Did you know that there is a certain amount of time after a car accident that you are legally allowed to file any claims? Understanding the statute of limitations for car accidents in Colorado is essential for knowing how and when to fail claims.
What is a statute of limitations?
Statute of limitations refers to a set amount of time that you have in order to file a legal case on an injury claim against a negligent party. After this time, you can no longer seek claim for any monetary damages from the at-fault party. Consulting with a car accident injury lawyer will help you be sure that you receive appropriate compensation before it’s too late.
What is the Colorado statute of limitations for car accidents?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accidents is three years from the date of the accident. If you are filing a claim against the responsible party, you will have to do so within the first three years following the accident or your claim will be barred under the protection of the statute of limitations.
Who is affected by the statute of limitations?
Anyone who was impacted by the car accident has a case that they may choose to claim. This includes drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians and each of those affected parties are entitled to file a claim. Each of those affected parties must also do so within three years of the accident.
When does the statute of limitations start running?
Generally speaking, the timeline for the statute of limitations begins running on the date of the accident. As always, there are explicit terms on the application of the law and may, in certain special instances, be exceptions to this rule. Contacting a car accident lawyer is advised so that you have the benefit of expertise on your side.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations?
There are some injuries that are not immediately known or apparent. In Colorado, it is acceptable to report an injury prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The report of the injury should be made quickly, even if recovery has not been made as of yet. It is wise to contact the best lawyer for a car accident claim.
Are there any exceptions to the statute of limitations?
In the event of extenuating circumstances, and with ample evidence, the statute of limitations may possibly be extended. For example, if a minor was involved in the accident and he/ she is not the age of requirement within the three years that define the statute of limitations, an extension may be honored. In the event of wrongful death in a hit-and-run accident, the family of the deceased may have four years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Additionally, there are circumstances when the statute of limitations is shorter than three years. In certain other accidents that caused “wrongful death,” legal claims must be filed within two years of the accident. Because there can be other exceptions to the statute of limitations, it is wise to have a car accident lawyer assisting you with the process.
How can I file a car accident claim in Colorado?
If you have a car accident lawyer, they will handle all of this for you. Either way, the at-fault driver’s car insurance will be shared with the investigating police officer and will be on the police report. The driver’s insurance company should be notified of the accident as soon as possible both to file the claim for damages to the vehicles but also to file an injury claim. You should also notify your own insurance company, too.
Why is it important to file a car accident claim within the statute of limitations?
If you want to receive compensation for the damages caused by a car accident, it is required that you file a claim within the statute of limitations, which for most scenarios is three years. If you do not file the lawsuit, you forfeit your ability to hold the at-fault driver responsible for any and all damages or injuries.
The best lawyer for car accident claims in the Fort Collins area is Hadfield Stieben Doutt. After an initial consult with them, they will help with everything from filing your claim to advising you of your legal rights and how to protect them. You can schedule a free consultation and explore the options you have and will meet the deadline required by the statute of limitations. If you are looking for the best lawyer for car accident claims, get in touch today and receive the helping hand that you need.