You know that feeling when you’re planning the perfect family trip to Colorado Springs? Everyone’s excited about seeing the giraffes at America’s only mountain zoo, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you’ve got that mental checklist running: camera, snacks, comfy shoes for all that walking uphill. But here’s something that probably isn’t on your radar – and honestly, it should be – the surprisingly high number of car accidents that happen right around the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo area.
I’ve been working with folks who’ve experienced these crashes for years now, and let me tell you, it’s heartbreaking when what should be a magical family memory turns into dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and a mountain of legal paperwork. The thing is, this area has some unique challenges that make accidents more common than you’d expect, and most visitors have no idea what they’re getting into.
Why This Scenic Route Can Be So Dangerous
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road: Beautiful but Tricky
If you’ve never driven up to the zoo before, you’re in for a surprise. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits at 6,714 feet above sea level, making it America’s highest zoo. Getting there means winding your way up some seriously steep, narrow roads that can catch even experienced drivers off guard.
The main route – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road – is basically a ribbon of asphalt carved into the mountainside. It’s gorgeous, don’t get me wrong. The views are incredible, and on a clear day, you can see for miles across Colorado Springs. But here’s the problem: those same stunning vistas that make for great Instagram photos can also distract drivers at exactly the wrong moment.
I’ve seen accident reports where drivers were literally rubbernecking at the scenery and didn’t notice the car in front of them had stopped for a family of deer crossing the road. Or they were so busy pointing out Pikes Peak to their kids that they took a curve too fast and ended up in the guardrail.
Weather: Colorado’s Wild Card
Colorado weather is like that friend who can’t make up their mind about dinner plans – it changes constantly and usually at the worst possible moment. I’ve had clients who started their drive to the zoo on a beautiful sunny morning, only to get caught in a sudden snowstorm on the way down.
Here’s what makes it especially tricky around the zoo area: the elevation change means weather conditions can be completely different at the top of the mountain versus down in Colorado Springs. You might leave your hotel in 70-degree sunshine and find yourself driving through fog, rain, or even snow just a few miles up the road.
The mountain roads also create their own weather patterns. I remember one case where a family from Texas – lovely people, but not used to mountain driving – hit a patch of ice that had formed in the shadow of a rock outcropping. It was 50 degrees and sunny everywhere else, but that one spot had been in shade all morning and was still icy from the night before. Their rental car slid right into the opposing lane.
Tourist Traffic: When Everyone’s a Bit Lost
During peak season at the zoo (basically May through September), thousands of visitors who’ve never driven these roads before come through. Imagine this: you’ve got cars full of excited families, everyone’s GPS is giving slightly different directions, people are driving slower than usual because they’re not sure where they’re going, and then someone realizes they missed the turn and hits the brakes suddenly.
I’ve handled cases where the driver at fault was following their GPS religiously, but the app directed them to make a last-minute turn that required cutting across traffic. Or families who were so focused on keeping their kids entertained during the drive that they weren’t paying full attention to the road conditions.
The parking situation at the zoo doesn’t help either. The lots fill up fast during busy periods, so you’ll often see cars circling around looking for spots, backing out without checking for pedestrians, or trying to squeeze into spaces that are really too small. It’s a recipe for fender-benders and worse.
The Most Common Types of Car Accidents We See
Head-On Collisions: The Nightmare Scenario
The narrow, winding roads leading to the zoo create perfect conditions for head-on crashes, and let me tell you, these are the accidents that keep me up at night. When someone takes a curve too fast or drifts into the opposing lane, there’s often nowhere for the other driver to go.
I worked with a family from Kansas who were visiting for their daughter’s graduation from the Air Force Academy. They were driving up to the zoo as part of their celebration week when another vehicle – driven by someone texting – crossed the center line on a blind curve. The impact was devastating. What should have been a joyful family memory turned into months of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
These accidents are particularly serious because of the physics involved. When two vehicles hit head-on, you’re not just dealing with one car’s speed – you’re dealing with the combined force of both vehicles. A 35 mph collision becomes the equivalent of hitting a wall at 70 mph.
