This calculator estimates what a truck accident injury claim could be worth under Colorado law. It applies Colorado’s 50% bar rule, the three-year deadline to file suit and the insurance that usually pays, then shows the math line by line, including what you might take home after a lawyer’s fee.
Colorado caps non-economic damages, and the calculator applies the cap when your pain and suffering estimate passes it.
Colorado rules behind this estimate
Fault. Colorado uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar. Your award drops by your share of fault, and at 50% or more you recover nothing, so an even split leaves you with nothing. Insurers know this, so expect them to argue your share up.
Deadline. You have three years from the crash to file a lawsuit in Colorado. Three years for injuries from a motor vehicle crash; two years for most other injuries. A claim against a city, county or state agency usually needs written notice much sooner, sometimes within months. Missing the deadline almost always ends the claim, and with it your leverage to settle.
Insurance. Colorado is an at-fault state, so the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays your claim. Drivers must carry at least $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per crash and $15,000 for property damage, written 25/50/15.
Damage caps. $1.5 million on non-economic damages for claims that arose on or after January 1, 2025.
Colorado truck accident questions
How much insurance do trucking companies carry?
Interstate trucks hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 of liability coverage under federal rules, oil haulers $1 million and most hazardous materials $5 million. Many carriers buy more. Trucks that stay inside one state can follow lower state limits.
Can I still claim if I was partly at fault in Colorado?
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage, and at 50% or more you recover nothing.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Colorado?
three years from the crash to file a lawsuit. Report the claim to the insurers within days.
Is Colorado a no-fault state?
No. Colorado is an at-fault state, so you claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, or your own coverage if theirs is too low.
Does Colorado cap pain and suffering damages?
Yes. $1.5 million on non-economic damages for claims that arose on or after January 1, 2025.