Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Personal Injury and Car Accident Law Experience
What to Expect From Claim to Resolution (and How We Keep Things Moving)
If you were hurt in a crash or another preventable incident, you’re suddenly dealing with pain, appointments, time off work, and a swirl of insurance calls. Understanding the personal injury (PI) process and timeline in Colorado can lower your stress and help you make smarter decisions. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we represent injured people across Aurora, Denver, and the Front Range (Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson, and Douglas Counties). Below is a candid, step-by-step look at how a typical claim moves—and how we work to accelerate results without sacrificing value.
Every case is unique. Injuries heal at different rates, insurers behave differently, and evidence access varies. Use this guide as a roadmap, not a rigid calendar.
Big Picture: Two Phases
Pre-litigation (Claims Stage) — investigation, medical treatment, evidence gathering, and negotiations with the insurer(s). Most cases settle here.
Litigation (Lawsuit Stage) — when an insurer won’t be fair, we file suit and keep pushing through discovery, depositions, mediation, and trial.
The right choice is fact-driven: we settle when it’s fair; we litigate when it’s not. The Colorado personal injury process and timeline is not set in stone.
The Personal Injury Timeline (Typical Milestones)
Day 0–7: Safety First, Evidence Second
Medical care: ER/urgent care and follow-ups. Tell providers all symptoms (adrenaline hides injuries).
Police/incident report: obtain the number; we order the full report and supplemental records.
Evidence preservation: photos/video of vehicles, scene, hazards, injuries, and damaged items; identify cameras and witnesses; save dashcam/doorbell footage.
Do not give a recorded statement to the adverse insurer. Refer calls to your attorney.
Our role: our personal injury attorney open the claim, send preservation letters, start an evidence plan (video canvass, EDR/telematics for vehicles), and map all insurance (at-fault liability, commercial/rideshare if applicable, UM/UIM, MedPay, health insurance, potential umbrella/excess).
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Find out more about the Coloraod Personal Injury Process and Timeline
Weeks 1–4: Treatment Plan & Coverage Setup
Follow medical referrals (PCP, ortho, neuro, PT/chiro, pain management).
MedPay: If on your auto policy, we trigger it for no-fault medical bills up to your limit.
Property damage: We assist with repair/total loss, rental, and diminished value where appropriate.
Work impact: Start a log of missed time and modified duties.
Our role: We gather records, request 911 audio/CAD logs, pull surveillance where available, interview early witnesses, and block insurer tactics designed to minimize your claim.
Months 1–3: Building Liability & Documenting Injuries
Diagnostics: imaging (X-ray/MRI/CT), specialist evaluations, injections as ordered, conservative care.
Consistency matters: follow your plan; gaps in care invite insurer skepticism.
Pain/function journals: short notes help prove daily impact and limits on activities you value.
Our role: We compile a medical chronology, track bills and balances, and continue liability work (scene measurements, signal timing, lighting/weather, road design, business maintenance logs, etc.). If a rideshare or commercial vehicle is involved, we secure trip data, logs, and policies.
Months 3–6 (and sometimes longer): Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Settling too early risks undervaluing your case. We typically wait until your condition stabilizes—often called MMI—or until long-term needs are predictable.
If you need surgery or advanced care, we factor it in with treating-provider opinions.
If you’ve plateaued, we estimate future care and diminished earning capacity as needed (life-care planning/economic experts in serious cases).
Our role: When you’re medically ready, we draft a demand package.
The Demand Package (Pre-Litigation Settlement Attempt)
A strong demand isn’t just a letter; it’s a case in miniature:
Liability proof: reports, photos, videos, EDR/telematics, witness statements, code/ordinance research, maintenance logs.
Medical proof: records, bills, diagnoses, causal opinions, treatment outcomes, and future needs.
Damages: medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages/earning capacity, pain and suffering, physical impairment/disfigurement (important in Colorado), and out-of-pocket losses.
Human story: how the injury changed your work, family, and daily life.
Insurer response window: 2–6 weeks is common, but some carriers stall. We follow up, counter when appropriate, and set firm decision points: accept, continue to negotiate with leverage, or file suit.
When Do We File a Lawsuit?
We file when:
Liability is clear, your injuries are documented, and the offer is unreasonable.
The insurer disputes causation or minimizes future care against medical evidence.
There’s policy-limits exposure and the carrier won’t tender fairly.
We need subpoenas or court orders to obtain critical evidence.
Filing doesn’t mean you’ll “automatically go to trial.” Many cases settle during litigation—often after depositions or mediation—because insurers finally see we’re serious.
Litigation Timeline (Typical, Not Guaranteed)
Complaint filed → Service of process → Answer (≈ 21–35 days after service).
Discovery (6–9 months, sometimes more)
Written discovery: each side answers questions and exchanges documents.
Depositions: you, the defendant(s), witnesses, and treating providers.
Defense medical exam (IME): if requested, we prep you extensively.
Experts: liability (reconstruction, human factors), medical (treaters, specialists), economics/vocational, and life-care planning in serious cases.
