If you’ve been injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or any other accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. But Colorado law doesn’t give you unlimited time to file a claim. Missing the legal deadline—called the statute of limitations—could mean losing your right to recover anything.
Here’s what you need to know about how long you have to file a personal injury claim in Colorado, plus some key exceptions and tips to protect your rights.
The General Rule: Two Years for Most Personal Injury Claims
In Colorado, the standard time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury. This applies to most incidents involving:
That means you have two years to file a lawsuit in civil court. If you try to file even one day late, your case may be dismissed automatically.
Car Accidents: Three-Year Deadline
There’s a key exception: if your injury happened in a motor vehicle accident, Colorado gives you three years from the date of the crash to file a claim. This includes:
Even if your injuries didn’t show up right away, the clock still starts ticking on the date of the accident in most cases.
Injuries Involving Government Entities: Shorter Notice Required
If your injury was caused by a government employee or agency (like slipping in a city building or being hit by a government vehicle), Colorado requires you to file a notice of claim within 180 days (about six months) of the incident.
This is separate from the statute of limitations. If you miss this early notice deadline, you may lose your right to sue—even if you still have time under the two- or three-year rule.
What If You Don’t Discover the Injury Right Away?
In some cases, injuries or the cause of the injury aren’t discovered right away. Colorado’s “discovery rule” may extend the deadline, giving you time from when you reasonably should have known you were hurt due to someone else’s actions.
For example, if a surgical error wasn’t discovered until months later, the two-year clock might not start until the date you discovered the issue.
Still, there are limits on how far this can go. If you’re unsure when your time started, talk to a personal injury attorney right away.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File
Even though you may have years to file your personal injury claim, waiting too long can hurt your case. Here’s why:
- Evidence disappears — Surveillance footage may be deleted, witnesses forget details, and accident scenes change.
- Insurance companies get aggressive — The longer you wait, the more skeptical insurers become.
- Medical records may not fully document the injury’s cause — Especially if there’s a delay in seeking treatment.
- You may miss important pre-lawsuit requirements — Like notice deadlines or claim forms.
Talk to a Colorado Injury Attorney Today
Time limits for personal injury cases in Colorado can be tricky—especially with exceptions, discovery rules, and government claims. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your rights and building a strong case.
At Veritas Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines. We’ve helped countless Coloradans get the compensation they deserve—and we’re ready to help you too.
📞 Call 970.292.7171 today
📧 Or schedule a free case review online
