Let’s be honest – nobody expects to get into a car accident at the airport. You’re probably thinking about your upcoming flight, whether you remembered to pack everything, or if you left enough time for security. The last thing on your mind is dealing with a fender-bender in the parking garage or getting rear-ended at the terminal drop-off.
But here’s the reality: Colorado Springs Airport (COS) sees thousands of vehicles every day, and with all that traffic comes the inevitable – car accidents happen. And when they do, they can be way more complicated than your typical parking lot mishap.
I’ve been helping folks in Colorado Springs deal with these situations for years, and I can tell you that airport accidents come with their own unique set of challenges. You’re dealing with out-of-state drivers, rental cars, commercial vehicles, and a maze of insurance complications that can make your head spin.
Why Airport Car Accidents Are Different (And More Complicated)
When you get into an accident at COS, you’re not just dealing with a simple two-car situation in a grocery store parking lot. Airport environments create a perfect storm of conditions that make accidents more likely – and the aftermath more complex.
Think about it: you’ve got stressed-out travelers who don’t know where they’re going, people rushing to catch flights, distracted drivers trying to read signs while driving on unfamiliar roads, and a constant mix of pedestrians wheeling luggage everywhere. Add in some Colorado weather, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble.
The Unique Challenges of COS Accidents
Colorado Springs Airport might not be Denver International, but it’s busy enough to create some serious headaches when accidents happen. The airport handles over 600,000 passengers annually, which means a lot of cars moving through those parking areas and terminal zones every single day.
What makes these accidents particularly tricky is that you’re often dealing with people from out of state who might not stick around long enough to properly handle the insurance claims. I’ve seen cases where someone’s visiting Colorado for a ski trip, gets into an accident at COS, and then flies home to Florida the next day – leaving the other driver to figure out the mess.
Then there’s the issue of jurisdiction and property ownership. Different areas of the airport property might have different rules, different insurance coverage, and different parties responsible for maintenance and safety. It’s not always clear-cut who’s liable when something goes wrong.
Common Causes of Car Accidents at Colorado Springs Airport
After handling dozens of these cases, I’ve noticed some patterns in how and why these accidents happen. Understanding these common causes can help you stay alert, but more importantly, it helps establish fault when you’re dealing with insurance companies later.
Distracted Driving in Terminal Areas
The terminal drop-off and pickup areas are accident magnets. You’ve got drivers trying to spot their passengers while simultaneously dealing with traffic, figuring out which lane they should be in, and often talking on the phone. I’ve seen rear-end collisions happen because someone slammed on their brakes when they suddenly spotted their family member with luggage.
Just last year, I worked with a client who was dropping off her daughter for a college trip. She was in the departure lane when the car behind her – driven by someone picking up a passenger – plowed right into her rear bumper. The other driver was looking at his phone, trying to figure out where his passenger was, instead of watching the road. Classic distracted driving case.
Parking Structure Accidents
Those multi-level parking garages at COS can be treacherous. The lighting isn’t always great, the spaces are tight, and you’ve got people backing out without being able to see clearly. I’ve handled cases involving:
- Backup accidents where someone didn’t see a car coming down the aisle
- Door dings that escalate into bigger disputes
- Accidents at the entrance and exit gates
- Collisions on the spiral ramps between levels
The worst parking garage accident I dealt with involved a family returning from vacation. They were backing out of their space with a car full of luggage and souvenirs, couldn’t see clearly due to all their stuff, and backed right into another car. What should have been a simple insurance claim turned into a nightmare because the other car was a rental, and the driver was from out of state.
Weather-Related Incidents
Colorado weather can change fast, and airport accidents often happen when conditions deteriorate quickly. Snow, ice, and even sudden rainstorms can turn the COS parking areas into slip-and-slide zones. The problem is that many visitors aren’t used to driving in Colorado weather conditions.
I remember one case during a spring snowstorm where a tourist from Arizona was trying to leave the long-term parking lot. He wasn’t used to driving on snow, lost control while going down the exit ramp, and slid into two other vehicles. The insurance companies tried to argue it was just weather and nobody’s fault, but we were able to show that excessive speed for conditions made him liable.