Rear-End Crashes: More Common Than You’d Think
You might think rear-end accidents would be less of a problem on mountain roads where traffic moves slower, but actually, they’re incredibly common around the zoo area. Here’s why: the combination of stop-and-go tourist traffic, steep grades, and distracted drivers creates perfect conditions for these crashes.
I’ve seen cases where families are driving up the mountain, everyone’s excited and pointing out wildlife or scenery, and the driver in front stops suddenly for a photo opportunity or because they missed their turn. The car behind them, maybe looking at the same deer or trying to manage cranky kids in the backseat, doesn’t react in time.
The steep grades make it worse. When you’re driving uphill and have to brake suddenly, your car needs more distance to stop than it would on flat ground. A lot of visitors don’t realize this, especially if they’re from flatter parts of the country.
Parking Lot Incidents: Small Spaces, Big Problems
Don’t underestimate parking lot accidents. I know they might seem minor compared to highway crashes, but I’ve handled plenty of cases where parking lot incidents resulted in significant injuries and vehicle damage.
The zoo’s parking areas are carved into the mountainside, which means they’re often on slopes and have tight spaces. Add in excited kids running around, families unloading strollers and diaper bags, and drivers who are already tired from the mountain drive, and you’ve got a perfect storm for accidents.
I remember one case where a grandmother was backing out of a parking space and didn’t see a toddler who had gotten away from his parents. Thankfully, she was going slowly and the child wasn’t seriously hurt, but the emotional trauma for everyone involved was significant. The legal side of things was complicated too, involving questions about parental supervision and driver responsibility.
Wildlife-Related Accidents: When Nature Fights Back
This is one that catches a lot of people off guard. The area around Cheyenne Mountain Zoo isn’t just home to the animals inside the gates – it’s also habitat for deer, elk, bears, and other wildlife. These animals don’t respect property lines or understand traffic patterns.
I’ve worked with several families who hit deer on the roads leading to or from the zoo. These accidents can be incredibly dangerous, especially on the narrow mountain roads where swerving to avoid an animal might send you into oncoming traffic or over a guardrail.
The tricky thing about wildlife accidents is that they can happen at any time, but they’re most common during dawn and dusk hours – which coincidentally are popular times for zoo visits because the animals are more active and the lighting is beautiful for photos.
What Makes These Accidents Legally Complex
Multiple Jurisdictions and Agencies
When you’re dealing with an accident near the zoo, you’re not just dealing with one police department or one set of traffic laws. Depending on exactly where the accident happens, you might be dealing with Colorado Springs Police, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, or even Colorado State Patrol.
I’ve had cases where the accident happened right at the boundary between jurisdictions, and it took weeks just to figure out which agency was handling the investigation. This can delay everything – the police report, the insurance claims, even getting your vehicle released from impound.
The zoo itself is on city property, but some of the access roads are county jurisdiction. If you’re coming from certain directions, you might pass through areas managed by different agencies within just a few miles. It sounds a bit dry, but it can have real impacts on your case.
Tourist vs. Local Driver Dynamics
There’s an interesting legal dynamic that comes up when you have accidents involving tourists and local drivers. Locals know these roads like the back of their hand – they know which curves are blind, where ice forms first, which parking lots fill up fastest. Tourists, understandably, don’t have this knowledge.
But here’s where it gets legally complicated: just because someone is unfamiliar with the area doesn’t automatically make them at fault, and just because someone is local doesn’t mean they can drive however they want. I’ve seen cases where local drivers were speeding or driving aggressively because they were frustrated with slow tourist traffic, and that became a major factor in determining fault.
Insurance companies sometimes try to argue that out-of-state drivers should have been more cautious because they were unfamiliar with the area. While there’s some truth to that – we all should drive more carefully in unfamiliar territory – it doesn’t give other drivers license to be reckless.
Rental Car Complications
A huge percentage of zoo visitors are driving rental cars, and this adds another layer of complexity to accident cases. First, there’s the question of insurance coverage. Your personal auto insurance might cover rental cars, or it might not. The rental company’s insurance might apply, or you might have purchased additional coverage through the rental agency.
