Let’s be honest – nobody plans for a car accident. One minute you’re driving to work thinking about your weekend plans, and the next minute you’re dealing with injuries that might change your life forever. If you’ve been in a car accident in Colorado, you’re probably wondering about one very real question: “How much is this recovery going to cost me?”
I’ve seen too many people get blindsided by rehabilitation costs after a car accident. They focus on the immediate medical bills – the ambulance ride, emergency room visit, maybe surgery – but then the real expenses start piling up. Physical therapy sessions three times a week. Occupational therapy. Maybe long-term care if your injuries are severe. These costs can quickly make those initial hospital bills look tiny.
So let’s talk about what you’re really facing when it comes to car accident rehabilitation costs in Colorado. I’ll break down the numbers, share what’s happening with costs in 2025, and help you understand what to expect – because knowing what to expect really helps when you’re dealing with insurance companies and trying to get back on your feet.
Why Colorado’s Rehabilitation Costs Keep Going Up
Here’s the thing about medical costs in Colorado – they’re not exactly going down. In fact, rehabilitation expenses have been climbing steadily, and 2025 is shaping up to be particularly expensive for accident victims.
The average cost of physical therapy in Colorado now runs between $150-$300 per session, depending on where you live and what type of therapy you need. If you’re in Denver or Boulder, expect to pay on the higher end. Rural areas might be slightly cheaper, but you’ll have fewer options and might need to travel farther for specialized care.
But here’s where it gets tricky – most people don’t need just a few sessions. A typical car accident recovery involving soft tissue injuries might require 20-40 physical therapy sessions. That’s $3,000-$12,000 right there, and we haven’t even talked about other types of therapy you might need.
What’s driving these costs up? A few things:
Healthcare inflation is hitting rehabilitation services hard. The same therapy that cost $100 per session five years ago now costs $200 or more. Equipment costs, staff wages, and facility expenses have all increased.
Advanced treatment options are more expensive but often more effective. Things like aquatic therapy, specialized equipment for spinal injuries, or cutting-edge treatments for traumatic brain injuries can cost significantly more than basic physical therapy.
Increased demand for rehabilitation services means providers can charge more. Colorado’s growing population and active lifestyle mean more people need these services.
Breaking Down Physical Therapy Costs
Let’s get specific about what physical therapy actually costs in Colorado, because this is where many people get their first sticker shock.
Standard Physical Therapy Sessions:
- Initial evaluation: $250-$400
- Follow-up sessions: $150-$300 each
- Specialized therapy (aquatic, neurological): $200-$400 per session
If you’re dealing with a typical whiplash injury from a rear-end collision, you might need physical therapy 2-3 times per week for 8-12 weeks. That’s roughly 24-36 sessions, which translates to $3,600-$10,800 just for PT.
But what if your injuries are more severe? I’ve seen cases where people needed physical therapy for months or even years. Spinal cord injuries, severe fractures, or traumatic brain injuries can require ongoing therapy that costs $50,000-$100,000 or more over time.
Occupational Therapy is another expense many people don’t expect. This helps you relearn daily activities and work skills. Costs are similar to physical therapy – $150-$300 per session – but you might need it for different reasons and different durations.
Specialized Equipment can add thousands to your bill. Custom braces, mobility aids, home exercise equipment – these aren’t usually covered fully by insurance and can cost $500-$5,000 depending on what you need.
The frustrating part? Insurance companies often try to limit the number of sessions they’ll cover. They might approve 10 sessions when your doctor recommends 30. This leaves you choosing between your recovery and your bank account.
Long-Term Care: The Costs That Really Add Up
Here’s where car accident costs can become truly overwhelming. If you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries – severe brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, amputations, or permanent disabilities – long-term care expenses can easily reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over your lifetime.
In-Home Care is often necessary for severe injuries. Professional caregivers in Colorado typically charge $25-$40 per hour. If you need 24-hour care, that’s $219,000-$350,400 per year. Even part-time assistance for a few hours daily can cost $20,000-$50,000 annually.
