Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics In Colorado (2026)

Motor Vehicle Accident Trends in Colorado

Colorado's crash data reveals shifting patterns over the past fifteen years. The following sections break down overall accident numbers and how different types of road users are affected by fatal crashes statewide.

Overall Motor Vehicle Crashes in Colorado

Colorado experienced significant fluctuations in total crashes over the past fifteen years. From 2010 to 2018, accidents steadily climbed—rising roughly 23% from about 99,000 to over 122,000 annually. This growth reflected increasing population and vehicle miles traveled.

The pandemic year of 2020 marked a dramatic shift, with crashes plunging to approximately 87,000—a nearly 30% drop from the 2019 total. This steep decline coincided with reduced travel during lockdowns.

Post-pandemic recovery brought crashes back toward pre-2020 levels, hovering around 95,000 to 103,000 between 2021 and 2024. The partial 2025 data suggests numbers may remain in this lower range, though incomplete reporting makes firm conclusions premature.

Accident Trends by Vehicle and Road User Type in Colorado

Fatal crashes among different road users show troubling trends. Motorcycle fatalities increased roughly 57% between 2015 and 2024, jumping from around 105 to 165 deaths. This category shows the most dramatic growth among all road user types.

Pedestrian fatalities nearly doubled during the same period, climbing from about 65 to 120. The year 2023 recorded the highest pedestrian deaths at approximately 136, a concerning spike that highlights increased risks for those on foot.

Car occupant fatalities peaked in 2022 at around 465 before declining in subsequent years. Bicycle fatalities remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 14 and 22 annually throughout the decade.

Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Colorado

Careless driving dominates Colorado's crash causes, accounting for nearly 189,000 accidents—more than double any other factor. This broad category includes distracted behaviors like texting, eating, or general inattention.

Failure to yield right-of-way and following too closely rank second and third, each contributing roughly 83,000 to 89,000 crashes. These numbers suggest driver impatience and misjudgment create substantial risks.

A significant drop-off occurs after the top three causes. Lane violations, running signals, and speeding for conditions each account for considerably fewer incidents.

Where Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen in Colorado

Denver County leads Colorado with approximately 195,000 crashes—significantly higher than any other location. El Paso, Adams, and Arapahoe counties form a second tier, each recording between 131,000 and 143,000 accidents.

Jefferson and Larimer counties represent a middle grouping with roughly 80,000 to 106,000 crashes each. A notable drop occurs below this level, with Pueblo recording around 41,500 accidents at the bottom of the top ten.

This distribution closely mirrors population density, with the Front Range urban corridor accounting for the vast majority of crashes. Rural counties see far fewer accidents overall, though individual crash severity may differ.

When Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen in Colorado

Fatal crashes peak during summer and early fall, with July recording the highest number at around 444 deaths. June through October consistently shows elevated fatality rates, likely reflecting increased travel, motorcycle activity, and outdoor recreation.

Winter months see the lowest fatality counts, with December and January each recording approximately 230 deaths. This pattern suggests that while winter weather creates hazardous conditions, reduced travel and slower speeds may limit fatal outcomes.

Most accidents occur on weekdays between Monday and Friday, particularly during rush hours at 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. This commuting pattern indicates that daily work travel creates significant crash exposure for Colorado drivers.

How a Lawyer Can Actually Help You After an Accident

An experienced attorney can make a real difference in your case:

• Investigate thoroughly by gathering police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence
• Calculate full damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs
• Handle insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims
• Negotiate settlements using knowledge of what similar cases typically receive
• File within deadlines since Colorado's statute of limitations limits how long you can pursue a claim
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Getting Matched With the Right Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer

Finding the right attorney matters. Not every lawyer focuses on motor vehicle accidents or has experience with Colorado laws.

ConsumerShield simplifies this process by matching you with experienced personal injury attorneys based on your specific situation and area. We evaluate your case details and connect you with lawyers who have relevant expertise.

Contact ConsumerShield today to get matched with a qualified Colorado attorney who can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.