I’ve seen families get into accidents and then discover that their insurance doesn’t cover rental cars, or that the rental company’s insurance has a huge deductible. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage, but the fine print can be tricky to understand, especially when you’re dealing with the stress of an accident.
There’s also the question of vehicle familiarity. I’ve handled cases where drivers weren’t familiar with their rental car’s braking system, blind spots, or handling characteristics. While this doesn’t excuse negligent driving, it can be a contributing factor that affects how fault is determined.
The Real Cost of These Accidents
Medical Expenses: More Than Just the Emergency Room
When people think about car accident costs, they usually think about the immediate medical bills – the ambulance ride, the emergency room visit, maybe some X-rays. But the reality is often much more complicated and expensive.
I’ve worked with clients who seemed fine immediately after their accident, only to develop serious problems days or weeks later. Post-concussion syndrome is particularly common in car accidents, and the symptoms can be subtle at first. You might just feel a little foggy or tired, but over time it can develop into serious cognitive problems, headaches, and other issues that affect your ability to work and enjoy life.
The mountain location adds another wrinkle. If you’re seriously injured in an accident near the zoo, you might need to be transported down the mountain to a hospital in Colorado Springs or even Denver. That’s additional time, additional costs, and potentially more serious complications if you have time-sensitive injuries.
Lost Vacation Time and Expenses
This might sound trivial compared to medical bills, but the financial impact of a ruined vacation can be significant. I’ve worked with families who had to cancel the rest of their Colorado trip, lose money on non-refundable hotel reservations, change expensive plane tickets, and deal with all the other costs that come with unexpected travel disruptions.
If you’re injured seriously enough that you can’t fly home as planned, you might be looking at extended hotel stays, rental car extensions, and additional meals and expenses. If family members have to fly out to help you, that’s more costs. If you miss work beyond your planned vacation time, that’s lost income.
Insurance companies don’t always want to cover these types of “incidental” expenses, but they’re real costs that real families have to deal with.
Vehicle Damage and Replacement
Getting your car repaired after an accident is always a hassle, but it’s especially complicated when you’re far from home. If you’re driving your own vehicle, you’ll need to find a reputable repair shop in Colorado Springs, arrange for a rental car, and potentially make multiple trips back to Colorado to deal with the repairs.
If you’re in a rental car, you might be on the hook for the full replacement value of the vehicle, depending on your insurance coverage. Rental car companies are notorious for inflating damage estimates and charging for every little scratch and dent.
I’ve seen cases where families thought they were covered by their credit card’s rental car insurance, only to find out that the coverage didn’t apply because they were using the rental for “leisure travel” or because they didn’t decline the rental company’s insurance when they picked up the car.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Zoo Area Accident
The Out-of-State Challenge
If you’re visiting Colorado from another state and get into an accident, dealing with insurance companies becomes exponentially more complicated. Your insurance company might not have preferred repair shops in Colorado, or their adjusters might not be familiar with local repair costs and medical providers.
I’ve had clients whose insurance companies tried to lowball settlement offers because they claimed Colorado medical costs were “unusually high” compared to the client’s home state. Or they wanted to have the client’s car repaired at a shop 200 miles away because that’s where they had a preferred provider agreement.
The other driver’s insurance company might try to take advantage of the fact that you’re from out of state and unfamiliar with Colorado laws. They might pressure you to accept a quick settlement before you’ve had time to fully understand your injuries or consult with a local attorney.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies have some favorite tactics they use in tourist accident cases, and it helps to know what to watch out for. One of the most common is the “you were unfamiliar with the area” argument. They’ll try to place extra blame on you because you were driving in unfamiliar territory, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.
Another common tactic is rushing you to settle before you’ve had time to fully assess your injuries or understand your rights under Colorado law. They might call you while you’re still in the emergency room and try to get you to accept a settlement on the spot. Never give a recorded statement to an insurance company without talking to an attorney first.
Insurance companies also love to minimize the impact of “vacation injuries.” They’ll argue that missing work for medical treatment isn’t as serious if you were already planning to take time off, or that your pain and suffering should be reduced because you were on vacation when it happened.
