Levine Law Accident Attorneys – Fort Collins 155 East Boardwalk Drive #400, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Call us (970) 413-8533
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Do I need a Fort Collins car accident lawyer after a crash?Yes. A Fort Collins personal injury lawyer helps you deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, and file your claim before Colorado’s three-year deadline under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n) expires. Levine Law’s local attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured drivers and passengers along corridors like I-25 and College Avenue. |
If you were hurt in a car accident in Fort Collins, or you lost a loved one in a crash, our Fort Collins car accident attorneys are ready to help. As a trusted personal injury law firm, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across northern Colorado, and we know the roads, courts, and insurance adjusters you’re up against. You can meet with an attorney at our office on East Boardwalk Drive, or we’ll come to you.
Levine Law has proudly represented injured Coloradans for over 20 years, earning a reputation for trusted legal advocacy and strong results. Our history of success is demonstrated through our case results, the positive experiences shared in our client reviews, and the awards and recognition our attorneys have received for their work.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win compensation on your behalf. Ready to talk? Contact us online or by phone today. You can also browse other blogs and resources on Colorado car accident law.
Meet Your Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney
For more than 25 years, Founding Partner Jordan S. Levine and the attorneys at Levine Law have represented injured drivers, passengers, and families throughout Fort Collins and Larimer County. Our team has taken on insurance companies at the negotiating table and in court, including a Colorado Court of Appeals case that changed how insurers must handle penalty claims for delayed benefits. When you hire our firm, you get attorneys who know the local court system, not an out-of-state call center. As a Fort Collins auto accident attorney team, we build every case around the facts on the ground here in Larimer County.
Fort Collins Car Accident Statistics
Fort Collins sees thousands of car accidents every year, and city data shows exactly where and how they happen. According to the City of Fort Collins’ 2025 Safety in the City report, the most recent official crash analysis published by the city’s Traffic Operations department:
- Fort Collins recorded 3,036 total crashes in 2024, including 92 crashes involving a serious injury or fatality.
- 71% of all serious injury and fatal crashes happen at intersections, and rear-end collisions account for 42% of intersection crashes overall.
- The city’s High Injury Network, just 8% of Fort Collins’ streets, accounts for 63% of all serious-injury and fatal crashes, according to the City of Fort Collins Traffic Safety page.
- Motorcyclists account for just 2% of crashes but sustain 20% of serious injuries and fatalities. This shows how much more vulnerable riders are compared to drivers.
- In 2024, traffic crashes in Fort Collins cost society $211 million. This amount includes medical care, lost income, and property damage.
Crashes cluster on specific corridors. City safety data shows that S. College Ave., Harmony Road, Shields Street, Timberline Road, and Taft Hill Road are among the intersections with the highest number of crashes relative to their traffic volume. If your accident happened along one of these corridors or near I-25, that context can matter for how liability gets proven.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
After a car accident in Fort Collins, call 911, seek medical care, and document the scene before you talk to any insurance company. These steps protect both your health and your legal claim.
- Call 911. Fort Collins Police Services will dispatch an officer to create an accident report, which carries more weight with insurers than a self-filed report.
- Get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don’t show symptoms for days.
- Document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details and license plate numbers.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene or with an adjuster before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact a Fort Collins car accident lawyer before you accept any settlement offer.
If officers do not respond to the scene, Colorado law and city policy allow you to file a report yourself through the Colorado DMV Accident Report System, but only if the crash meets specific criteria (no injuries, no fatalities, no suspected DUI, and both drivers agree to the online process). Calling the police first is still the safer move whenever possible.
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What If You Were Partially at Fault?
If you were partially at fault for your Fort Collins car accident, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111 .
Here’s how it works: your total compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury finds you 20% responsible for a crash and awards $100,000 in damages, you’d recover $80,000. But if you’re found 50% or more at fault, Colorado’s “50% bar” rule blocks you from recovering anything.
Pitfall Alert: Insurance adjusters are aware of this rule. Many will try to assign you more fault than you deserve, even for small things like tailgating a bit or speeding just a few miles over the limit. A Fort Collins car accident attorney can dispute a high fault percentage. They do this by collecting independent evidence. This might include traffic camera footage from a nearby intersection or witness statements. It’s important to gather this evidence before the insurance company’s account is the only one recorded.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Collins
Car accidents in Fort Collins happen for many of the same reasons seen statewide, but local conditions play a role too. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use, which remains a leading factor in rear-end collisions
- Speeding, particularly on higher-volume corridors like College Avenue and Harmony Road
- Failure to yield at intersections, a major contributor to right-angle and approach-turn crashes
- Drunk or impaired driving, which continues to be a factor in a disproportionate share of fatal crashes citywide
- Weather-related hazards, including icy roads near Horsetooth Reservoir and mountain-adjacent routes during winter months
- Fatigue, especially among commuters and CSU-related traffic during peak class hours
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. The most common injuries our Fort Collins car accident attorneys see include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries, common in rear-end collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), even in crashes without direct head impact
- Spinal cord injuries, which can cause temporary or permanent paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures, especially in T-bone and high-speed collisions
- Internal injuries, which may not be immediately apparent after a crash
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and PTSD following a serious collision
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?
