In Colorado, you typically have three years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit. Colorado law sets that deadline for tort claims arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle. Waiting too long will permanently prevent you from bringing the claim.
There are some special circumstances or exceptions that can affect how long after a car accident you can sue. For example, claims against government organizations have shorter time limits. Our legal team can help you understand your specific timeline.
Heuser & Heuser, LLP, has protected the rights of injured accident victims since 1996. Call to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our car accident lawyers in Colorado Springs can help. Our team is ready to get to work for you.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Colorado?
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing your lawsuit. In Colorado, most car accident claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. This is longer than the two-year rule that governs many other injury cases in the state.
Missing this deadline will prevent you from taking legal action, even if you have serious injuries. It’s important to know your case’s timeline to protect your right to compensation. Our legal team is ready to help you understand your case and find the best way to move forward.
Our attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP, can review the details of your crash and confirm the exact timeline that governs your claim. We will keep your claim on track and help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (719) 520-9909
When Does the Clock Start Running?
With most car accidents, the three-year statute of limitations begins on the date of your crash. This is the date your injury is understood to have occurred, and most accident victims are well aware that they have been hurt. However, that isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, injuries are not immediately apparent. This can be true for things like internal bleeding and even some traumatic brain injuries. In this case, the date your deadline begins counting down is the date you become aware of, or should have become aware of, your injury.
Don’t assume how long you have to file your claim after a serious car crash. Heuser & Heuser, LLP, can review when your injuries first appeared and identify the correct deadline for your car accident claim.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Colorado
While the time limit for filing most lawsuits related to a motor vehicle accident is three years, specific situations may affect the deadline or when your limitations period begins. Our attorneys will help you understand how to file a car accident claim in Colorado.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In Colorado, you generally have two years from the decedent’s death date to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if the death is the result of vehicular homicide or the accident was a hit-and-run, you might have up to four years to take legal action.
Claims Against Government Entities
Under Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act, you must provide the government with written notice of your claim within 182 days of discovering your injury. For example, if a police car negligently caused an accident and you are injured, failing to provide timely notice will prevent you from bringing the claim.
Minors and Incapacitated Persons
Rules are different in Colorado for minors or incapacitated individuals. These rules can affect claim deadlines. It’s important to consider the injured person’s age and circumstances when determining the correct deadline.
Defendant’s Absence or Concealment
If the defendant is outside Colorado or cannot be located, the statute of limitations may be paused until the defendant is found and/or returns to Colorado.
Do not wait to get legal help after your accident. While these timelines may seem distant, personal injury cases, such as car accident claims, can be complex and time-consuming. Heuser & Heuser, LLP, will keep your case moving forward.
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Get Help from Our Legal Team After a Car Accident
After a car accident in Colorado, you generally have three years to sue the at-fault driver for damages. However, there can be exceptions depending on the specifics of your accident. If you miss the deadline set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your right to take legal action.
Our attorneys can review your case and help you understand the timeline you must work with. We will work to hold the negligent party accountable and seek the full compensation you are entitled to. Don’t wait to get in touch.
Our team at Heuser & Heuser, LLP, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured accident victims in Colorado. We will be your advocates when you are hurt in a car crash. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us what happened.
Reviewed by Brennan Heuser | September 2026
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