You know that feeling when you’re driving down Academy Boulevard and traffic suddenly comes to a dead stop? Your heart sinks because you know what’s ahead – another accident on one of Colorado Springs’ busiest commercial strips. If you’ve ever wondered why this road seems like a magnet for crashes, or worse, if you’ve been involved in one of these accidents yourself, you’re definitely not alone.
Academy Boulevard isn’t just any road. It’s a huge commercial artery that cuts right through Colorado Springs, packed with shopping centers, restaurants, gas stations, and businesses that bring in thousands of drivers every single day. But here’s the thing – all that commercial hustle and bustle creates a real recipe for accidents. And when crashes happen on Academy Boulevard, they’re often way more complicated than your typical fender-bender.
I’ve seen too many people get totally overwhelmed after an Academy Boulevard accident, especially when it involves commercial properties or businesses. The legal side gets messy fast, insurance companies start pointing fingers, and suddenly you’re dealing with way more than just car repairs. That’s why I want to walk you through everything you need to know about these commercial strip crashes – from why they happen so often to what you should do if you find yourself in this tough situation.
Why Academy Boulevard Is an Accident Hotspot
Let me give you a clear idea of what makes Academy Boulevard so tricky to drive. Imagine a four-lane road (sometimes six lanes in certain spots) with constant traffic lights, shopping centers on both sides, and drivers who are trying to get somewhere while also looking for that perfect parking spot. It’s chaos, honestly.
The commercial vibe of this strip creates different problems you just don’t see on regular neighborhood roads. People are constantly turning in and out of parking lots, often without much warning. They’re distracted, looking for store signs or trying to figure out which entrance to use. And don’t even get me started on the holiday shopping season – it’s like the Wild West out there.
The Shopping Center Shuffle
Here’s what I see happening all the time: someone’s driving along Academy Boulevard, spots the store they need, and makes a sudden decision to turn into the parking lot. No signal, no checking blind spots – just a quick jerk of the wheel. Meanwhile, the car behind them is also distracted, maybe looking at their GPS or trying to read a store sign, and boom – rear-end collision.
Or you get the opposite scenario where someone’s trying to leave a busy shopping center during peak hours. They’re sitting at the exit, waiting for a gap in traffic that never seems to come. Finally, they get impatient and try to squeeze into a space that’s way too small. The result? A side-impact crash that could’ve been avoided with a little patience.
Traffic Light Timing Issues
The traffic lights along Academy Boulevard can be absolutely maddening. You’ll sit at a red light for what feels like forever, watching no traffic go through the intersection, and then get a green light that lasts about thirty seconds. This creates two problems: frustrated drivers who run red lights and aggressive drivers who floor it to make it through yellow lights.
I can’t tell you how many Academy Boulevard accidents I’ve heard about that happened because someone was trying to beat a light. They’re accelerating through an intersection just as someone from the cross street is doing the exact same thing. It’s a recipe for disaster.
The Commercial Vehicle Factor
Academy Boulevard isn’t just busy with regular cars – you’ve got delivery trucks, semi-trucks making store deliveries, and commercial vehicles of all sizes mixing with regular traffic. These bigger vehicles have longer stopping distances, bigger blind spots, and can cause much more serious damage when accidents occur.
When a delivery truck is trying to back into a loading dock at one of the many businesses along Academy Boulevard, it creates a temporary traffic hazard. Cars have to move around it, often making sudden lane changes that can lead to crashes with other vehicles.
Common Types of Academy Boulevard Accidents
After dealing with these cases for years, I’ve noticed certain patterns in how Academy Boulevard accidents happen. Knowing about these common scenarios can help you be more aware when you’re driving this stretch – and it’s also good to know if you ever need to file an insurance claim or work with an attorney.
Rear-End Collisions at Shopping Centers
This is probably the most common type of accident I see on Academy Boulevard. Here’s how it typically goes down: traffic is moving along at 35-40 mph, and suddenly the car in front slams on their brakes to turn into a shopping center. The driver behind them doesn’t have enough time to stop, and bam – rear-end collision.
