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

After a serious car accident in Colorado Springs, your focus is often on recovery, not paperwork or legal deadlines. However, if you plan to pursue compensation for your injuries, lost wages, or property damage, you must act quickly. Colorado law sets strict time limits, known as the statute of limitations, for filing car accident claims. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to recover anything at all.

At Pribila & Fields, our experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorneys help clients navigate these deadlines and protect their right to fair compensation. Here’s what you need to know about how long you have to file a car accident claim in Colorado Springs and why it’s so important to start the process early.

The Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Colorado

In most personal injury cases, Colorado law gives victims three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for injuries or property damage caused by a motor vehicle collision. This three-year limit applies whether you’re filing against another driver’s insurance company or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in court.

This time frame is set by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-101(1)(n). It specifically covers “all actions for bodily injury or property damage arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle.” If your claim isn’t filed before the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong the evidence or how serious your injuries.

There are some exceptions, but they’re rare. For instance, if the injured person was a minor at the time of the crash or was mentally incapacitated, the clock may be paused (“tolled”) until they are legally able to file a claim. Even then, it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to confirm your timeline.

Different Deadlines for Wrongful Death and Property Damage Claims

Not all car accident claims fall under the same time limits. The type of claim you file affects how much time you have:

• Personal Injury Claims: You generally have 3 years from the date of the crash to file.
• Wrongful Death Claims: If someone dies as a result of a car accident, surviving family members usually have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Property Damage Claims: The same 3-year statute of limitations applies to property damage claims for your vehicle or personal belongings.

Because each case type follows a specific deadline, it’s essential to understand which one applies to your situation. A skilled attorney can determine the appropriate timeline and make sure no filing deadlines are missed.

Why Acting Quickly Matters After a Car Accident

Even though three years might sound like plenty of time, delaying your claim can seriously hurt your case. Insurance companies often begin investigating accidents within days. If you wait too long, critical evidence can disappear; skid marks fade, witnesses move away, and surveillance footage gets deleted.

Starting your claim early allows your attorney to:

• Collect police reports, medical records, and crash scene evidence.
• Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh.
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters from a position of strength.
• Prepare a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t possible.

Additionally, Colorado’s comparative negligence rule means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. Acting quickly gives your lawyer time to build a strong case proving the other party’s liability and protecting your right to recover full damages.

Exceptions That Can Change the Deadline

While the standard rule is three years, certain circumstances can extend or shorten your filing period. Examples include:

• Claims against government entities: If your crash involved a city, county, or state vehicle (such as a police car or snowplow), you must file a written notice within 182 days (about 6 months) under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
• Hit-and-run or uninsured driver cases: If you must rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you still need to notify your insurer quickly and may face separate policy deadlines.
• Delayed discovery of injuries: In rare situations where injuries weren’t immediately apparent, the clock may start when you discovered (or should have discovered) the harm.

Because exceptions can be complex and easily misunderstood, consulting a lawyer soon after your accident is the safest way to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

How Our Attorneys Help Protect Your Right to Compensation

At Pribila & Fields, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies after a crash. Our legal team handles all the details so you can focus on healing. When you work with us, we will:

• Investigate the cause of your accident and gather crucial evidence.
• Calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical care and lost income.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers to reach a fair settlement.
• File a lawsuit within the statute of limitations if the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve.

Our attorneys have decades of combined experience representing car accident victims throughout Colorado Springs, and we’re dedicated to ensuring every client’s case is filed on time and handled properly.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Recover Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the clock is already ticking. Waiting too long could cost you the compensation you need to recover and move forward. At Pribila & Fields, we’ll help you understand your legal options and ensure your claim is filed before the deadline expires.

To discuss your case with a knowledgeable Colorado Springs car accident lawyer, contact us today. We’re here to help you protect your rights, meet critical deadlines, and pursue the justice you deserve.