Uninsured Drivers in Colorado Springs: Are You Financially Protected?
A moment that no driver wants to experience: the aftermath of a car crash in Colorado Springs. It’s even more devastating when you discover that the other driver doesn’t have insurance.
With medical bills, lost income, and vehicle damage piling up, you may be left wondering who pays when the at-fault driver can’t. The answer often lies in your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured Drivers in Colorado Springs
Despite strict insurance requirements in Colorado, uninsured and underinsured drivers are a real problem across the state. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. are uninsured.
With rising premiums and economic pressures, many drivers in Colorado Springs car accidents are either uninsured or carry the minimum liability coverage, which may not be enough to cover serious injuries.
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, recovering full compensation becomes significantly harder—unless you’ve taken steps in advance to protect yourself.
Understanding Car Insurance Laws in Colorado
Colorado is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. By law, Colorado requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
These minimums, however, are often inadequate in serious accidents. Worse, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, these protections go out the window, leaving victims without a clear path to recovery unless they’ve opted into additional coverage.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM) steps in when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance to cover your damages. This coverage is not automatically included in every policy, but insurance companies in Colorado are required to offer it to every policyholder.
UM/UIM coverage can pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs (in fatal crashes)
- Other accident-related losses
If you decline this coverage, you must do so in writing. If you didn’t knowingly waive it, your policy may still provide protection even if your insurer claims otherwise.
UM vs. UIM: What’s the Difference?
Both types of coverage serve to protect you but in slightly different scenarios.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but it’s not enough to cover your damages.
In both cases, your insurance company effectively takes the place of the other driver’s insurer, stepping in to cover your injuries and losses up to the limits of your policy.
PIP—Personal Injury Protection in Colorado
Colorado does not require personal injury protection (PIP). While PIP can provide coverage for immediate medical expenses regardless of fault, it’s limited in scope—as it offers only partial protection in serious crashes and is not a substitute for comprehensive UM/UIM coverage.
To be truly financially protected in the event of a car accident with an uninsured driver, UM coverage in Colorado is a critical safeguard.
How Do UM/UIM Claims Work?
Filing a UM or UIM claim is not always straightforward. Although you’re working with your own insurer, you are now in an adversarial position—essentially asking them to give you a settlement on a claim as if they were the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
1. Gather Evidence
After a crash, document everything, such as police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical records. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
2. File Promptly
Colorado insurance policies often have contractual deadlines for UM/UIM claims. This means if you wait too long, you may forfeit your rights.
3. Negotiate Carefully
Just because it’s your own insurer doesn’t mean they’ll hand over a fair settlement. Insurance companies are still profit-driven and may dispute the value of your claim or argue about liability.
4. Work with a Personal Injury Attorney
Having legal counsel on your side helps level the playing field. For example, an attorney can manage communications with the insurer, ensure deadlines are met, and build a compelling case for full compensation.
What If the At-Fault Driver Flees the Scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are treated similarly to those involving uninsured drivers. If you cannot identify the other driver, your UM coverage becomes vital. These cases require quick action, such as reporting the accident to the police and notifying your insurer as soon as possible.
A personal injury lawyer can help you document your efforts and build a claim that holds up under scrutiny, even if the at-fault party remains unknown.
Common Roadblocks in UM/UIM Claims
Even with valid coverage, insurance companies may push back. Common tactics include:
- Claiming your injuries aren’t related to the accident
- Disputing the value of your medical care or future treatment
- Delaying responses or using bad-faith tactics to avoid payment
In these situations, an attorney who understands the car insurance laws in Colorado can make a significant difference. With the right strategy and documentation, many of these disputes can be resolved through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.
What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver
If you’ve been in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, here’s what to do:
- Call 911, as a police report is crucial.
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor.
- Gather info, such as photos, witness contacts, and insurance info (if any).
- Notify your insurance by filing an initial report, but be cautious about providing detailed statements.
- Talk to a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer, especially if you plan to file a UM/UIM claim.
How to Protect Yourself Before a Crash Happens
Many drivers only learn about the importance of uninsured motorist coverage in Colorado after it’s too late. But taking steps today can protect your future.
- Review your policy. Make sure you have adequate UM/UIM coverage.
- Consider increasing your limits. Medical bills and lost wages can easily exceed minimums.
- Understand your insurer’s obligations. Know what you’re entitled to under the law.
Speak with a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a Colorado Springs car accident and the at-fault driver is uninsured or fled the scene, contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., right away. We’ve been helping people in Colorado Springs for over 30 years.
Timothy Bussey has been featured in Super Lawyers Magazine and is recognized as a Fellow by the Litigation Counsel of America. He has also received a Gold Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell.
Call (719) 475-2555 to schedule a FREE consultation with a Colorado Springs uninsured motorist accident attorney at our personal injury firm. You won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.
