Clear, sourced information about what happens after a Colorado crash
There is no metal between a person on foot and a vehicle, and the claims reflect that.
The short answer
Right of way decides most pedestrian claims, and Colorado’s comparative fault rule means the answer is rarely all or nothing.Whether the crossing was marked, whether a signal was showing, whether the person stepped out mid-block — these are the facts drivers’ insurers press on. Colorado apportions fault, so a pedestrian who was partly careless is not automatically out.
The driver’s liability cover first. When the driver has the minimum and the injuries are catastrophic, a pedestrian’s own auto policy — including uninsured motorist cover — can still apply even though they were not in a car.
Uninsured motorist cover is designed for exactly this. Report the crash, and preserve everything: doorbell and business camera footage is overwritten within days.
Colorado reduces damages in proportion to the injured person’s share of fault, and bars recovery altogether once that share is as great as the fault of the person being sued — half the blame, where there is a single defendant. C.R.S. § 13-21-111(1) verified 2026-09-14
Uninsured and underinsured motorist cover is added to every Colorado policy automatically, matched to your liability limits, unless you reject it in writing. C.R.S. § 10-4-609 verified 2026-09-11
Colorado State Patrol says crashes must be reported immediately to the agency with jurisdiction. Colorado State Patrol, crash information needs review
In Colorado, a claim for injury or property damage arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle must be brought within three years. C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n) verified 2026-09-11
Every statement on this page traces to one of the sources below. Where the text was read somewhere other than the body that issued it, that is noted.
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