Veterans Day in Colorado: A Note from Flanagan Law

Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day. In May we paused on Memorial Day to remember the service members who didn’t come home. Veterans Day is different. It honors everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces, and most of the people it honors are still with us. They’re our neighbors, coworkers, clients, and family members, living ordinary Colorado lives after doing something extraordinary.

This is a short note from our practice. No pitch, just thanks, and a few practical facts that matter to veterans and military families who end up in our office after a crash.

Why does Veterans Day matter to a Colorado law firm?

Veterans Day matters to us because veterans are part of every community we serve, from Commerce City and Aurora to Broomfield and the south metro. Colorado has one of the larger veteran populations in the country, and many who served here chose to stay. When a veteran is hurt in a crash, they bring the same discipline and reluctance to complain that served them in uniform. That reluctance can work against them in an injury claim, where pain that goes unreported often goes uncompensated.

Does the VA pay for care after a car accident?

The VA may provide care for a veteran injured in a car accident, depending on the veteran’s eligibility. When another driver caused the crash, federal law allows the VA to seek reimbursement for that care from the at-fault driver or their insurer. That means the VA may have a claim against the same insurance money you are pursuing. It doesn’t prevent you from getting care through the VA, but it does need to be identified and resolved as part of any settlement.

What about TRICARE for military families?

TRICARE works in a similar way. When TRICARE pays for treatment of injuries caused by someone else, the government can assert a right to be repaid from the injured person’s recovery. Military families often learn about this only after a settlement, when a reimbursement letter arrives. Identifying these claims early lets an attorney address them before money is distributed. Our article on medical liens after a Colorado accident explains how government reimbursement claims are handled.

What about veterans with service-connected disabilities?

A veteran with a service-connected condition who is hurt in a crash may be told by an insurer that their pain comes from the old injury, not the new one. Colorado law allows recovery when a crash makes a pre-existing condition worse. The key is clear medical documentation comparing how you were before the crash with how you are after it. VA records from before the crash can actually help, because they show your baseline.

Our thanks

To every veteran in Colorado, and to the families who carried the weight of service alongside them: thank you. We’ll be back to our regular content later this week. If you need us in the meantime, we’re here at 720-928-9178.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Veterans Day in 2026?

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It honors everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces, living and deceased. Memorial Day, in May, specifically honors those who died in service.

Will the VA want to be repaid from my car accident settlement?

It may. When the VA provides care for injuries caused by another driver, federal law allows it to seek reimbursement from the at-fault party or their insurer. That claim should be identified and resolved as part of your settlement.

Can I still recover if a crash made my service-connected injury worse?

Yes. Colorado law allows recovery when a crash aggravates a pre-existing condition. Medical records showing your condition before and after the crash are the key evidence, and prior VA records often help establish your baseline.

Does Flanagan Law represent veterans and military families?

Yes. Flanagan Law represents veterans, service members, and military families injured in Colorado vehicle crashes. Call 720-928-9178 for a free consultation.

If you’re a veteran or a member of a military family hurt in a Colorado crash, call Flanagan Law at 720-928-9178 for a free consultation.