Colorado Springs is a beautiful city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, but its winding roads and heavy traffic create risks for car accidents. Although car accidents can happen anywhere in Colorado Springs, some roads and intersections are particularly prone to wrecks.
It’s important to understand where most car accidents occur in Colorado Springs so you can remain extra vigilant and take precautions to avoid a car wreck that can severely injure you or someone you love.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Colorado Springs car accident someone else caused, contact a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer near you for advice about your rights and options to seek compensation.
The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Colorado Springs
According to accident data from the Colorado Springs Police Department, the following are some of the most accident-prone roads and intersections in the city:
- Interstate 25, especially near the exits for Woodmen Road, Garden of the Gods Road, and Cimarron Street, see a lot of car wrecks. The high speeds and heavy traffic on I-25 make it one of the most dangerous roads in the city. Rear-end collisions and sideswipe accidents are common as vehicles merge on and off the highway.
- Powers Boulevard is a major north-south artery through Colorado Springs. The intersections of Powers with Woodmen Road, Barnes Road, Constitution Avenue, and Platte Avenue are some of the busiest and see a high number of broadside and rear-end collisions.
- Academy Boulevard is another major north-south route. Academy has some of the city’s highest traffic volumes. Intersections with Platte Avenue, Fountain Boulevard, and Woodmen Road are especially risky. Left-turn accidents and pedestrian crashes are common along this corridor.
- Platte Avenue is an east-west road that runs through the heart of Colorado Springs. With its dense retail development, Platte Avenue has a lot of traffic entering and exiting businesses, leading to many accidents. The intersection of Platte and Chelton Road is one of the most dangerous in the city.
- Woodmen Road is a major east-west artery that runs along the north side of Colorado Springs. It has heavy congestion and some of the city’s highest accident rates, especially at the intersection with I-25.
Other notably dangerous intersections include:
- Marksheffel Road and Constitution Avenue
- Circle Drive and Galley Road
- Hancock Expressway and South Academy Boulevard
- Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard
- Murray Boulevard and Airport Road
Despite your best efforts to stay safe on the road, you can’t control the actions of other drivers. If another driver caused a car accident anywhere in Colorado Springs that hurt you or a family member, contact a car accident lawyer right away to discuss your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado Springs
You may wonder what makes these roads and intersections so dangerous.
Many factors contribute to Colorado Springs’ high accident rates, including:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents nationwide, and Colorado Springs is no exception. Drivers talking on the phone, texting, eating, or adjusting vehicle controls can easily lose focus and crash.
- Speeding: Speeding is a factor in a third of fatal accidents in Colorado. Colorado Springs’ wide suburban streets like Powers Boulevard encourage many drivers to exceed the speed limit. Congested arterials like Academy Boulevard see frequent accidents as impatient drivers attempt to beat red lights.
- Red light running: Speaking of red lights, running red lights is another frequent cause of serious broadside collisions in Colorado Springs, especially along the busy north-south routes.
- Impaired driving: Despite public awareness campaigns, impaired driving remains all too common. Drunk or drugged drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, increasing the risk of a collision. Tragically, drunk drivers cause many accidents each year in Colorado Springs, sometimes with fatal consequences.
- Poor weather: Colorado Springs’ high elevation means that snow and ice are common for much of the year. Drivers unused to winter conditions can easily lose control, especially on hilly terrain.
- Tailgating: Colorado Springs has a lot of traffic congestion, and impatient drivers frequently follow too close behind the vehicle in front of them. If the front vehicle has to stop suddenly, the rear vehicle can collide with them if the rear driver doesn’t leave enough space to brake in time or take evasive action. Tailgating is a common cause of rear-end accidents on I-25 in particular.
How to Determine Fault in a Colorado Springs Car Crash
Colorado is an at-fault state for car insurance purposes, so the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident must compensate the other parties for their injuries and property damage. However, determining fault requires a car accident lawyer’s careful investigation. In many cases, both drivers bear some responsibility.
To determine fault, insurance companies, lawyers, and courts look at evidence like:
- Police accident reports
- Photos of the accident scene and damaged vehicles
- Surveillance footage (if available)
- Eyewitness statements
- Vehicle “black box” data
- Cell phone records (to prove distraction)
- Blood alcohol test results
Many times, violations of traffic laws determine fault. For example, a driver who runs a red light and T-bones another vehicle in the intersection will likely be found at fault.
In other cases, though, fault determination is more complex. If both drivers broke the speed limit, they may share fault. If a distracted driver rear-ended another vehicle, but the struck vehicle’s brake lights weren’t working, a jury might split responsibility between them.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault for the Car Wreck?
Colorado law allows an injured party to recover compensation as long as they were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to their fault. Even if you bear partial responsibility for the accident, a skilled attorney may still recover substantial compensation on your behalf.
Determining the percentage of fault in an accident is complex and depends on the specific facts. An attorney will gather evidence and craft arguments to minimize your responsibility and maximize your financial recovery.
How a Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of determining fault and recovering fair compensation.
An attorney will:
- Conduct a thorough independent investigation of the accident
- Gather evidence to prove the fault of the other driver
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court if necessary
- Deal with medical billing and liens to maximize your financial recovery
Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, not your best interests. An attorney will advocate for you and work to get you the best possible financial outcome.
When Should I Contact an Attorney After a Colorado Springs Car Accident?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is three years from the crash. After this deadline, you lose your right to file a lawsuit.
Also, crucial evidence can disappear or be destroyed over time. Witnesses may have trouble recalling specific details about the crash if you don’t get their statements right away. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better their chances of finding important evidence through a thorough investigation and building a solid case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Many people worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. But most Colorado Springs car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront costs, and the attorney only gets paid if they recover money for you. If you receive a settlement or favorable verdict, the attorney will take a percentage of the recovery as their fee.
At the same time, contingency fee arrangements give your attorney a strong incentive to maximize your financial recovery. You can be confident they will fight hard on your behalf.
Is It Worth It to Get a Car Accident Lawyer?
Absolutely! The Insurance Research Council conducted studies that showed that people who hire personal injury attorneys stand an 88% higher chance of getting a favorable settlement from the insurance company.
Additionally, lawyers help clients receive 3.5 times more money from settlements and awards, on average.
Discuss Your Case with a Colorado Spring Car Accident Attorney
If a careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent driver caused a car crash that injured you or a loved one, an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, a skilled attorney may still get you a substantial recovery.
Don’t try to navigate the complex claims process on your own, and don’t accept an inadequate settlement offer (or any offer) from an insurance company without first speaking with an attorney.
Contact a reputable Colorado Springs personal injury attorney at Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., today for a free consultation. An attorney could help you recover significant compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Remember, you only have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, so don’t delay.
