Car Accident Attorney in Colorado Springs

Car Accident Attorney Colorado Springs

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you’re dealing with painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, lost income, or emotional trauma, the aftermath of a crash is often stressful and confusing. In Colorado Springs, where busy roads like I-25, Academy Boulevard, and Powers Boulevard see frequent collisions, accident victims deserve trusted legal guidance and strong advocacy.

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At Pribila and Fields, we are committed to helping injured individuals and their families secure the compensation they need to heal and move forward. With decades of experience handling car accident claims throughout Colorado Springs, our attorneys understand the local laws, the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and how to fight for the justice our clients deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado Springs

Car accidents in Colorado Springs occur due to a variety of factors, ranging from driver behavior to environmental challenges. Understanding the most common causes can help drivers make safer choices and potentially avoid devastating crashes.

1. Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol, recreational marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal substances remains one of the most serious and preventable causes of car accidents in Colorado Springs.

Statistics: In 2024, Colorado reported over 203 traffic fatalities statewide related to impaired driving. Colorado Springs, as one of the state’s largest cities, accounts for a significant portion of these tragic incidents.
Challenges Unique to Colorado: Since the legalization of recreational marijuana, law enforcement has faced new challenges in detecting and prosecuting drug-impaired driving. Unlike alcohol, there’s no universally agreed-upon legal threshold for THC impairment, making enforcement complex.
Behavioral Impact: Impaired drivers often exhibit reduced reaction times, blurred judgment, and impaired motor coordination, all of which make navigating intersections, curves, or inclement weather more dangerous.
Local Enforcement: The Colorado Springs Police Department regularly conducts sobriety checkpoints and targeted DUI enforcement, particularly around holidays and major events when impaired driving rates increase.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable crashes across Colorado and Colorado Springs is no exception.

Definition: Distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, using in-car GPS systems, eating, or even talking to passengers.
Texting While Driving: Even glancing at a phone for 5 seconds while driving at 55 mph is like traveling the length of a football field with your eyes closed. In city traffic, this increases the risk of rear-end collisions or pedestrian strikes.
Colorado Law: Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-239, adult drivers are prohibited from texting while driving unless it is to report an emergency. For drivers under 18, all cell phone use while driving is banned.
Recent Trends: With the rise of smartphones and in-dash screens, distracted driving accidents have surged, especially among drivers aged 16–34.

3. Speeding

Speeding not only increases the risk of a crash but also exacerbates the severity of injuries and property damage when a collision occurs.

Why It's Dangerous: At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to sudden hazards, such as an animal crossing the road or another driver braking suddenly. Stopping distance increases dramatically at higher speeds.
Speeding and Urban Design: In Colorado Springs, speeding is especially dangerous on roads like Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, and I-25, high-speed thoroughfares that mix commuter traffic with local vehicles.
Enforcement: Law enforcement uses radar and photo speed enforcement to deter aggressive drivers. Still, speeding remains a top citation in crash reports.

4. Weather and Road Conditions

Colorado Springs residents are no strangers to the challenges that weather can pose to road safety.

Snow and Ice: Winter months often bring snowstorms, icy roads, and reduced visibility in Colorado Springs. Black ice, in particular, can be invisible to the naked eye and cause sudden loss of vehicle control.
Rain and Hail: Heavy rain can cause hydroplaning, especially on highways. Hailstorms can reduce visibility to near zero and create panic among drivers unfamiliar with such conditions.
Wind: Strong winds in open areas can affect vehicle handling, especially high-profile vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and RVs.
Adaptability: Out-of-state drivers or newcomers may not be accustomed to mountain passes, steep inclines, and curving roads, making them more vulnerable during inclement weather.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Colorado Springs

Auto accidents can result in a wide spectrum of injuries, some of which require lifelong treatment and care. Our team is here to help victims suffering from catastrophic injuries after a Colorado Springs car accident recover the compensation that they need to recover. Here are some of the most frequently seen injuries in collisions throughout the Colorado Springs area:

1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions and affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back.

How It Happens: The rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck causes strain or tearing of soft tissues.
Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Symptoms often develop hours or even days after the crash.
Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management. Some cases may linger for months or lead to chronic pain.

Other soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and bruising, often in the shoulders, arms, and legs.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord trauma is one of the most serious outcomes of high-impact collisions, particularly those involving rollovers or side-impact crashes.

Types of Injuries: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and even complete or incomplete spinal cord severance.
Consequences: These injuries can result in temporary or permanent paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), chronic pain, or loss of bladder/bowel control.
Lifelong Costs: Spinal injuries require ongoing treatment, surgeries, home modifications, and assistive devices, costing victims millions of dollars over their lifetime.

3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Even low-speed crashes can result in a TBI if the head is jolted or strikes part of the vehicle.

Symptoms: Confusion, memory loss, headaches, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
Severe TBI: These can lead to coma, vegetative states, or permanent cognitive and physical impairment.
Undiagnosed TBIs: Sometimes symptoms don’t appear immediately, which is why medical evaluations are critical even if you “feel fine” after a crash.

4. Broken Bones and Internal Injuries

High-speed or high-impact collisions often cause bone fractures and serious internal trauma.

Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and facial bones are among the most commonly broken. Compound fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin) pose additional infection risks.
Chest Injuries: Seatbelts, while life-saving, can cause bruising or rib fractures during a collision. Airbags can also cause injuries to the sternum or face.
Internal Bleeding: Injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs may not be immediately visible but are life-threatening if untreated.
Organ Damage: Sudden force can rupture organs, requiring emergency surgery and extended hospitalization.

Preventative Measures and Safety Tips

To reduce the risk of car accidents in Colorado Springs:

Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid using mobile devices while driving.
Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to speed limits and traffic signals.
Never Drive Impaired: Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Adjust for Weather Conditions: Drive cautiously in adverse weather, allowing extra time and distance to stop.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition, with functioning brakes, lights, and tires.

Our attorneys provide outstanding legal representation to injured victims in Colorado Springs and across the state of Colorado. We help victims of senseless car accidents and offer our expertise in many other areas of personal injury law as well, including:

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Colorado Springs car accident or any type of accident, call us today and learn more about how our attorneys can help you claim the compensation that you need to move forward. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident due to someone else’s recklessness, our team can also help you pursue damages in a wrongful death claim.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Colorado Springs Car Accident?

Recovering from a car accident in Colorado Springs can be overwhelming physically, emotionally, and financially. Between medical appointments, insurance adjusters, car repairs, and missed time from work, it's easy to feel outmatched by the process. That’s where a skilled Colorado Springs car accident attorney can make a significant difference. An experienced lawyer is not only your advocate but also your guide through the legal and insurance systems, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

1. Investigating the Accident Thoroughly

One of the first tasks an attorney undertakes is conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. This includes:

Gathering police reports and reviewing traffic citations
Interviewing witnesses
Analyzing photos, dashcam footage, and surveillance video
Hiring accident reconstruction experts, if necessary

This evidence can be essential in establishing fault and liability, especially in contested cases or multi-vehicle collisions on roads like Powers Boulevard or I-25 in Colorado Springs.

2. Determining Liability and Fault

Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced accordingly. For example, if you’re deemed 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by that percentage.

An attorney ensures that fault is properly assigned and challenges any attempts by the other driver’s insurer to shift undue blame onto you. This is particularly important when dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize their payouts.

3. Handling Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance adjusters in Colorado Springs can be one of the most frustrating parts of the aftermath of an accident. Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements, delay claims processing, or deny valid claims altogether.

Your attorney can:

Communicate directly with insurance companies on your behalf
Ensure you meet all policy deadlines and documentation requirements
Review and counter unfair settlement offers
Present compelling evidence to support your demand for full compensation

Having legal representation signals to the insurer that you are serious about your claim and less likely to accept an unfair offer.

4. Calculating Full Damages

Many car accident victims underestimate the total value of their claim. An attorney will help you calculate both current and future damages, including:

Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medication)
Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

If your injuries are long-term or permanent, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, a lawyer can also work with medical and economic experts to estimate future care costs and financial losses.

5. Negotiating a Fair Settlement

Once your damages are calculated, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the maximum settlement possible. Most car accident claims settle out of court, but effective negotiation is a skill that comes from years of legal experience and local knowledge.

Your attorney’s goal is to reach a settlement that fully compensates you, not just the bare minimum.

6. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

If negotiations fail or the insurance company refuses to settle fairly, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit in the El Paso County District Court or another appropriate venue.

This includes:

Drafting and filing the complaint
Navigating pretrial procedures and discovery
Representing you in depositions, hearings, and mediation
Presenting your case at trial, if needed

While most cases settle before trial, having a lawyer who is willing and prepared to litigate can compel insurers to act more reasonably during negotiations.

7. Helping You Understand Your Rights and Deadlines

Colorado law imposes a three-year statute of limitations on most car accident claims. That means you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

An attorney in Colorado Springs ensures that all deadlines are met, filings are accurate, and your legal rights are fully preserved. They also explain your options clearly and provide peace of mind during what is often a stressful time.

8. Offering Personalized Support and Guidance

Every car accident is different. Some cases involve multi-vehicle pileups in downtown Colorado Springs; others may result from rear-end collisions on rural roads or distracted driving near school zones. A local attorney understands the specific traffic patterns, local court rules, and even the tendencies of local judges and insurance adjusters.

Moreover, a compassionate attorney doesn’t just handle legal tasks; they offer support, advice, and resources tailored to your unique recovery journey.

In short, an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney does far more than file paperwork; they protect your financial future, advocate for your best interests, and give you the breathing room to focus on healing. Whether your injuries are mild or catastrophic, having a legal professional in your corner can be the most important step you take after a crash.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to a trusted car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs today.

Why Choose Pribila and Fields?

At Pribila and Fields, we are your partner in Colorado Springs, rooted in this community and dedicated to serving the legal needs of our neighbors. It is our mission to get results that are in our client’s best interests. Simply put, we will fight for what is fair for you and for the compensation that you deserve. In each case and for each client, we are guided by our founding principles of providing comprehensive legal help while keeping clients and families at the forefront of everything we do through frequent consultations and ongoing communication.