Liability for a Fort Collins car accident usually falls on the driver who caused the crash, but other parties may also share responsibility. Under Colorado’s fault-based system, proving liability means showing another party breached a duty of care and caused your injuries.
Potential liable parties include:
- The at-fault driver, for negligent, reckless, or distracted driving
- An employer, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash
- A vehicle manufacturer, if a defective part like faulty brakes contributed to the crash
- A government entity, if a road hazard or maintenance failure played a role
- An alcohol vendor, under Colorado’s dram shop law, if they served a visibly intoxicated driver
Can a Passenger File a Claim After a Fort Collins Car Accident?
Yes. Passengers injured in a Fort Collins car accident can file a claim against the at-fault driver, even if that driver was the passenger’s own friend or family member. Because passengers are rarely at fault for the crash itself, Colorado’s comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111 typically doesn’t reduce their compensation the way it might for a driver.
Passengers can get compensation in two ways. They can use the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance or their own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance. Depending on the policy, Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage may also help pay medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash, providing immediate financial assistance while the claim is pending. If more than one vehicle contributed to the crash, a passenger may have claims against multiple drivers.
Legal Tip from Our Attorneys
Passengers sometimes hesitate to file a claim against a driver they know personally, worried about damaging the relationship. Usually, the driver’s insurance company pays the claim, not the driver. So, seeking fair compensation often doesn’t lead to the personal conflict many expect.
Damages Available to Car Crash Victims
Car accident victims in Fort Collins may recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering, for physical and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life, for lasting limitations on daily activities
- Wrongful death damages, in fatal accident cases, for surviving family members
Colorado places limits on certain non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, and those caps are periodically adjusted. A Fort Collins accident lawyer can walk you through how these caps, and any exceptions, apply to your specific case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim
In Colorado, you have three years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n). This deadline applies to bodily injury and property damage claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, and it’s longer than the standard two-year deadline for most other personal injury claims in the state.
Pitfall Alert: If you miss this three-year deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Some exceptions can pause or extend the clock. These include claims involving minors or delayed discovery of injury. However, don’t count on an exception applying to your case. If your crash involved a government vehicle or employee, you have a shorter notice deadline. It’s often just 182 days due to the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. So, don’t wait to talk to a lawyer.
Why Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
You need a Fort Collins car accident lawyer because they protect your rights, deal with the insurance company, preserve critical evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on recovering. After a serious injury, most people are already dealing with medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about the future. You shouldn’t have to navigate a complex legal claim on your own.
Opponent Playbook: Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators. They work for the insurance company’s profit, not yours. In multi-vehicle crashes on roads like I-25 or College Avenue, adjusters often blame you. They might question your lane changes, following distance, or reaction times, especially if there’s no independent witness. A Fort Collins car accident attorney fights back against these tactics. They use accident reconstruction, medical documentation, and skilled negotiation. The insurance company respects their approach.
Our firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars. Our review shows that accident victims who hire an attorney often get much more than those who negotiate with insurers on their own.
The Car Accident Claim and Lawsuit Process
- Free consultation: We review the facts of your case and outline your legal options at no cost.
- Investigation: We gather police reports, medical records, and evidence from the accident scene.
- Insurance negotiation: We handle all communication with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
- Demand and settlement talks: We present a demand package backed by evidence of your damages.
- Litigation, if necessary: If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to trial.
What to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer
When comparing car accident attorneys Fort Collins has, look for:
- Local trial experience in Larimer County courts
- A track record of results, not just promises
- No fees unless you win, so legal help doesn’t add financial risk
- Direct communication, so you’re not passed between staff who don’t know your case
- Willingness to go to trial, not just settle quickly for a lower number
Choosing a car accident lawyer is an important decision, and you deserve a team with the experience, resources, and determination to pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to. At Levine Law, we’ve spent more than two decades helping Colorado accident victims move forward with confidence, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
What Our Clients Say
“Working with Levine Law about my case has truly been a blessing in disguise. My family and I had fallen upon very difficult times, and the staff made us feel very comfortable. They were extremely knowledgeable, quick, and always available for any concerns I had.” — Roger Lopez
“I had an amazing experience working with Jordan and Sarah. It only took one phone call and they were right on it, answering any questions I had. I was so pleased with this firm that I recommended my son-in-law.” — Denice Villalobos
“They helped me set up medical care. The physical therapy did wonders for my back. They got me a very fair settlement and I would recommend them highly.” — John Hutch
Read more Levine Law reviews from past clients.
