Rental Car & Out-of-State Accident Claims in Colorado

Colorado is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, drawing millions of visitors each year to its ski resorts, hiking trails, national parks, and scenic mountain towns. With that influx of tourism comes a higher likelihood of traffic accidents involving out-of-state drivers and rental cars. If you’ve been injured in one of these accidents—whether you’re a local or a visitor—the claims process can be more complicated than a typical Colorado car crash.

At Chris Parks Law, we help injury victims navigate the legal and insurance hurdles that arise in these complex cases. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Rental Car and Out-of-State Accidents Are Different

Car accidents involving out-of-state drivers or rental vehicles often involve multiple jurisdictions, layered insurance policies, and a lot of confusion about who’s responsible for what. If you were hurt in an accident as a Colorado resident, you might be dealing with a driver who returns home to another state. If you were visiting Colorado, you could find yourself injured and managing a legal claim from hundreds or thousands of miles away.

In rental car cases, the driver, rental company, and multiple insurance providers may all be involved—each with different obligations depending on how the vehicle was rented and what coverage was elected. These overlapping issues can quickly complicate a personal injury claim.

What to Do After a Rental or Out-of-State Accident in Colorado

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a rental car or out-of-state driver, here are the steps you should take right away:

1. Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed. This documentation will be essential for any future claim.
2. Seek medical care immediately—even if your injuries seem minor.
3. Exchange information with all parties involved, including the rental car company (if applicable).
4. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
5. Gather witness information if available.
6. Contact a Colorado personal injury attorney familiar with handling cross-jurisdictional and rental-related claims.

The sooner you act, the easier it will be to collect key evidence and protect your rights.

Insurance Coverage in Rental Car Accidents

Rental car coverage varies depending on how the vehicle was rented and what kind of insurance the driver opted into. Potential sources of coverage include:

• The driver’s personal auto insurance (if it extends to rentals)
• Rental car company coverage, if purchased by the driver at checkout
• Credit card rental protection, which may offer secondary coverage
• Your own insurance policy, if you’re a local and the other driver is underinsured

Sorting out which policy applies—and to what extent—can be extremely difficult. Insurance companies may try to shift responsibility or deny claims based on unclear or overlapping coverage.

Out-of-State Drivers: Jurisdiction Matters

Colorado law applies to accidents that occur within the state, even if the driver responsible lives elsewhere. However, it can be more challenging to serve legal documents or pursue a lawsuit when the at-fault driver lives in another state. If necessary, your lawyer will work to locate the defendant, file the appropriate paperwork, and coordinate across jurisdictions to pursue compensation.

Out-of-state drivers are still subject to Colorado’s legal requirements for insurance and liability. But you’ll need an experienced attorney to help enforce those rights and ensure no legal details are missed due to the driver’s location.

Common Injuries and Damages in Vacation Accidents

Whether you’re hit by a tourist in a rental car or visiting Colorado yourself, the injuries from an accident can be just as severe as in any other crash. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue damage
• Back and spinal injuries

In addition to medical expenses, you may also be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care
• Loss of earning capacity
• Travel-related disruptions and expenses

Why You Need a Local Colorado Attorney

A local attorney is critical in cases involving rental cars or out-of-state drivers. At Chris Parks Law, we understand how to:

• Investigate the accident and preserve evidence
• Identify the correct insurance policies
• Deal with rental car companies and adjusters
• File legal action if the other party returns to their home state
• Maximize your claim based on Colorado law

We’ve handled complex multi-state cases and rental accidents across Colorado—from Boulder to Breckenridge and beyond.