Car accidents in Denver can be traumatic, especially for passengers who had no control over the vehicle yet suffer the same, or even worse, injuries as the drivers. 

If you were injured while riding as a passenger, you may be wondering what your rights are and whether you can take legal action. The good news is that passengers do have legal rights after a car crash, including filing a lawsuit, and may be able to recover compensation through personal injury claims with the help of Craig Swapp & Associates’ accident lawyers in Denver.

Whether you were in a friend’s vehicle, a rideshare, or a public vehicle, knowing your legal rights will go a long way after getting injured.

Can Passengers Sue After Car Accidents in Denver?

Yes, passengers can sue after car accidents in Denver. 

Colorado is an at-fault state when it comes to motor vehicle accidents, which means that the person who caused the accident is financially responsible for any resulting injuries and damages. This includes injuries to passengers, regardless of which vehicle they were in at the time of the crash.

Because Colorado follows a fault-based system, passengers can pursue compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If more than one driver contributed to the accident, passengers may be able to file claims against multiple parties.

Passengers may sue:

  • The driver of the other vehicle, if that driver caused or contributed to the accident
  • The driver of the vehicle they were riding in, even if that person is a friend, coworker, or family member
  • Both drivers, if they both share fault for the accident
  • Other responsible parties, such as a vehicle manufacturer, a business that overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver, or a government entity.

You don’t necessarily have to proceed with filing a lawsuit against a driver you know personally; your damages may be handled through insurance policies, not out of the driver’s personal finances. If insurance coverage is exhausted, you may negotiate and settle without going to court.

Who Is Liable for Passengers’ Car Accident Injuries?

Liability depends on who caused the accident. In some cases, it’s clear-cut; in others, multiple parties may share fault.

Potentially liable parties include:

  • The other driver involved in the crash
  • The driver of your vehicle
  • Vehicle manufacturers, if a mechanical defect played a role
  • Bars or restaurants that overserved alcohol to a drunk driver
  • Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions or government-operated vehicles

In cases where both drivers share fault, passengers can pursue claims against both, increasing the chance of recovering full compensation.

Car Accident Compensation Passengers Can Recover

In Colorado, injured passengers may be entitled to a wide range of damages, depending on the severity of the injuries and how the accident has impacted their lives. These damages are divided into two main categories: economic and noneconomic.

Economic Damages

These are financial losses you can quantify, including:

  • Medical bills (emergency treatment, surgeries, rehab)
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Out-of-pocket expenses 

Noneconomic Damages

These reflect the emotional and physical toll of your injuries, such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement or disability

Additional Insurance Options for Passengers

As a passenger, you may also be covered by:

  • Medical Payments (MedPay): Most Colorado auto policies include at least $5,000 in MedPay unless rejected in writing. MedPay pays for crash-related medical treatment, regardless of fault.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, UM/UIM can help fill the gap. You may be eligible for this coverage through your own policy or the driver’s policy, depending on the circumstances.

To strengthen your claim, it’s important to document everything—from the crash scene and medical visits to your recovery process. A car accident lawyer in Denver, Colorado, can help you gather evidence, handle communications with insurers, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Deadline for Passengers to Sue After a Crash in Denver

Under Colorado law, passengers have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit involving a motor vehicle accident. This is known as the statute of limitations.

However, there are important exceptions:

  • If the claim involves a government vehicle or employee, you must submit formal notice under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act within 182 days (just 6 months).
  • If the claim involves alcohol overservice by a bar or restaurant, you may need to act within one year under dram shop laws.

Waiting too long can cost you the right to file a claim, so it’s best to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Denver if It’s Best to Sue or Not

Passengers often feel stuck after a car wreck, unsure who to turn to or if they even have the right to sue. But the truth is clear: passengers can sue after car accidents in Denver and throughout Colorado. 

Whether the driver of the other vehicle was negligent or the person behind the wheel of your own car made a mistake, you deserve answers and a path forward. Colorado’s fault-based system allows injured passengers to seek fair compensation through insurance claims and, when necessary, lawsuits. But strict deadlines and complex liability rules make it crucial to act quickly and strategically.

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our lawyers for car accidents can help passengers recover after serious car accidents by identifying liable parties, negotiating with insurers, and fighting for full compensation. 

Call us at 720-794-9975 to schedule a free consultation or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp