Colorado Bodily Injury Insurance
If you’re a driver in Colorado, understanding bodily injury insurance is important for protecting yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. This type of insurance helps cover medical expenses when someone is hurt in a car accident.
In this article, we’ll break down what bodily injury insurance is, what Colorado law requires, and how it helps you after a crash.
What Is Bodily Injury Insurance?
Bodily injury insurance is a type of liability coverage that pays for injuries you cause to other people in a car accident. If you are found at fault in a crash, this insurance helps pay for the medical bills, lost wages, and even legal fees of the people who got hurt.
Accidents can lead to expensive medical treatments. Without bodily injury insurance, you could be held personally responsible for those costs. This coverage protects your finances and gives peace of mind knowing you’re prepared.
Colorado’s Minimum Insurance Requirements
In Colorado, all drivers are legally required to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury liability insurance. As of 2024, the required minimum coverage is:
- $25,000 per person injured
- $50,000 total for all people injured in one accident
This is often written as 25/50 coverage. While the law sets minimum limits, many experts recommend buying more than the minimum. A serious accident can quickly exceed $50,000 in medical costs. Higher limits provide extra protection in case you’re sued or the injuries are severe.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
If you drive without the required coverage in Colorado, you could face:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Points on your license
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Higher insurance rates in the future
Staying properly insured helps you avoid these penalties and keeps you legal on the road.
What Does Bodily Injury Insurance Cover?
If you cause an accident, your bodily injury insurance can help pay for:
- Emergency medical care (ambulance, ER visits)
- Surgery and hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Lost income if the injured person can’t work
- Legal defense costs if you are sued
This insurance protects other people who are hurt in an accident you caused. It does not cover your own injuries. For that, you’d need Medical Payments Coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which are separate policies.
When and How Bodily Injury Insurance Pays Out
After an accident, the injured person will usually file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurer investigates the accident to determine who was at fault. If you are found responsible, your bodily injury policy will pay out up to your policy limits. If the injury costs go over your policy limit, you may have to pay the remaining amount yourself.
That’s why many drivers choose higher limits like 100/300 (which covers $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident). Having enough coverage helps protect your personal savings, home, and future earnings in case of a major lawsuit.
Bodily Injury vs. Other Types of Auto Insurance
Bodily injury insurance covers people who are hurt. Property damage liability covers cars, buildings, fences, or other items damaged in a crash you caused. Both are part of liability coverage, but they handle different things. Bodily injury covers others’ injuries.
MedPay or Medical Payments Coverage helps pay for your own injuries, no matter who caused the accident. In Colorado, MedPay is optional but highly recommended.
Why You Might Need More Than the Minimum
Even a small accident can result in large medical bills. Imagine hitting a car with three passengers, all of whom need emergency care. The minimum 25/50 coverage could be used up quickly, leaving you responsible for the rest.
If you’re sued for more than your insurance covers, a court can go after your savings, paycheck, or property. Having higher limits can help you avoid this risk.
Stay Protected on Colorado’s Roads
Bodily injury insurance is more than a legal requirement in Colorado—it’s a critical part of being a responsible driver. It protects you from financial disaster and ensures that those injured in an accident you cause can get the care they need. Consider raising your coverage limits for added peace of mind.
If you have questions or need help after an accident, contact Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Injury Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706
With the right preparation and a common-sense approach to hiking, there’s no reason you can’t stay safe and have a fun and memorable experience amid the natural beauty Colorado is known for.
If you suffer an injury along the way because of the negligent or malicious behavior of others, a qualified attorney can help you understand your legal options.
For more information, please contact the Denver personal injury lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
Find us with our Geocoordinates: 39.75208145814397, -105.00017355026108
About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO
