What Can You Do if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured in Colorado?

 Posted on April 23, 2025 in Car Accident

Auto accidents can result in devastating consequences, especially for the victims of reckless drivers. Colorado has a fault-based system for auto accident cases, allowing you to hold the party responsible for your accident accountable for the damages.

The case becomes slightly more complex when the party at fault was driving uninsured. If you suffered losses in a car accident with an uninsured driver, a Fort Collins, CO auto accident attorney will listen to the details of your case and explain what you can do to recover damages.

How Does Fault-Based Insurance Work?

Anyone who owns and operates a vehicle in Colorado must carry liability insurance. According to the state’s mandatory automobile insurance laws, the minimum requirements cover maximum amounts for bodily injury or death to anyone involved in the accident and property damage. For example, if you caused an accident that resulted in someone else’s injury, the other party would file a claim for damages with your insurance. However, what happens when the driver who is responsible for the accident does not have insurance coverage?

Can You File a Claim Through Your Own Insurance?

Sometimes, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to recover compensation for the same damages you would claim through an at-fault party’s insurance. Some recoverable economic and non-economic damages common to car accidents include:

• Medical costs related to injuries

• Missed wages or loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering from injuries and treatment

• Damaged property

When your insurance is not enough, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to make them pay for the remaining costs. However, uninsured drivers commonly do not have the means to financially compensate you. Even if you win, it may be challenging to get them to pay.

Could Someone Else Be Liable?

Under specific circumstances, a third party could be liable for the accident and resulting damages. For example, if the driver who hit you was working at the time, their employer could be at fault, or if the accident was the result of a malfunctioning vehicle, the manufacturer could be liable. These cases are often much more complicated than a typical auto accident case, but an experienced personal injury lawyer will know where to look for evidence to support your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Fort Collins, CO Auto Accident Attorney

If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a reckless driver without insurance, you need an experienced Larimer County, CO uninsured driver accident lawyer from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. to help you navigate the claim process and explain the best available legal recourse for recovering your losses. These accidents can have terrible consequences, but facing them alone is not your only option. Call 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation today. Se habla Español.