What makes these accidents tricky is figuring out who’s at fault. Sure, the general rule is that the rear driver is at fault, but what if the front driver made an illegal turn or didn’t signal? What if there was a mechanical issue with their brake lights? These details really matter when you’re dealing with insurance companies.
Side-Impact Crashes During Lane Changes
Academy Boulevard has multiple lanes, and people are constantly changing lanes to get around slower traffic or position themselves for turns. The problem is, with all the commercial activity, there are a lot of distractions. Drivers don’t always check their blind spots properly, and side-impact collisions happen.
These accidents can be particularly serious because side-impact crashes often result in more severe injuries than rear-end collisions. Your car’s sides don’t have as much protection as the front and back, so even moderate-speed impacts can cause significant damage and injuries.
Intersection Accidents
The intersections along Academy Boulevard are particularly dangerous, especially during busy shopping times. You’ve got drivers making left turns across multiple lanes of traffic, people running red lights, and pedestrians trying to cross at busy shopping areas.
One scenario I see repeatedly: someone’s making a left turn from Academy Boulevard into a shopping center, and they misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic. Or they start their turn thinking they have enough time, but the oncoming car is going faster than the speed limit. The result is often a serious T-bone collision.
Parking Lot Incidents That Spill Into Traffic
Here’s something people don’t always think about – accidents that start in parking lots but involve Academy Boulevard traffic. Maybe someone’s backing out of a parking space and doesn’t see a car driving through the lot. They collide, and one of the vehicles gets pushed into traffic on Academy Boulevard, causing a secondary accident.
These situations get complicated fast because now you’re dealing with multiple insurance companies, different property owners, and questions about where exactly the accident occurred. Was it on private property (the parking lot) or public property (the road)? These details can greatly impact your claim.
The Business Liability Factor
Here’s where Academy Boulevard accidents get really interesting from a legal standpoint. When you’re dealing with crashes on commercial strips, it’s not always just about the drivers involved. Sometimes, the businesses themselves can bear some responsibility.
Poorly Designed Parking Lot Entrances
I’ve seen cases where a business has a parking lot entrance that’s genuinely dangerous. Maybe it’s positioned too close to an intersection, or the sight lines are blocked by signs or landscaping. If a business creates a hazardous condition that contributes to an accident, they might be on the hook for damages.
For example, let’s say there’s a restaurant on Academy Boulevard with a parking lot entrance right after a blind curve. Cars coming around that curve can’t see vehicles turning into the restaurant until it’s too late. If the restaurant knew about this problem and didn’t take steps to fix it, they could be held responsible for accidents that result.
Inadequate Lighting and Signage
Commercial properties need to keep things safe for their customers and the general public. This includes proper lighting in parking areas and clear signs that help drivers get around safely.
I’ve handled cases where poor lighting in a business parking lot contributed to an accident. Someone was leaving the parking lot after dark, couldn’t see clearly because of inadequate lighting, and pulled out in front of traffic on Academy Boulevard. In situations like this, the property owner might share liability for the accident.
Snow and Ice Removal Issues
Colorado winters can be brutal, and commercial properties along Academy Boulevard need to keep their parking lots and entrances safe. When businesses don’t properly remove snow and ice, it can create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents.
Imagine this: there’s a layer of ice at the entrance to a shopping center parking lot. A driver tries to turn in, hits the ice, and slides into oncoming traffic on Academy Boulevard. The business could be liable if they failed to properly maintain their property.
What to Do After an Academy Boulevard Accident
If you find yourself in an accident on Academy Boulevard, the steps you take immediately afterward can make a huge difference in how your insurance claim and any potential legal case play out. Here’s what you need to do, step by step.
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
I know it’s easier said than done, but try to stay calm. Academy Boulevard is a busy road, and accidents here can feel particularly chaotic because of all the traffic and commercial activity around you. First priority: check if you or anyone else is injured. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.