When Insurance Companies Play Dirty
Unfortunately, I’ve seen plenty of cases where insurance companies cross the line from aggressive negotiation to outright bad faith. When your insurance company plays dirty, it can turn an already stressful situation into a complete nightmare.
Some insurance companies will delay processing claims from out-of-state accidents, hoping that you’ll get frustrated and accept a lower settlement just to get it over with. Others will deny valid claims based on technicalities or misinterpretations of your policy.
If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, you can challenge their decision, and in some cases, you can file a complaint against them. Don’t let them bully you just because you’re not familiar with the local system.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
Safety First: Getting Out of Danger
If you’re in an accident on one of the narrow mountain roads leading to the zoo, your first priority is getting everyone to safety. These roads don’t have wide shoulders, and other drivers might not be able to see your accident around curves or over hills.
If your vehicles are drivable and you’re not seriously injured, try to move them out of the travel lanes if possible. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you have flares or reflective triangles, set them up behind your vehicle to warn other drivers.
If you can’t move your vehicle or if anyone is injured, stay in your car with your seatbelt on until help arrives, unless staying in the vehicle is more dangerous than getting out. The mountain roads can be particularly hazardous for pedestrians, especially around blind curves.
Calling for Help: Who to Contact and When
Call 911 immediately, even if the accident seems minor. The dispatcher will determine which emergency services need to respond and which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction. This is especially important in the zoo area where multiple agencies might be involved.
Be prepared to give specific location information. GPS coordinates are helpful if you have them, but also try to identify landmarks or mile markers. “On the road to the zoo” isn’t specific enough for emergency responders who need to find you quickly.
If you have cell phone service issues – which can happen in the mountains – try moving to different locations around the accident scene to get a better signal. Some areas have better coverage with different carriers.
Documenting the Scene: What Photos and Information to Gather
Take photos of everything, even if it seems minor. Get pictures of all the vehicles involved from multiple angles, the damage to each vehicle, the road conditions, any skid marks or debris, and the general scene including road signs and landmarks.
Don’t forget to photograph the other driver’s license, insurance card, and vehicle registration. Also get pictures of their license plate and the VIN number if you can see it through the windshield.
If there are witnesses, get their contact information and ask if they saw what happened. Tourist areas often have witnesses who are just passing through and might be hard to track down later if you don’t get their information immediately.
Dealing with the Other Driver: What to Say and What Not to Say
Be polite and cooperative, but don’t discuss fault or admit blame, even if you think you might have contributed to the accident. Adrenaline and shock can affect your perception of what happened, and you might not have all the information you need to accurately assess the situation.
Stick to the basic facts: “I was driving up the mountain when the accident occurred.” Don’t speculate about causes or blame: “I didn’t see the stop sign because the sun was in my eyes” could be used against you later, even if the other driver was also at fault.
Exchange insurance and contact information, but don’t agree to handle the accident privately without involving insurance companies. Even minor accidents can result in injuries that don’t show up until later, and you want to make sure everything is properly documented.
Getting Medical Attention: Don’t Wait
Why Adrenaline Masks Injuries
After an accident, your body floods with adrenaline and other stress hormones that can mask pain and injury symptoms. I’ve had clients who felt fine at the accident scene, declined medical attention, and then woke up the next morning barely able to move.
This is especially important to understand if you’re on vacation. You might think you’re just tired from traveling or sore from sleeping in a hotel bed, but those aches and pains could be signs of serious injuries that need immediate attention.
Soft tissue injuries like whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament damage often don’t show symptoms for hours or even days after an accident. By the time you realize you’re injured, you might be back home in another state, making it much harder to get proper medical care and document the connection between your injuries and the accident.
Finding Medical Care in Colorado Springs
If you need immediate medical attention after an accident near the zoo, there are several options in Colorado Springs. The closest major hospital is Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, which has multiple locations throughout the area.
For less serious injuries, there are urgent care centers that can provide immediate treatment and document your injuries for insurance purposes. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, it’s worth getting checked out by a medical professional who can identify potential problems and create a medical record of your accident-related injuries.
If you’re staying in the Colorado Springs area for a few days after your accident, consider following up with a local doctor even if you received initial treatment at the emergency room. Emergency rooms are great for immediate, life-threatening injuries, but they’re not designed for comprehensive injury assessment and treatment planning.