Home Modifications are another major expense people don’t think about. Installing wheelchair ramps, modifying bathrooms, widening doorways, adding stair lifts – these modifications typically cost $15,000-$75,000 depending on your needs and home layout.
Ongoing Medical Care includes regular doctor visits, medications, medical equipment, and periodic evaluations. For someone with a spinal cord injury, these costs might run $25,000-$50,000 per year for life.
Assistive Technology keeps getting more advanced – and more expensive. Power wheelchairs can cost $15,000-$40,000. Communication devices for brain injury patients might run $8,000-$15,000. These devices often need replacement or upgrades every few years.
I’ve worked with families where the long-term care costs for a single car accident exceeded $2 million over the victim’s expected lifetime. That’s not unusual for catastrophic injuries.
What Changed in Colorado for 2025
Here’s some good news if you’re dealing with serious injuries from a car accident. Colorado increased its damage caps in 2025, which means you might be able to recover more money for your rehabilitation and long-term care costs.
The basic non-economic damage cap (that’s for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, etc.) increased to $679,820 in 2025, up from $613,760 in 2024. But here’s the bigger deal – the cap for catastrophic injuries jumped to $1,359,640.
Even better, Colorado expanded the definition of what counts as “catastrophic.” This means more people with severe, life-altering injuries can qualify for the higher compensation limits.
Why does this matter for rehabilitation costs? Because these higher caps encourage insurance companies to settle more realistically. They know that if your case goes to trial, a jury might award you significantly more money to cover your long-term care needs.
However – and this is important – these caps still limit what you can recover. If your actual long-term care costs exceed these amounts (which they easily can for catastrophic injuries), you’re still on the hook for the difference.
Real-World Examples of What People Pay
Let me share some real scenarios I’ve seen to give you a better picture of what rehabilitation costs actually look like:
Sarah’s Whiplash Case: Rear-ended at a red light, developed chronic neck pain and headaches. Needed 8 months of physical therapy (60 sessions at $200 each = $12,000), plus chiropractic care ($150/session, 40 sessions = $6,000), and ongoing pain management ($500/month for medications and injections). Total first-year rehabilitation costs: around $24,000.
Mike’s Leg Fracture: Compound fracture from a side-impact collision required surgery, then extensive physical therapy and occupational therapy to regain function. PT costs: $18,000 over 14 months. OT costs: $8,000. Custom brace and mobility aids: $3,500. Home modifications (grab bars, shower seat): $2,000. Total: $31,500, and he still has ongoing issues.
Jennifer’s Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injury from a head-on collision. First year alone: $45,000 in various therapies (speech, physical, occupational, cognitive). Home care assistance: $60,000/year. Vehicle modifications: $25,000. Home modifications: $40,000. Ongoing medical care: $30,000/year. We’re looking at over $200,000 in the first year, with $90,000+ annual costs continuing indefinitely.
These aren’t worst-case scenarios – they’re typical examples of what car accident rehabilitation actually costs in Colorado.
Insurance Realities You Need to Know
Here’s where things get frustrating. Your auto insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in Colorado has been reduced in recent years, meaning you’ll likely face higher out-of-pocket costs for rehabilitation.
Most Colorado drivers carry the minimum PIP coverage, which might only cover $5,000-$10,000 in medical expenses. When your physical therapy alone could cost $15,000+, you can see the problem.
Your health insurance will hopefully pick up some costs, but they often have their own limitations:
- Limited number of PT/OT sessions per year
- Higher copays for rehabilitation services
- Requirements for pre-authorization
- Exclusions for certain types of equipment or modifications
This is where having experienced legal representation becomes valuable. The attorneys at McCormick & Murphy have been helping Colorado accident victims deal with insurance companies since 1995, and they understand how to fight for coverage of rehabilitation costs that insurance companies often try to deny.
How to Protect Yourself Financially
Nobody wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but being prepared can save you from financial disaster if you’re in a serious car accident.
Review Your Insurance Coverage: Look at both your auto and health insurance policies. Understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Consider increasing your PIP coverage if it’s affordable – the extra premium is nothing compared to potential rehabilitation costs.
Document Everything: If you’re in an accident, keep detailed records of all medical appointments, therapy sessions, and related expenses. Take photos of your injuries and recovery progress. This documentation will be super helpful for any insurance claims or legal action.
Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often try to settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries and rehabilitation needs. What seems like a generous offer might not cover your actual long-term costs.
Get Multiple Medical Opinions: For serious injuries, consider getting second opinions about your treatment plan and prognosis. This helps ensure you’re getting appropriate care and gives you a better understanding of your long-term needs.
Consider Legal Representation Early: You don’t have to wait until you’re fully recovered to talk to an attorney. Getting legal advice early can help protect your rights and ensure you’re not making decisions that could hurt your case later.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Beyond the obvious medical expenses, car accident rehabilitation involves costs that catch people off guard:
Lost Income: If you can’t work during recovery, or if you have to reduce your hours for therapy appointments, the lost income can be substantial. This isn’t technically a rehabilitation cost, but it’s directly related to your recovery needs.
Transportation: Getting to and from therapy appointments adds up. If you can’t drive, you might need rideshare services or medical transport, which can cost $50-$100+ per trip.
Childcare: If you’re a parent who can’t care for your children during recovery, childcare costs can be significant.
Mental Health Support: Many accident victims need counseling or therapy for anxiety, depression, or PTSD related to their accident. This is often overlooked but can be a really important part of getting back to yourself.
Family Impact: Family members might need to take time off work to care for you, representing additional lost income that’s related to your rehabilitation needs.
Planning for the Long Term
If you’re facing a long recovery, financial planning becomes super important. Here are some strategies that can help:
Work with a Life Care Planner: For serious injuries, these professionals can help estimate your lifetime care costs. This information is valuable for settlement negotiations and financial planning.
Consider Special Needs Trusts: If you receive a large settlement, a special needs trust can help preserve government benefits while providing for your ongoing care needs.
Look into Vocational Rehabilitation: If you can’t return to your previous job, vocational rehabilitation can help you develop new skills. These costs should be part of your injury claim.
Plan for Equipment Replacement: Wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other equipment need replacement over time. Factor these future costs into your planning.
When to Get Legal Help
You might be wondering when you need an attorney for your car accident case. Here’s my honest take: if your rehabilitation costs are likely to exceed $10,000, or if you have any permanent injuries, you should at least consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
The team at McCormick & Murphy has over 60 years of combined experience handling these cases. They work on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless they recover money for you. Because figuring out long-term rehabilitation costs and dealing with insurance companies can be complicated, having experienced legal representation can often result in significantly higher compensation than you’d get on your own.
You can learn more about their approach and experience on their online profile, where you can also see reviews from other clients who’ve faced similar situations.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
If you’re dealing with car accident injuries and facing rehabilitation costs, here’s what you should do:
Get proper medical care – don’t skip treatments because of cost concerns. Your health comes first, and inadequate treatment now can lead to bigger problems (and costs) later.
Document everything – keep records of all medical treatments, therapy sessions, and related expenses. Take photos of your injuries and recovery progress.
Understand your insurance coverage – review your policies and understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
Don’t rush into settlements – take time to understand the full extent of your injuries and long-term care needs before agreeing to any settlement.
Get legal advice – even if you’re not sure you need an attorney, a consultation can help you understand your rights and options.
The reality is that car accident rehabilitation costs in Colorado are substantial and growing. But with proper planning, documentation, and legal representation when needed, you can work toward getting the compensation you need to cover these costs and focus on your recovery.
If you’re in the Denver area and need to discuss your situation with experienced personal injury attorneys, McCormick & Murphy’s office is located at 1547 N Gaylord St UNIT 303, Denver, CO 80206. You can reach them at (888)-668-1182 to discuss your case and understand your options for recovering rehabilitation costs.
Remember, dealing with car accident injuries is challenging enough without worrying about how you’ll pay for your recovery. Understanding these costs upfront and taking appropriate action can help ensure you get the care you need without facing financial hardship.
