Filing a Lawsuit After a Colorado Side-Impact Car Accident

 Posted on June 12, 2026 in Car Accidents

Side-impact car crashes, often called T-bone accidents, are some of the most dangerous collisions on Colorado roads. Large intersections and unprotected left-hand turns are all over the state. Motorcycle riders and smaller cars have to share the road with large freight vehicles and delivery vans. 

The side of any vehicle is less protected than the front or rear, so injuries tend to be more severe in side-impact accidents. If you were hurt in a T-bone crash, a Denver personal injury attorney can explain whether a lawsuit makes sense in your case and how the process works in 2026.

Side-Impact Crashes Are Some of the Most Risky for Fatalities and Serious Injuries 

A side-impact crash happens when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, usually at an intersection. All that stands between the striking vehicle and your body is a door and a few inches of metal. Even with side airbags, occupants often suffer serious harm, and these accidents are second only to head-on accidents in terms of severity. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, side-impact crashes account for roughly a quarter of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in the United States. For those who survive, T-bone accidents can result in life-changing injuries. 

Common Injuries in T-Bone Collisions

Victims of side-impact crashes frequently suffer from: 

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord damage

• Broken ribs

• Pelvic fractures

• Internal bleeding

Children are at particular risk for serious injury and death. Many of these accidents result in surgery, long rehabilitation, and lost time at work.

Who Is Usually at Fault for a T-Bone Accident? 

Most T-bone crashes happen because a driver ran a red light, rolled through a stop sign, or turned left without yielding. Distracted driving and speeding are common factors as well. Proving which driver had the right of way is often the central fight in a side-impact lawsuit.

The Statute of Limitations for Colorado Car Crashes

Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101(1)(n), you generally have three years from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit in Colorado. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. Three years might sound like plenty of time, but your odds of a successful case decrease as more time passes. 

What Should You Do if You Want to File a Lawsuit After a T-Bone Accident? 

A little preparation goes a long way to help your lawsuit succeed. If you read this and feel overwhelmed by the amount of information you need, don’t worry. Your attorney will do all of the legal work and most of the information-gathering for you. 

Keep All the Evidence

Side-impact cases usually depend on proving who had the right of way. You can get proof of this from a few sources: 

• The police crash report and any traffic citations issued

• Dashcam footage from you or the other driver 

• Photos of the vehicles, the intersection, and your injuries

• Contact information for witnesses who saw the light or stop sign

• Traffic camera or nearby business surveillance footage

• All medical records and bills tied to the crash

• Crash reconstruction experts 

Once you have firm evidence, your attorney can build a timeline arguing that the crash happened according to your version of events. 

Don’t Miss Any Doctor’s Appointments 

See a doctor right away, even if you feel okay. Serious injuries can sometimes take a while to show symptoms. What’s more, missing important doctor’s appointments can give insurance companies a chance to argue that you probably aren’t hurt that badly. If your attorney suggests you should get certain treatment, listen to them. 

Be Careful Talking to the Insurance Company

The other driver's insurer may call you to offer a fast settlement, especially if it’s clear that you weren’t at fault. Unfortunately, it’s not possible for offers right after an accident to fully consider long-term medical costs or lost wages. 

If the other driver’s insurance company is trying to talk to you already, first meet with a Denver personal injury lawyer before you sign anything or give a recorded statement. You would be surprised by how good insurance companies are at twisting things you say into admissions of fault. 

Call a Denver Personal Injury Attorney Today

At The Gold Law Firm, we've collected over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including record-setting verdicts. We know how to prove fault in side-impact crash cases. 

We offer free consultations, so there's no risk in talking with us about your options. Call 303-694-4653 today to speak with our Denver car crash lawyers about your T-bone accident claim.