Documenting Your Injuries
Keep detailed records of all your symptoms, even if they seem minor. Write down when pain started, how it affects your daily activities, what makes it better or worse, and how it impacts your sleep, mood, and ability to enjoy your vacation.
Take photos of any visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or swelling. These can change rapidly, and insurance companies sometimes question injury claims if there’s no photographic evidence.
Keep all your medical records, bills, and receipts related to your accident injuries. This includes not just doctor visits and hospital bills, but also prescription medications, physical therapy, medical equipment like neck braces or crutches, and any other accident-related medical expenses.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Colorado’s Fault-Based System
Colorado follows a fault-based system for car accidents, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages to the other parties involved. This sounds straightforward, but determining fault can be complicated, especially in accidents involving multiple contributing factors.
In tourist accidents, fault determination can be particularly complex. Was the out-of-state driver going too slowly for conditions, or was the local driver following too closely? Did the rental car have mechanical problems, or was the driver unfamiliar with the vehicle’s handling characteristics?
Colorado also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages from the other driver.
Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long
In Colorado, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might seem like plenty of time, but it can go by quickly, especially if you’re dealing with ongoing medical treatment or complicated insurance negotiations.
There are some exceptions to the three-year rule. If you don’t discover your injuries until later (which can happen with some types of brain injuries or internal injuries), the clock might not start ticking until you discover the injury. But these exceptions are limited, and you don’t want to risk losing your right to compensation by waiting too long.
If you’re dealing with a government entity (like if your accident involved a city bus or occurred on government property), there are much shorter deadlines for filing claims. These can be as short as 180 days, so it’s important to get legal advice quickly if there’s any government involvement in your case.
Working with Local Attorneys
If you’re from out of state and get into an accident in Colorado, you’ll probably want to work with a local attorney who understands Colorado law and has experience with the local court system and insurance companies.
Look for attorneys who have specific experience with tourist accident cases. These cases have unique challenges that not all personal injury attorneys are familiar with. You want someone who understands the complications of out-of-state medical treatment, the challenges of gathering evidence when you’re not local, and the tactics that insurance companies use in tourist cases.
Don’t feel like you have to hire the first attorney you talk to. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, and you should feel comfortable asking about their experience with cases similar to yours. At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., we’ve been handling personal injury cases in Colorado Springs for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges that out-of-state visitors face after accidents in our area.
Prevention: How to Stay Safe on Your Zoo Visit
Planning Your Route
Before you head up to the zoo, take some time to familiarize yourself with the route. Look at the roads on a map or satellite view so you know what to expect. The zoo’s website has driving directions and information about road conditions that can help you prepare.
Consider the time of day for your visit. Early morning and late afternoon can have challenging lighting conditions on the mountain roads, with sun glare and long shadows that can hide hazards. Mid-day visits often have the best road visibility, though they also tend to have the heaviest traffic.
Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you leave. Colorado weather can change quickly, and mountain roads can be icy or snow-covered even when it’s sunny in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Department of Transportation website has current road condition information.
Vehicle Preparation
If you’re driving your own vehicle to Colorado, make sure it’s in good condition before you leave home. Check your tires, brakes, and fluid levels. Mountain driving is harder on vehicles than flat highway driving, and you don’t want to have mechanical problems on narrow mountain roads.
If you’re renting a car, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the vehicle before you head up the mountain. Adjust your mirrors and seat, figure out how the lights and windshield wipers work, and get a feel for the braking and acceleration. Rental cars can handle very differently from your personal vehicle.
Make sure you have emergency supplies in your vehicle: water, snacks, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and a flashlight. Cell phone service can be spotty in the mountains, and you want to be prepared if you have to wait for help.
Driving Techniques for Mountain Roads
If you’re not used to mountain driving, there are some techniques that can help keep you safe. Use lower gears when going downhill to help control your speed and reduce wear on your brakes. Don’t ride your brakes constantly – this can cause them to overheat and fail.
Take curves slowly and stay in your lane. The temptation to cut corners or drift wide can be dangerous on narrow mountain roads where you can’t see oncoming traffic.