You will speak directly with the attorney handling your case. We place a high value on clear communication and make it our priority that you are kept in the loop through all the stages of your case. We are ready to go to trial if your situation calls for it or settle the matter out of court if that solution is a better choice for your unique situation. Let our qualified, friendly team of car accident attorneys bring you the legal counsel and peace of mind that you need while fighting for the compensation that you deserve during this difficult time.

The car accident lawyers at Pribila and Fields represent clients in personal injury and wrongful death litigation in Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the surrounding areas, including Security-Widefield, City of Fountain, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Woodmoor, City of Woodland Park, Stratmoor, Air Force Academy, Gleneagle, Town of Monument, City of Manitou Springs, Town of Palmer Lake, Cascade-Chipita Park, City of Cripple Creek, and Ellicott.

If you have been injured in an accident, contact a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer at Pribila and Fields PC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call (719) 888-3720.

Contact Pribila and Fields Today for Legal Assistance After a Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Colorado Springs, the decisions you make in the hours and days that follow can have a lasting impact on your health, finances, and future. Don’t try to handle insurance adjusters, mounting medical bills, and complex legal procedures alone. At Pribila and Fields, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Our firm has built a reputation for providing compassionate, aggressive, and knowledgeable legal representation for injured victims across Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys understand what it takes to protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

When you choose Pribila and Fields, you’re not just getting a lawyer; you’re gaining a dedicated legal team that will:

Investigate the circumstances of your accident thoroughly
Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies
Work with medical and accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case
Fight for maximum compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future needs
Take your case to trial if necessary to achieve justice

Whether your accident involved a distracted driver, a drunk driver, or someone speeding through an icy Colorado Springs intersection, you have the right to hold them accountable. Let us help you move forward.

Call Pribila and Fields today at (719) 888-3720 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Come see how we can make a difference in your recovery and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a car accident lawyer help me in Colorado Springs?

In Colorado Springs, a car accident lawyer provides essential assistance in navigating the legal complexities of an accident. Our attorneys are equipped with extensive knowledge of local laws and can help you understand your rights and options. Whether it's dealing with insurance companies, filing a claim, or representing you in court, our team ensures your interests are protected and strives for the best possible outcome.

What should I expect during the legal process after an auto accident in Colorado Springs?

The legal process following an auto accident in Colorado Springs can involve several stages, including investigation, claim filing, negotiation with insurance companies, and possibly litigation. Our car accident attorneys provide comprehensive support throughout this process, ensuring you're informed at every step and working diligently to secure the compensation you deserve.

What insurance can help after a Colorado Springs crash if the at-fault driver has little or no coverage?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, known as UM/UIM, can pay for your bodily injury losses when the other driver lacks adequate insurance. Colorado requires insurers to offer UM/UIM, and you may decline it in writing. Minimum liability limits in Colorado are relatively low, which is why UM/UIM is so valuable. Your policy’s UM/UIM limits determine how much protection you actually have. Your attorney will also look for other liable parties and available coverages to maximize recovery. Reviewing your policy early helps set expectations for medical and wage loss benefits.

Do I have to use MedPay or my health insurance first after a Colorado car accident?

MedPay pays accident-related medical bills regardless of fault and is often available by default unless you rejected it in writing. Because MedPay is first-party coverage, you can generally use it before the liability claim resolves. Colorado law presumes at least 5,000 dollars of MedPay if the insurer cannot prove a valid written rejection. Health insurance can also apply, and coordination between the two can reduce balances. Importantly, MedPay benefits are typically not subject to subrogation in Colorado. Your lawyer will sequence coverages to minimize out-of-pocket costs while preserving your tort claim.

What deadlines apply to car accident claims, and what if a government vehicle or dangerous public road is involved?

Most motor vehicle injury claims must be filed within 3 years of the crash. If a public entity or employee may be at fault, you could have only 182 days to serve a formal notice of claim. Missing the government notice deadline can bar your case even if you sue within 3 years. Because responsibility can involve maintenance contractors or agencies, prompt investigation matters. Your attorney will identify all potential public entities and meet every statutory deadline. Early legal help preserves evidence and keeps your claim on track.

Why choose Pribila & Fields, PC as my auto accident attorney in Colorado Springs?

Choosing the right auto accident attorney in Colorado Springs is critical. At Pribila & Fields, PC, we offer over 40 years of combined experience, a deep commitment to our community, and a personal approach to each case. If you're looking for dedicated, knowledgeable legal representation, reach out to us. We're here to stand by your side and fight for your rights with the utmost professionalism and care.

Additional Information in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado State Patrol - Comprehensive information on how to report a crash, obtain crash reports, and the legal requirements for reporting. This is a crucial resource for anyone involved in an accident in Colorado.

Insurance Information Institute - Detailed information about the basics of auto insurance, including what's covered, what's not, and what's optional. It's particularly useful for anyone looking to understand their auto insurance policy better.

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Comprehensive resource emphasizing the importance of road safety in Colorado. It discusses state laws related to road safety and their alignment with national safety recommendations.

We're here to help you get justice & our friendly, qualified attorneys can help you pursue your claim & get the compensation you deserve.

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Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer