recreation accidents under the Colorado Ski Safety Act, which limits ski resort liability in some circumstances. Premises liability claims against landowners are governed by C.R.S. § 13-21-115, which distinguishes between trespasser, licensee, and invitee standards. Colorado caps noneconomic damages in personal injury cases at $250,000 (adjustable for inflation), with a higher cap of $500,000 available upon clear and convincing evidence of extraordinary circumstances. Sovereign immunity protections apply to government entity claims, requiring strict compliance with the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.