Disclaimer: Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the outcome of any case. Every personal injury claim is different, and past results or experiences do not guarantee similar results in future cases.
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Call Levine Law Today at 303-333-8000 and Get Our Injury Lawyers Fighting for Your Rights.
Our Case Results
These results are part of why clients consistently rank us among the top-rated auto accident attorneys in Fort Collins:
| Result | Type | Case Summary |
| $2,600,000 | Settlement | Rollover motor vehicle accident causing partial paralysis; insurer initially denied benefits |
| $1,800,000 / $185,000 | Settlement | Teacher and her husband rear-ended by a truck, requiring multiple back surgeries |
| $1,300,000 | Settlement | Driver ran a red light and broke the client’s leg |
| $925,000 | Settlement | Pedestrian struck by a driver who ran a red light, resulting in two broken legs |
| $770,000 | Verdict | Truck accident causing neck, back, and abdominal injuries |
| $545,000 | Settlement | Motorcyclist struck by a car pulling out in front of him, requiring multiple surgeries |
| $256,000 | Verdict | Rear-end collision causing a neck injury that affected the client’s vision |
| $225,000 | Settlement | Rear-end collision causing neck, shoulder, hand, and wrist injuries |
| $200,000 | Settlement | Three-car rear-end accident involving an uninsured motorist claim |
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a future outcome. Every case is unique and depends on its own specific facts.
Local Resources
Hospitals & emergency care in Fort Collins:
- UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital — Level III trauma center, 1024 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
- UCHealth Emergency Room at Harmony Campus — freestanding ER in south Fort Collins, 4630 Snow Mesa Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80528
- UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies — the region’s Level I trauma center, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave, Loveland, CO 80538
Crash reports & agencies:
- Fort Collins Police Services — Online Crime & Crash Reporting — file a report or reach non-emergency dispatch
- Colorado DMV — Report a Crash
- Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT) Crash Data
- City of Fort Collins Traffic Safety — includes the 2025 Safety in the City report
Courts:
- Larimer County Justice Center, 8th Judicial District — 201 LaPorte Ave, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
For more about Colorado car accident law and your legal options, visit our personal injury practice page, or browse our car accident resources library.
Areas We Serve
Our Fort Collins car accident lawyers represent clients throughout Larimer County, including:
- Fort Collins
- Loveland
- Windsor
- Wellington
- Timnath
- LaPorte
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Colorado?
There’s no fixed “average” settlement, since Colorado car accident payouts depend on medical costs, lost income, and liability under state law. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to seven figures for catastrophic harm. An attorney can evaluate your damages under C.R.S. § 13-21-102 and Colorado negligence law to estimate a fair value.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Most car accident lawyers in Fort Collins, including Levine Law, work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and legal fees come out of your settlement or verdict only if your attorney wins your case. This structure lets injured clients access experienced legal help without financial risk.
What is the law on car accidents in Colorado?
Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes a crash is financially responsible for the damages. Colorado also follows modified comparative negligence under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, and claims must be filed within three years under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n). Drivers must carry Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance to meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Fort Collins?
You have three years from the date of the accident under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n). Waiting too long can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s best to contact a Fort Collins car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
Is Colorado’s minimum insurance coverage enough?
Colorado law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage (commonly referred to as 25/50/15). However, these minimum limits are often insufficient to cover serious injuries involving surgery, hospitalization, or long-term medical care. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or lacks enough liability coverage to fully compensate your losses.
Is the average car accident settlement in Fort Collins different from Denver?
Settlement value depends on the facts of each case (injury severity, liability, and insurance coverage) rather than which Colorado city the crash occurred in. Fort Collins cases follow the same state statutes as Denver cases, though local court practices and jury pools can still influence case strategy.
Contact Our Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’re searching for a car accident lawyer Fort Collins families trust after a crash, don’t wait to protect your legal rights. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Collins car accident attorney. You pay nothing unless we win your case, and we’ll fight for the maximum compensation available under Colorado law.
Directions from I-25: Take exit 265 (E. Harmony Rd.) and continue on E. Harmony Rd. to our office, located in the same building as FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha).
Attorney Review
Reviewed by Jordan S. Levine, Esq.
Founding Partner, Levine Law
Last Reviewed: July, 2026
Jordan S. Levine has represented injured Coloradans for more than 25 years, helping car accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This page has been reviewed for legal accuracy and reflects current Colorado laws, including C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n) and C.R.S. § 13-21-111, as they apply to Fort Collins car accident claims.