Even if injuries seem minor, it’s often worth getting checked out by a doctor or medical professional. Adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms, and some injuries (like soft tissue damage) don’t show up right away.
Get to Safety
If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Academy Boulevard is busy enough normally – you don’t want to create additional hazards by leaving your car in a travel lane. If you can safely drive to a nearby parking lot, do so. If not, turn on your hazard lights and try to get yourself and any passengers to a safe spot away from traffic.
Call the Police
Even if the accident seems minor, call the police. Colorado Springs police will respond to accidents on Academy Boulevard, and having an official police report can be really helpful when dealing with insurance companies later. The responding officer will document the scene, interview witnesses, and create an official record of what happened.
Don’t let the other driver talk you out of calling the police with promises like “let’s just handle this between ourselves.” Insurance companies and attorneys put a lot of weight on police reports, and you’ll definitely want that official documentation.
Document Everything
While you’re waiting for police to arrive, start documenting the scene. Take photos of all vehicles involved, the damage, the exact location of the accident, traffic signs or signals, and the surrounding area. If the accident happened near a business, take photos showing the relationship between the crash site and the commercial property.
Get photos from multiple angles and distances. Close-up shots of damage are important, but wide shots that show the overall scene can be just as valuable. If there are skid marks, debris, or other evidence on the road, photograph those too.
Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance company, and policy number. Also get their driver’s license number and license plate number. If there are passengers in either vehicle, get their names and contact information too – they might be witnesses.
Don’t discuss fault or admit any responsibility for the accident. Just stick to the basic facts about what happened. Save the analysis for the insurance companies and attorneys.
Look for Witnesses
Academy Boulevard is busy, so there’s a good chance someone saw your accident. Look for witnesses and get their contact information. This includes other drivers, pedestrians, and employees from nearby businesses who might have seen what happened.
Witness testimony can be extremely valuable, especially in cases where fault isn’t clear-cut. An independent witness who saw the accident can provide key details that support your version of events.
Take Notes
Write down your recollection of how the accident happened while it’s still fresh in your memory. Include details like the time of day, weather conditions, traffic conditions, and exactly what you and the other driver were doing leading up to the crash.
Also note any statements made by the other driver. Did they apologize or admit fault? Did they mention being distracted or running late? These statements can be important evidence later.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Here’s where things can get really frustrating after an Academy Boulevard accident. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. When you’re dealing with a commercial strip accident, they’ll often try to complicate things or shift blame to pay you less.
Your Own Insurance Company
Start by reporting the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers have 24-hour claim reporting hotlines, so you can usually do this right from the accident scene. Be honest about what happened, but stick to the facts – don’t guess about fault or offer opinions about what the other driver should have done.
Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case. This person will investigate the accident, review the police report, and figure out how much your insurer will pay for damages. Remember, even though it’s your own insurance company, they’re still trying to minimize payouts. Don’t assume they’re automatically on your side.
The Other Driver’s Insurance
You’ll also need to deal with the other driver’s insurance company. They’ll likely contact you within a day or two of the accident, wanting to get your statement about what happened. Be very careful here. You’re not required to give them a recorded statement, and anything you say can be used to pay you less or deny your claim.
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that might get you to accept partial blame for the accident. They might ask seemingly innocent questions like “Why didn’t you see the other car sooner?” or “Were you in a hurry?” Your answers to these questions could come back to haunt you later.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies have several tricks they use to reduce payouts on Academy Boulevard accident claims. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
Quick Settlement Offers: They might offer you a settlement very quickly after the accident, before you’ve had time to fully figure out all your costs or injuries. These initial offers are almost always way too low. Don’t accept any settlement until you’re sure you understand the full extent of your losses.
Disputing Medical Treatment: If you were injured in the accident, the insurance company might question whether your medical treatment was necessary or related to the crash. They might claim that your injuries were pre-existing or that you’re getting more treatment than necessary.