Keep a larger following distance than you would on flat roads. Your vehicle needs more distance to stop when going downhill, and you want extra reaction time if the car in front of you stops suddenly for wildlife or other hazards.
What to Do About Wildlife
Wildlife encounters are common in the zoo area, and while they can be exciting, they can also be dangerous. If you see animals near or on the road, slow down and be prepared to stop. Don’t assume they’ll move out of your way.
Never swerve suddenly to avoid an animal. It’s better to hit a deer than to swerve into oncoming traffic or off a cliff. If you do hit an animal, pull over safely and call 911. Even if your car seems drivable, there might be damage you can’t see that could cause problems later.
Don’t get out of your car to check on an injured animal or to take photos. Injured animals can be unpredictable and dangerous, and you don’t want to become a pedestrian on a narrow mountain road.
When Things Go Wrong: Real Stories from Real Families
The Johnson Family: A Minor Fender-Bender Becomes a Major Headache
The Johnsons drove out from Nebraska for their annual family vacation. They’d been planning this trip for months – it was going to be their last big family vacation before their oldest daughter started college. Everything was going perfectly until they were leaving the zoo on their second day.
They were stopped in traffic in the zoo’s parking lot when another vehicle backed into them. It seemed minor – just some scratches on their bumper and a small dent. The other driver was apologetic and cooperative, and they exchanged insurance information without any drama.
But when they got home to Nebraska, things got complicated fast. Their insurance company said the damage was more extensive than it appeared and would cost over $3,000 to repair. The other driver’s insurance company claimed their client wasn’t at fault because the Johnsons had been “improperly positioned” in the parking lot.
What should have been a simple claim turned into months of back-and-forth between insurance companies. The Johnsons had to take time off work to deal with phone calls and paperwork, and they ended up having to pay their deductible and see their insurance rates go up, even though they weren’t at fault.
The Martinez Family: When Serious Injuries Happen Far from Home
The Martinez family was visiting from Phoenix for their son’s high school graduation present. They were driving up to the zoo when another driver ran a stop sign and hit them broadside. Mrs. Martinez was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to a trauma center in Denver.
The immediate medical bills were over $50,000, and Mrs. Martinez needed multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy. But because they were from out of state, their insurance network didn’t include any Colorado providers, which meant they had to pay out-of-network costs and fight with their insurance company for reimbursement.
The at-fault driver had minimal insurance coverage, and his insurance company tried to argue that some of Mrs. Martinez’s injuries were pre-existing conditions. The family had to hire a Colorado attorney and fight for over two years to get fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The accident didn’t just affect Mrs. Martinez physically – the whole family dealt with PTSD and anxiety related to the crash. Their son’s graduation celebration was ruined, and they still struggle with anxiety when driving, especially in unfamiliar areas.
The Williams Family: When Insurance Companies Don’t Play Fair
The Williams family was rear-ended by a distracted driver while waiting in line to enter the zoo parking lot. Their two young children were in the back seat, and while everyone seemed okay initially, both kids developed neck and back pain over the next few days.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company initially seemed cooperative and promised to take care of everything. But as the medical bills started adding up – pediatric specialists, physical therapy, missed school days – the insurance company started getting difficult.
They questioned every medical bill, demanded second opinions from doctors in Colorado (even though the family lived in Oklahoma), and tried to argue that the children’s injuries couldn’t have been caused by such a “minor” accident. They delayed payments, required excessive documentation, and made the family jump through hoops for every claim.
Eventually, the Williams family had to hire an attorney to force the insurance company to honor their policy obligations. What should have been a straightforward claim turned into a two-year legal battle that caused significant financial stress for the family.
Working with McCormick & Murphy: How We Help Out-of-State Accident Victims
Our Experience with Tourist Accident Cases
At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., we’ve been helping accident victims in Colorado Springs since 1995. We’ve seen how challenging it can be for out-of-state visitors to figure out the legal system after an accident, especially when they’re dealing with injuries, damaged vehicles, and disrupted vacation plans.
