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Colorado Springs Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Written by Timothy R. Bussey · Reviewed by Benjamin Wilcox · Last updated 3 September 2026

Key Takeaways

Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
Who is liable: Usually the driver behind, because Colorado requires a following driver to keep a safe distance and to be able to stop for whatever the traffic ahead does.
If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

What is the average payout for a rear-end collision?

There is no average worth quoting, and the reason matters: rear-end collisions range from a scuffed bumper to a spinal fusion, and the figures published as averages mix the two.

What sets the number is the medical picture (economic loss is uncapped), the noneconomic cap of $1,500,000 for claims accruing on or after 1 January 2025 under C.R.S. 13-21-102.5(3)(a)(II), and the available coverage. Low-speed rear-enders are the claims insurers dispute hardest, because minor vehicle damage is used to argue there was no real injury.

Who is at fault in a rear-end collision?

Usually the driver behind, because Colorado requires a following driver to keep a safe distance and to be able to stop for whatever the traffic ahead does.

That presumption is strong enough that most rear-end claims turn on damages rather than on liability — but it is a presumption, not a rule, and it is rebuttable. The physical evidence that rebuts it is the same evidence that proves it: damage height and depth, brake-light condition, the resting positions of every vehicle involved, and the event-data recorders in both cars.

Injured in a Colorado Springs Rear-End Accident?

Recovering compensation after a rear-end collision can feel like an uphill battle. Insurance companies are only interested in keeping their profit margins up, so they may offer you a low settlement or just deny your claim. If you try to take on a big insurance company on your own, the adjuster can ignore your emails, blame you for the accident, and dismiss your claim.

But The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., is well-versed in dealing with insurance companies. If you bring your claim to one of our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers, we will do the heavy lifting of getting you compensation. We have years of experience investigating collisions, working with auto accident experts, and negotiating with insurance companies. As trial attorneys, we are not afraid to take cases to court to get our clients the money they deserve.

If you or someone you love was injured in a rear-end collision in Colorado Springs, contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., at (719) 475-2555 to discuss you case in a free consultation.

Colorado Rear-End Accident Case Results

$100,000 - Rear-End Collision
$78,500 - Motorcycle Rear-End Accident
$50,000 - Rear-End Accident
$20,000 - Rear-End Car Accident

View more case results.

Get Full Compensation for Your Injuries

If you were injured in a rear-end collision that was not your fault, you deserve full compensation for your trauma. Insurance companies treat rear-end collisions as minor accidents, but there is nothing minor about suffering a brain injury or broken bones because of a negligent driver. After a crash, you should not have to fight tooth and nail to get your medical bills paid. Instead, let The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., handle your claim for you.

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our Colorado Springs rear-end collision attorneys have years of experience fighting back against dismissive insurance companies for our clients. We can sit down with you in a free consultation, learn how your injuries have affected your life, and fight to get you the highest possible amount. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 to learn what we can do for you during a free consultation.

These Crashes Are More Than Just Fender-Benders

Rear-end collisions are often dismissed as mere fender-benders, but these accidents can result in serious trauma. Most cases occur when the front car is stopped at a light or slowing down on a highway, while the car behind them is still traveling at high speeds. Even if the rear driver slams on the brakes, he could still cause catastrophic damage to the front vehicle -- even a multi-car accident.

Airbags are specifically designed to deploy when the front of a vehicle is struck, so they are less likely to deploy in the front vehicle during a rear-end collision. This can lead to the front driver striking the steering wheel or dashboard and suffering severe head wounds. In turn, passengers have little protection beyond seatbelts. This lack of protection can lead to catastrophic injuries for all the front-vehicle occupants, such as:

What Are Some Causes of Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions are common at crowded intersections where multiple vehicles are stopped and waiting at lights. While approaching driver should know to slow down and come to safe stops, there are several negligent behaviors that can cause serious collisions, including:

Distracted driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
Aggressive driving
Tailgating
Speeding
Dangerous lane changes

Who’s Liable in a Multi-Car Accident in Colorado Springs?

If another driver rear-ended you because he wasn’t paying attention, then that driver can be found liable for all of your injuries. However, if multiple vehicles are involved, liability may be split among various drivers.

For example, let’s say a driver was speeding and rear-ends a car at a stoplight: that first driver has sole liability for injuries to people in the car. Now, let’s say that the driver who was struck was pushed forward into the vehicle in front of him. The frontmost driver may be able to recover compensation from both rear drivers’ insurance companies. If you were the middle driver, you may still be able to recover compensation from the rear driver for causing your injuries.

Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning accident victims can recover compensation so long as they are not found to be more than 50% at fault for their own injuries. By working with an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., you can minimize the amount of fault assigned to you and fight to get the highest possible award.

What Damages Can You Get?

Rear-end collisions should never be dismissed as minor, especially if you suffered a serious injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. The costs of these injuries go far beyond damage to a vehicle, such as emergency room bills, weeks to months of lost wages, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. It is important to include every cost you have suffered after a car or motorcycle collision to ensure you get the most out of a claim.

In the state of Colorado, accident victims can recover compensation for:

All medical expenses, including past and future bills
Lost wages from taking time off work to recover
Lost earning potential if you had to change careers
Disabilities
Disfigurements
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life

If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, call a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 to discuss your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions for Rear-End Collision Injuries in Colorado Springs, CO

When you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision in Colorado Springs, it’s natural to have questions about your rights, the legal process, and how to seek compensation for your injuries. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand your concerns and are here to provide you with answers. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

What should I do immediately after a rear-end collision?

After a rear-end collision, the first steps are ensuring your safety and well-being. If you can do so safely, move your vehicle to the side of the road and call 911 for medical assistance and law enforcement. Collect information from the other driver, any witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.

Do I need to seek medical attention, even if I feel fine?

Yes, it’s crucial to seek medical attention even if you don’t initially feel injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation can identify any hidden injuries and provide documentation for your claim.

How do I determine liability in a rear-end collision?

Liability in rear-end collisions is often straightforward, as the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is typically considered at fault. However, determining liability can still be complex in some cases, so it’s essential to consult with an attorney to fully understand your situation.

Can I file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company?

Yes, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses. It’s advisable to work with an attorney to navigate the claims process effectively.

What damages can I recover in a rear-end collision injury case?

In a rear-end collision injury case, you may be eligible to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. The specific damages depend on the circumstances of your case.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Colorado Springs?

In Colorado Springs, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those resulting from rear-end collisions, is typically three years. It’s essential to consult with an attorney and file your claim within this timeframe to protect your rights.

Can I negotiate with the insurance company on my own?

While you can negotiate with the insurance company on your own, it’s advisable to have an experienced attorney by your side. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your settlement, but an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

How can The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. help me with my rear-end collision injury case?

The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. has a dedicated team of Colorado Springs Rear-End Collision Lawyers with extensive experience in handling such cases. We can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to maximize your compensation. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and receive legal assistance.

When is a rear-end collision not your fault?

When the driver in front created the situation. The recognised exceptions are a lead driver who reversed into you, stopped abruptly for no reason, cut in and braked, had no working brake lights, or was themselves pushed into you by a third vehicle in a chain. Each one is proved with physical evidence rather than argument: damage patterns, bulb filament examination, dashcam, and the resting positions of every vehicle in the chain.

How long do I have to file this claim in Colorado?

Three years from the crash, because this is a tort action for bodily injury arising out of the use of a motor vehicle under C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n) — a year longer than Colorado's general tort deadline. If a city, county, district or state vehicle or roadway is involved, a far shorter clock governs first: written notice within 182 days under C.R.S. 24-10-109(1), which that statute calls "a jurisdictional prerequisite" whose failure "shall forever bar any such action".

What does a rear-end collision claim cost to pursue?

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless there is a recovery. A rear-end collision review is free and the firm is paid a percentage of what it recovers rather than by the hour, so asking costs nothing. Call (719) 475-2555.

What injuries follow a rear-end impact?

Neck and back injuries above all, and they routinely present a day or two later once the adrenaline has gone. That delay is what insurers use to argue the injury came from something else, so being examined the same day is worth more than it seems.

Who is liable if I was pushed into the car ahead?

The driver who struck you, not you. In a chain collision the vehicle at the back usually carries the liability for everything in front of it.

Where is a rear-end claim filed?

In the El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 — the district court serving El Paso County. Most rear-end claims settle without a court appearance, but the filing venue is what sets the deadline that matters.

Why does the insurer offer so quickly on these?

Because liability is obvious and the injuries are not yet documented. An early offer in a rear-end case is an offer made before anyone knows what the injury is.

What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?

Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.

Colorado deadlines and rules that apply to this claim
A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle	3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)
Most other personal injury claims	2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102
If you were partly at fault	Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111
Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed	El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Sources and References

Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.