Challenging Fault Determination: In Academy Boulevard accidents, insurance companies often try to shift blame. They might claim that you were partially at fault because you were distracted, driving too fast, or should have been more aware of the commercial activity around you.
Lowballing Property Damage: They might try to repair your car with used or aftermarket parts, or they might undervalue your vehicle if it’s totaled. Don’t automatically accept their estimates – you have the right to get your own appraisals.
When You Need an Attorney
Not every Academy Boulevard accident requires an attorney, but many do. The commercial nature of these crashes often makes them trickier than typical car accidents. Here are some situations where you should seriously consider getting legal help.
Serious Injuries
If you or anyone else involved in the accident suffered serious injuries, you need an attorney. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and you might be facing lost wages, ongoing treatment, and long-term disability. Insurance companies will fight hard to minimize payouts on serious injury claims, and you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight back.
Don’t wait to contact an attorney if you’re dealing with serious injuries. There are time limits for filing personal injury claims in Colorado, and evidence can disappear quickly. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of getting fair compensation.
Disputed Fault
If there’s any question about who was at fault for the accident, you should talk to an attorney. Academy Boulevard accidents often involve tricky scenarios where fault isn’t clear-cut. Maybe both drivers made mistakes, or maybe a business’s negligence contributed to the crash. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident thoroughly and build a strong case for why the other party should be held responsible.
Multiple Parties Involved
Academy Boulevard accidents sometimes involve multiple vehicles, businesses, and insurance companies. These cases with many parties can get extremely complicated, with everyone pointing fingers at everyone else. You need someone who can sort through all the competing claims and make sure your interests are protected.
Insurance Company Bad Faith
If an insurance company is refusing to pay a valid claim, delaying payment unreasonably, or using deceptive tactics to avoid their obligations, you might have a “bad faith” claim. Insurance companies are supposed to handle claims fairly and in good faith. When they don’t, you can sue them for damages beyond just your original claim.
At McCormick & Murphy, we’ve been handling insurance bad faith cases for over 30 years. We know the tricks insurance companies use, and we know how to hold them accountable when they don’t play fair.
Commercial Property Liability
If you think a business might bear some responsibility for your accident, you definitely need legal help. Proving that a commercial property owner was negligent involves tricky liability laws and gathering specific types of evidence. This isn’t something you want to try to handle on your own.
The Legal Process for Academy Boulevard Accident Claims
If you do end up needing to file a lawsuit after an Academy Boulevard accident, here’s what you can expect from the legal process. Understanding this ahead of time can help reduce some of the stress and uncertainty.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The first step is a complete investigation of your accident. This goes way beyond just reading the police report. We’ll visit the accident scene, take photographs, review traffic camera footage if available, and interview witnesses. If a business might be liable, we’ll investigate their safety practices, maintenance records, and any previous incidents.
We’ll also review your medical records and work with medical experts to document your injuries and treatment. If you’ve lost wages because of the accident, we’ll gather employment records and work with economists to calculate your lost income.
Filing the Lawsuit
In Colorado, you generally have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might seem like a long time, but it can go by quickly, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries and ongoing medical treatment.
When we file your lawsuit, we’ll name everyone who might be at fault as defendants. This might include the other driver, their employer (if they were working at the time), any businesses whose negligence contributed to the accident, and their insurance companies.
Discovery Phase
After the lawsuit is filed, both sides start what’s called discovery. This is where each side gathers information and evidence from the other side. We might request documents, take depositions (sworn testimony) from witnesses and experts, and ask the defendants to answer written questions under oath.
The discovery phase can take several months or even longer in complex cases. It’s often the most time-consuming part of the litigation process, but it’s also where we build the strongest case for your claim.
Settlement Negotiations
Most personal injury cases settle before going to trial, and Academy Boulevard accident cases are no exception. Throughout the legal process, we’ll be negotiating with the defendants and their insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
Settlement negotiations can happen at any time, but they often intensify after discovery is complete and both sides have a clear picture of the evidence. We’ll never recommend accepting a settlement unless it fairly compensates you for all your losses.