We understand the unique challenges that tourist accident cases present. We know how to work with out-of-state medical providers to get the documentation we need for your case. We have relationships with local medical specialists who can provide second opinions or additional treatment if needed. And we know the tactics that insurance companies use to try to minimize claims from out-of-state accident victims.
Our location on West Colorado Avenue makes us easily accessible to accident victims who need to meet with us while they’re still in Colorado Springs, or for follow-up visits if their case requires it.
How We Handle Out-of-State Cases
We know that most of our out-of-state clients can’t make frequent trips to Colorado for meetings and court appearances. That’s why we’ve developed systems to handle most case communications by phone, email, and video conference. We can review documents electronically, conduct witness interviews by phone, and keep you updated on your case progress without requiring you to travel back to Colorado.
When we do need you to be present – for depositions or court appearances – we’ll work with your schedule and give you as much advance notice as possible. We can also coordinate with your local medical providers and employers to minimize the disruption to your life.
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 is especially important for out-of-state accident victims who might be dealing with unexpected travel expenses and medical bills.
What Makes Us Different
Kirk McCormick and Jay Murphy have over 60 years of combined experience handling personal injury and insurance bad faith cases. We’re not a huge firm that treats every case like a number – we provide personal attention to every client and keep you informed throughout the process.
We’re admitted to practice in Colorado state and federal courts, as well as courts throughout the United States. This means we can handle your case no matter where it leads, and we have the experience to deal with complex multi-state legal issues that can arise in tourist accident cases.
We also understand insurance bad faith tactics, and we’re not afraid to take on insurance companies that try to take advantage of out-of-state accident victims. If your insurance company is playing games or not honoring their obligations, we know how to hold them accountable.
What You Should Do Right Now
If You Haven’t Been in an Accident Yet
Take some time to review your auto insurance policy before you travel to Colorado. Make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not, especially if you’re planning to rent a car. Consider purchasing additional coverage if your current policy has gaps.
Save our contact information in your phone: (719) 800-9407. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but if you do get into an accident while visiting Colorado Springs, you’ll want to have local legal help available immediately.
Research the route to the zoo and familiarize yourself with the road conditions and potential hazards. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
If You’ve Recently Been in an Accident
Don’t wait to get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Many accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and you want to have medical documentation of any problems that develop.
Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies without talking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can hurt your case, and you might not realize you’re saying something that could be used against you later.
Start documenting everything related to your accident: medical appointments, symptoms, how your injuries affect your daily life, missed work or activities, and all expenses related to the accident.
If You’re Dealing with Difficult Insurance Companies
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting a quick settlement, especially if you’re still receiving medical treatment or if your injuries might have long-term effects. Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back and ask for more money if your condition gets worse.
Keep detailed records of all communications with insurance companies, including dates, times, and the names of people you spoke with. If they make promises or commitments, ask for them in writing.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or if the insurance company is being unreasonable, it’s time to talk to an attorney. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, and we can often tell you quickly whether you have a case worth pursuing.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
Getting into a car accident during what should be a fun family vacation is stressful enough without having to worry about dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal paperwork from hundreds of miles away. You came to Colorado to make memories with your family, not to become an expert in personal injury law.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Colorado has experienced attorneys who understand the unique challenges that out-of-state accident victims face, and we’re here to help you get through this difficult time and get back to your life.
At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., we’ve been helping accident victims for over 25 years, and we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with a serious accident far from home. We’re here to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery and your family.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender-bender or a serious injury accident, whether the insurance companies are being cooperative or giving you the runaround, we can help you understand your rights and options under Colorado law.
Don’t let a car accident ruin more than just your vacation. Call us at (719) 800-9407 for a free consultation, and let us help you get your life back on track. You’ve got enough to worry about without trying to handle a legal case on your own – let us take care of the legal stuff while you take care of yourself and your family.
Remember, we work on a contingent fee basis for most personal injury cases, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you. You’ve already paid enough because of this accident – you shouldn’t have to pay more just to get the legal help you need.
The mountains around Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are beautiful, and for most visitors, the trip is everything they hoped it would be. But if your visit didn’t go as planned, we’re here to help you deal with the aftermath and get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call – we’d be happy to talk with you about your situation and help you figure out the best path forward.
