Auto Defect Accidents in Colorado: Who’s Responsible & What Are Your Legal Rights?

Auto defect accidents in Colorado can cause serious and potentially life-threatening collisions on the state’s roads and highways. Automobile manufacturers can be held liable if any component of their vehicle fails due to poor design or subpar manufacturing techniques. Understanding how these cases are investigated and how you can be compensated are important first steps for anyone who has suffered an injury due to a defective automobile or car part.

Auto Defect Statistics and Recent Recalls

Vehicle defects continue to play a dangerous role in traffic safety, with tire problems and brake failures among the most common causes. National data suggests that tire-related issues account for roughly 35% of all defect-related crashes, while brake system failures make up another 22%. These mechanical failures can lead to a sudden loss of control.

Recent recalls highlight the ongoing risks. In May 2025, Ford recalled nearly 274,000 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from model years 2022–2024. The recall addressed faulty front brake lines that could leak brake fluid after contact with the engine air cleaner outlet pipe.

Just a month earlier, in April 2025, General Motors recalled approximately 597,630 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles due to a V8 engine defect that could cause the engine to fail suddenly while driving.

What to Do After an Accident Caused by a Vehicle Defect

If you suspect that a vehicle defect caused your crash, you will need to collect evidence to support your claim. Do not repair or dispose of your car. Investigators may need to inspect failed auto parts. Take photos of the part of the car that you believe caused the failure and request a copy of the police report.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries appear minor. Keep all medical records. Any medical evidence you keep can help you with your claim later on. Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, consider speaking with a lawyer.  Colorado product liability laws can be complex, and early legal guidance can help protect your right to pursue compensation from the manufacturer or any responsible party.

Understanding Product Liability Laws in Colorado

Auto defect claims fall under product liability laws. These civil laws allow drivers and passengers to hold manufacturers responsible for defective vehicles or components. Unlike other personal injury claims, the injured party does not have to prove that the manufacturer intended to cause harm.

If a vehicle part fails and causes a crash, you may have a valid claim based on design flaws, manufacturing errors, or failure to warn. This applies whether the accident happened on a rural road near Fort Morgan or in heavy traffic along Colfax Avenue in Denver.

Under the strict liability principle, the fact that a product was defective may be enough to establish fault. These cases can involve the use of outside individuals who analyze the product. Working with an attorney familiar with product liability law can significantly improve your chances of recovering compensation.

How a Lawyer Can Help With an Auto Defect Claim

Pursuing a claim after an auto defect accident often involves more than just filing paperwork. A lawyer can help uncover what went wrong by coordinating inspections, retrieving vehicle maintenance records, and analyzing any previous recalls or service bulletins.

This is especially important if your crash happened on a major corridor like I-25 in Colorado Springs or while navigating steep grades near Loveland Pass. Many auto defect cases involve going up against large manufacturers or insurance companies that are quick to deny responsibility.

An attorney can build a strong case by gathering technical evidence, working with engineers, and consulting accident reconstruction specialists when needed. In Colorado, where comparative fault rules can reduce your compensation if you’re found partially responsible, having legal representation can also help protect your recovery.

FAQs

Is Colorado a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Colorado is not a no-fault state. It follows a system based on fault, meaning the driver who causes the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. Parties who are injured can seek compensation under the responsible driver’s insurance. Because liability matters in every case, gathering evidence at the scene and filing a detailed report can help establish fault and protect your ability to seek recovery.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Colorado?

Fault is determined by reviewing police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available video evidence. If a driver violated a traffic law at the time of the collision, that could be used to establish fault.

Insurance adjusters evaluate who acted negligently or violated traffic laws. In some cases, more than one driver may share fault. Colorado uses a modified comparative fault rule, which can reduce compensation if you are partially responsible. Accurate documentation and timely reporting help clarify who is at fault.

How Long Does an At-Fault Accident Stay on Your Record in Colorado?

An at-fault accident typically stays on your Colorado driving record for at least three years. However, the length can vary depending on the severity of the accident and whether traffic violations were involved. Insurance companies may also consider the accident for a longer time when setting rates. Keeping a clean record afterward and avoiding additional violations may help reduce the long-term impact.

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Colorado?

In most cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered at fault. Colorado law requires maintaining a safe following distance and driving at a speed that allows enough time to stop. Exceptions may apply if the lead driver acted unpredictably or without brake lights. Each crash is evaluated based on the facts, so evidence from the scene is important.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard Today

If you were injured in a crash caused by faulty brakes, a blown tire, or sudden engine failure, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer or another negligent party. These cases often require legal representation from an experienced legal team that can uncover the defect, prove liability, and pursue full damages on your behalf. Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today and take the first step toward recovering what you’re owed.