Colorado's comparative negligence law directly affects how much compensation you can recover in a personal injury case. Here's what you need to know.
The 50% Bar Rule
Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means:
- If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
How It Works in Practice
Suppose you're in a car accident and suffer $100,000 in damages. The jury finds you 20% at fault (maybe you were going 5 mph over the speed limit) and the other driver 80% at fault (they ran a red light). Your recovery would be $80,000 — reduced by your 20% share of fault.
Why This Matters
Insurance companies will try to shift blame onto you to reduce their payout. That's why having experienced trial attorneys who can demonstrate the other party's full responsibility is critical. We regularly deal with these arguments and know how to counter them effectively.