Do I Have to Handle Property Damage and Injury Claims Separately After a Colorado Crash?

After a crash in Colorado, you may be left with two major concerns: your physical well-being and the damage to your vehicle. Naturally, this raises an important question: Do you have to handle your property damage and personal injury claims separately?

The short answer is yes, but understanding how they differ—and how to navigate both—can significantly improve your recovery process. Here, our Denver car accident attorneys explain.

What’s the Difference Between Property Damage and Personal Injury Claims?

These two types of claims serve entirely different purposes.

A property damage claim focuses on the financial costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property, such as a child’s car seat, a laptop in the backseat, or even the value of a totaled vehicle. These claims are typically resolved quickly through the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

A personal injury claim, on the other hand, seeks compensation for injuries you sustained in the crash. That includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects on your quality of life.

Because these claims involve different types of damages and evidence, they are handled separately—even if they stem from the same incident.

Why Are Property Damage Claims Usually Resolved First?

In most cases, insurance companies move faster on property damage claims. Vehicle repairs or replacement are relatively straightforward: estimates are made, bills are submitted, and payment is issued. You might receive a rental car while in the shop or a check for the fair market value if your vehicle is deemed a total loss.

In contrast, personal injury claims often take longer to resolve because it’s essential to understand the full extent of your injuries and how they will affect your life in the future. Settling too early can result in far less compensation than you need for future medical care or lost wages.

Genco Injury Attorneys ensures your injury claim is thoroughly documented and strategically timed for the best recovery.

Will Accepting a Property Damage Settlement Affect My Injury Claim?

No. You can accept a property damage payout without affecting your ability to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, some insurance companies may try to blur the lines—especially if they pressure you to sign a general release form.

Never sign anything that could waive your right to seek further damages without speaking to an attorney.

We regularly review documents and insurance communications for our clients to protect their rights and prevent missteps that could cost them later.

How Genco Injury Attorneys Can Help

Navigating property damage and injury claims can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in pain or without reliable transportation.

Our Denver personal injury attorneys are here to support you through the entire process:

• We’ll guide you through filing your property damage claim quickly and efficiently.
• We’ll handle your personal injury claim with the care, strategy, and advocacy it deserves.
• We’ll ensure no critical decisions are made without fully considering your rights and long-term interests.

Contact Genco Injury Attorneys today at (303) 500-1376 or online for a free consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to choose between fixing your car and healing your body. We’re here to help you do both.