Trial
If we can’t reach a fair settlement, your case will go to trial. Colorado Springs personal injury trials typically take place in the El Paso County courthouse. A jury will hear evidence from both sides and decide whether the defendants are liable for your damages and, if so, how much they should pay.
Trials can be stressful, but they’re sometimes necessary to get fair compensation. Insurance companies know that we’re willing to go to trial if necessary, which often motivates them to make better settlement offers.
Specific Challenges with Academy Boulevard Cases
Academy Boulevard accident cases come with some unique challenges that you don’t see with other types of car accidents. Understanding these challenges can help you prepare for what’s ahead if you’re dealing with one of these cases.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Academy Boulevard runs through different parts of Colorado Springs, and depending on where your accident occurred, different law enforcement agencies might be involved. This can complicate the investigation and evidence-gathering process.
We’re familiar with working with Colorado Springs Police, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies. We know how to get police reports, traffic camera footage, and other evidence from different jurisdictions.
Commercial Property Access
If your accident involved a business or commercial property, we might need to access that property to investigate. Business owners don’t always cooperate with these investigations, especially if they think they might be liable for the accident.
We have experience dealing with uncooperative businesses and their attorneys. We know how to use the legal process to get access to the evidence we need to build your case.
Complex Traffic Patterns
Academy Boulevard’s traffic patterns are more complex than typical roads because of all the commercial activity. Proving how an accident happened often means understanding these traffic patterns and how they might have contributed to the crash.
We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the scene, review traffic data, and create computer simulations showing how the accident occurred. This type of expert testimony can be really important in complex Academy Boulevard cases.
Seasonal Variations
Traffic patterns and accident risks on Academy Boulevard change a lot with the seasons. Holiday shopping periods bring much heavier traffic and more distracted drivers. Winter weather creates additional hazards with snow and ice.
These seasonal factors can impact your case in various ways. For example, if your accident happened during a busy shopping period, it might support claims that a business should have provided better traffic control or security.
Understanding Colorado’s Fault Laws
Colorado follows what’s called a “modified comparative fault” system for car accidents. This can really impact your Academy Boulevard accident case, so it’s important to understand how it works.
How Comparative Fault Works
Under Colorado law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for an accident – as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Here’s an example: let’s say you were in an Academy Boulevard accident and suffered $100,000 in damages. If the jury finds that you were 20% at fault for the accident (maybe you were slightly speeding), you would recover $80,000 instead of the full $100,000.
Why This Matters for Academy Boulevard Cases
The comparative fault system is particularly important for Academy Boulevard accidents because fault is often shared among multiple parties. Maybe you were slightly distracted, the other driver was speeding, and a business had a poorly designed parking lot entrance. All of these factors could play a role in the accident.
Insurance companies will try to maximize your percentage of fault to reduce their payouts. They’ll look for any evidence that you were distracted, speeding, or otherwise negligent. This is why it’s so important to be careful about what you say to insurance adjusters and why you might need an attorney to protect your interests.
The 50% Rule
If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault for an accident, you can’t recover any damages under Colorado law. This makes fault determination extremely important in Academy Boulevard cases where multiple factors might have contributed to the crash.
Insurance companies know about this rule, and they’ll often try to argue that you were at least 50% at fault to avoid paying anything on your claim. Don’t let them get away with this – fight back with solid evidence and strong legal representation.
Medical Considerations After Academy Boulevard Accidents
Academy Boulevard accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-changing trauma. Understanding the medical side of your case is important for getting proper treatment and fair compensation.
Common Injuries
The types of injuries we see in Academy Boulevard accidents depend on several factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and whether seat belts were used. Here are some of the most common injuries:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These are extremely common in rear-end collisions, which happen frequently on Academy Boulevard. Whiplash can cause ongoing pain and mobility issues that last for months or even years.