Mediation (often before trial)
A neutral mediator facilitates negotiation. Many cases resolve here because the full record is on the table.
Trial
If the insurer still won’t be fair, we try the case. Length varies by complexity and court calendars.
Our philosophy: move with purpose. We don’t let carriers drag discovery or bury key documents. When needed, we seek court orders to keep the case on track.
What Affects How Long a Case Takes?
Medical trajectory: surgery and extended rehab add time—but also value when documented.
Liability clarity: video, EDR, and credible witnesses speed resolution. Disputes can push cases into litigation.
Coverage map: multiple policies (commercial, umbrella, UM/UIM) require coordination.
Venue & court calendar: some dockets are faster than others.
Insurer behavior: certain carriers habitually lowball or delay—litigation may be the only remedy.
Liens & subrogation: ERISA, Medicare/Medicaid, and provider liens must be negotiated to maximize your net recovery.
Colorado Deadlines (Statutes of Limitation & Notices)
Motor-vehicle injuries: generally 3 years from the crash to file a lawsuit.
Non-vehicle negligence (premises, general negligence): generally 2 years.
Claims involving public entities: strict early written notice may apply.
Minors: special tolling rules can extend deadlines.
There are exceptions. The safest path is to call early so we can preserve evidence and meet all timelines.
Insurance Basics That Matter
Liability: the at-fault party’s policy (personal or commercial).
UM/UIM: your own (or a household) policy if the at-fault driver is uninsured/underinsured or it’s a hit-and-run.
MedPay: no-fault medical payments under your auto policy (fast relief for co-pays and deductibles).
Health insurance: covers care, but may assert reimbursement/subrogation from your settlement.
Umbrella/excess: extra layers in serious cases.
Sequencing claims wisely can improve your net result. We handle that strategy.
How We Maximize Your Net Recovery (Not Just “Top-Line” Numbers)
Evidence-first: we invest early in the proof that moves adjusters—video, EDR, credible medical opinions.
Treatment alignment: we help coordinate care access and document medical necessity.
Lien/subrogation reductions: we negotiate paybacks (ERISA, Medicare/Medicaid, provider liens) so more of the gross settlement stays with you.
Timing: we press forward without rushing you into a cut-rate settlement before prognosis is known.
What You Can Do to Speed Things Up (and Strengthen Value)
Follow your treatment plan and don’t skip appointments.
Tell providers all symptoms—neurological, sleep, vision, balance, mental health—not just pain.
Keep a simple journal of daily limitations and missed activities.
Save receipts (mileage, devices, meds, braces, childcare, parking).
Limit social media—assume insurers will look.
Direct all insurer calls to us; don’t give recorded statements to the adverse carrier.
Share updates quickly (new diagnoses, referrals, time off work).
Common Detours—and How We Handle Them
“Low impact, no injury” arguments → We counter with objective medical evidence, mechanism analysis, and—when warranted—expert opinions.
Preexisting conditions → Not a bar to recovery. We show aggravation or new injury using records and provider opinions.
Gaps in treatment → We explain legitimate reasons (work, childcare, access) and refocus on consistent, documented care.
“Normal imaging, no injury” → Many injuries (including concussions and soft-tissue) are clinical diagnoses; we support with testing and specialist evaluations.
Hit-and-run / minimal insurance → We pursue UM benefits and canvass for video/witnesses; policy-limits tenders when warranted.
FAQs: Colorado Personal Injury Process
How long will my case take?
Most claims resolve in a few to several months after you reach a stable point in treatment. Litigation can add 6–12+ months, depending on the court. We push the fastest path that still protects your value.
Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle pre-suit or during litigation (after depositions or mediation). We prepare as if we will try the case—insurers notice.
Will I have to do a recorded statement or defense medical exam (IME)?
Not to the adverse insurer during claims. If litigation begins, a defense exam may occur; we prepare you thoroughly and address exam bias.
How are pain and suffering calculated?
There’s no universal formula. We present functional losses, credible medical evidence, and your human story to support non-economic damages under Colorado law.
Who pays my medical bills now?
MedPay (if available), health insurance, and sometimes letters of protection. Ultimately, the at-fault party (or UM/UIM) is responsible; we coordinate so your treatment continues and your net recovery is maximized.
What if I’m partly at fault?
Colorado uses modified comparative negligence. You can recover if you’re less than 50% at fault; your recovery is reduced by your percentage.
Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm
Evidence-driven: We secure the proof (video, EDR, medical opinions) that moves adjusters and convinces juries.
Local experience: Courts and carriers across
Transparent communication: Direct access to your attorney and proactive updates.
Net-focused strategy: Lien and subrogation reductions to improve what you keep—not just the headline number.
No fee unless we win.
Speak With a Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured, you don’t have to fight an insurance company alone. Call The Lawrence Law Firm for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll map your timeline, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve—on a schedule that respects your health and your future.
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Areas of Practice
Service Areas
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Adams County
- Douglas County
- Jefferson County
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Contact Information
Address
2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865 Aurora, CO 80014
Contact
lain@coloradodefenders.com Ph: 720-369-4929
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Weekends and Afterhours By Appointment