Back Injuries: The jarring motion of a car accident can cause herniated discs, muscle strains, and other back problems. These injuries often require extensive physical therapy and sometimes surgery.
Head Injuries: Even in moderate-speed crashes, occupants can suffer concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and quality of life.
Broken Bones: Side-impact crashes and high-speed collisions can result in broken ribs, arms, legs, and other bones. Some fractures require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after an Academy Boulevard accident, you should get checked out by a medical professional. Adrenaline and shock can mask injury symptoms, and some injuries don’t show up immediately.
From a legal standpoint, getting prompt medical attention also helps document that your injuries were caused by the accident. If you wait several days to see a doctor, insurance companies might argue that your injuries were caused by something else.
Ongoing Medical Treatment
Many Academy Boulevard accident injuries need ongoing treatment, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and follow-up visits with specialists. Keep detailed records of all your medical treatment, including appointments, treatments received, and how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you to settle your claim before you’ve completed your medical treatment. You need to know the full extent of your injuries and the total cost of your treatment before you can fairly evaluate any settlement offer.
Post-Concussion Syndrome and what it means after a crash and Long-Term Effects
Head injuries from Academy Boulevard accidents can sometimes lead to post-concussion syndrome, a condition where concussion symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial injury. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Post-concussion syndrome can really impact your ability to work and enjoy life, but it’s often not well understood by insurance companies. If you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms after a head injury, make sure you’re working with medical professionals who understand this condition.
The Emotional Impact of Academy Boulevard Accidents
Car accidents are traumatic events, and the emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical injuries. Academy Boulevard accidents can be particularly traumatic because they often happen in busy, chaotic environments with lots of witnesses and commercial activity.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Life After a Collision
Many car accident victims develop PTSD, especially after serious crashes. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety about driving, and avoiding the accident location. For Academy Boulevard accident victims, this might mean avoiding a major commercial corridor that they need to use regularly.
PTSD is a real medical condition that can really impact your life, and it’s compensable in personal injury cases. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD after your accident, make sure you get proper treatment and document how it’s affecting your life.
Anxiety and Depression
It’s normal to feel anxious or depressed after a car accident, especially if you were seriously injured or if the accident was particularly traumatic. These emotional injuries can affect your relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.
Don’t try to tough it out on your own. Mental health treatment is just as important as physical medical treatment, and it’s covered under Colorado’s personal injury laws.
Impact on Family Members
Academy Boulevard accidents don’t just affect the people who were in the cars – they can also have a big impact on family members. Spouses might have to take time off work to care for injured partners, children might be traumatized by seeing a parent injured, and family dynamics can be disrupted by the stress of dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
In some cases, family members can recover damages for their own losses related to the accident. This might include lost wages for time spent caregiving or compensation for loss of companionship if a family member was seriously injured.
Financial Impact and Recovery
Academy Boulevard accidents can have a big financial impact that goes far beyond just car repairs. Understanding all the ways an accident can affect you financially is important for making sure you get fair compensation.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills can pile up quickly after an Academy Boulevard accident. Emergency room visits, ambulance rides, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Don’t assume that your health insurance will cover everything. Many health insurance policies have high deductibles and copays, and some don’t cover certain types of treatment. You might be responsible for significant out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can lose a lot of income. This includes not just your regular wages, but also overtime, bonuses, and other benefits. If you’re self-employed or work on commission, calculating lost income can be more complex.
In serious injury cases, you might face long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to earn income for the rest of your career. These future lost earnings can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
Property Damage
Car repairs or replacement costs are usually the most obvious financial impact of an Academy Boulevard accident, but they’re often not the largest. Still, these costs can be significant, especially if you have an older car that’s totaled in the accident.
Don’t forget about other property that might have been damaged in the accident, such as personal items in your car, clothing, or electronic devices.
Other Financial Impacts
Academy Boulevard accidents can have many other financial impacts that people don’t always think about:
- Transportation costs while your car is being repaired
- Childcare costs if your injuries prevent you from caring for your children
- Home care or household help if you can’t perform normal daily activities
- Modifications to your home or vehicle if you suffer permanent disabilities
Working with McCormick & Murphy P.C.
If you’ve been involved in an Academy Boulevard accident, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of these cases. At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we’ve been handling personal injury and insurance bad faith cases in Colorado Springs for over 25 years.
Our Experience with Academy Boulevard Cases
We know Academy Boulevard. We’ve handled dozens of accident cases along this commercial strip, and we understand the unique factors that make these cases complex. We know the traffic patterns, the common accident locations, and the businesses that have been involved in previous accidents.
Our experience gives us an advantage when investigating your case and building your claim. We know what evidence to look for, which experts to consult, and how to present your case in the strongest possible light.
Our Approach to Client Service
We understand that being involved in an Academy Boulevard accident is stressful and overwhelming. You’re dealing with injuries, medical treatment, insurance companies, and financial pressures all at the same time. Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.
We handle most personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you. This allows you to get experienced legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.
What We’ll Do for Your Case
When you work with us on your Academy Boulevard accident case, here’s what you can expect:
Complete Investigation: We’ll conduct a full investigation of your accident, including visiting the scene, interviewing witnesses, and gathering all available evidence.
Expert Analysis: We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, economists, and other specialists who can provide expert testimony to support your case.
Insurance Company Negotiations: We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies and fight for fair compensation for your losses.
Litigation if Necessary: If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Insurance companies know we’re not afraid to go to court, which often motivates them to make better offers.
Getting Started
If you’ve been involved in an Academy Boulevard accident, don’t wait to get legal help. Evidence can disappear quickly, and there are time limits for filing claims and lawsuits. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your interests.
You can reach us at (719) 800-9407 or visit our office at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. We offer free consultations for personal injury cases, so you can learn about your options without any financial risk.
Prevention Tips for Academy Boulevard Driving
While we can’t prevent all Academy Boulevard accidents, there are things you can do to reduce your risk when driving this busy commercial strip.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Academy Boulevard requires your full attention. Don’t use your phone, adjust your GPS, or try to read store signs while driving. If you need to find a specific business, pull into a parking lot and figure out where you’re going before getting back on the road.
Maintain Safe Following Distances
With all the sudden stops and turns on Academy Boulevard, you need extra following distance. The old “three-second rule” isn’t enough in heavy commercial traffic – give yourself at least four or five seconds of following distance.
Use Turn Signals Early
Signal your intentions early when you’re planning to turn into a business or change lanes. Other drivers need time to react, especially in heavy traffic.
Be Patient
Don’t let frustration with traffic or difficulty finding parking lead to aggressive driving. Leave extra time for your trips along Academy Boulevard, especially during busy shopping periods.
Watch for Pedestrians
Academy Boulevard has a lot of foot traffic around shopping centers and bus stops. Always be alert for pedestrians, especially in parking lot areas and at intersections.
Conclusion: Getting the Help You Need
Academy Boulevard accidents are more than just car crashes – they’re complex events that can have lasting impacts on your health, finances, and quality of life. The commercial nature of this strip creates unique challenges that need experienced legal representation to handle properly.
If you’ve been involved in an Academy Boulevard accident, don’t try to handle it alone. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize their payouts. You need someone in your corner who understands these cases and will fight for your rights.
At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we’ve been helping Colorado Springs accident victims for over 25 years. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we know how to get results. Our professional services speak for themselves – we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re ready to fight for you too.
Don’t let an Academy Boulevard accident derail your life. Contact us today at (719) 800-9407 to learn about your options. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. You’ve got enough to worry about – let us handle the legal side so you can focus on getting your life back on track.
Remember, time is important in these cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and there are legal deadlines you need to meet. The sooner you get experienced legal help, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – call us today.