Commercial Vehicle Complications
COS has its share of shuttles, taxis, ride-share vehicles, and delivery trucks. When these commercial vehicles are involved in accidents, the legal landscape gets even more complicated. You might be dealing with:
- Commercial insurance policies with different coverage limits
- Companies that try to distance themselves from their drivers
- Professional drivers who should be held to higher standards
- Multiple layers of insurance coverage
I worked on a case where a hotel shuttle van rear-ended a passenger car in the terminal area. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. The shuttle company tried to claim their driver was an independent contractor, the hotel said they weren’t responsible, and the driver’s personal insurance company said the commercial policy should cover it. It took months to sort out who was actually responsible for paying the claim.
Understanding Fault and Liability at COS
Determining who’s at fault in an airport car accident isn’t always straightforward. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you’re partially at fault, you might still be able to recover damages – as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
Traffic Rules and Airport Property
The first thing to understand is that normal traffic laws apply on airport property. Just because you’re at COS doesn’t mean you can ignore stop signs, speed limits, or right-of-way rules. But here’s where it gets interesting – some areas of the airport have special traffic patterns that might not be immediately obvious to visitors.
For example, the terminal pickup and drop-off areas have specific rules about how long you can stay, which lanes are for what purpose, and where you can and can’t stop. If someone causes an accident because they were stopped illegally or in the wrong lane, that can be a factor in determining fault.
Property Owner Responsibilities
Sometimes the airport itself might bear some responsibility for an accident. This could happen if:
- Poor lighting in parking areas contributed to the crash
- Inadequate signage led to confusion
- Road maintenance issues created dangerous conditions
- Security or traffic control was insufficient
These cases are tougher to prove, but they’re not impossible. The key is showing that the airport authority knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it.
Multiple Party Scenarios
Airport accidents often involve more than two parties, which can make fault determination really complicated. You might have:
- A three-car chain reaction in the parking garage
- A pedestrian struck by a car while crossing to the terminal
- An accident involving both private vehicles and commercial shuttles
- Incidents where airport employees or security are involved
In these multi-party situations, insurance companies love to play hot potato with responsibility. Everyone points fingers at everyone else, hoping to minimize their own exposure. That’s when having experienced legal help becomes really valuable.
Types of Injuries Common in Airport Car Accidents
Airport car accidents might seem like they’d be minor – after all, people aren’t usually going highway speeds in parking lots. But you’d be surprised how serious these injuries can be, especially when you factor in the unique circumstances.
Low-Speed Impact Injuries
Even at parking lot speeds, car accidents can cause significant injuries. Whiplash is incredibly common because people often aren’t expecting the impact and don’t brace themselves. I’ve had clients suffer serious neck and back injuries from accidents that happened at less than 10 mph.
The problem with these low-speed injuries is that insurance companies often try to downplay them. They’ll argue that such a minor accident couldn’t possibly cause serious harm. But medical research shows that whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can absolutely occur at low speeds, especially when the person being hit isn’t prepared for the impact.
Pedestrian Injuries
COS has a lot of foot traffic, with people constantly moving between parking areas and the terminal with luggage in tow. Pedestrian accidents can be particularly serious because there’s no protection – it’s just person versus car.
I’ve handled cases involving:
- Pedestrians struck in crosswalks by drivers who weren’t paying attention
- People hit while loading luggage at the curb
- Accidents in parking areas where visibility was poor
- Incidents involving elderly passengers who couldn’t move quickly enough
These pedestrian cases often result in more serious injuries – broken bones, head trauma, and significant soft tissue damage. The medical bills can add up quickly, and the recovery time is usually much longer.
Luggage-Related Injuries
This might sound minor, but luggage-related injuries are more common than you’d think. When accidents happen, heavy suitcases become projectiles. I’ve seen cases where people suffered concussions from their own luggage flying forward during a rear-end collision.
There’s also the issue of people getting hurt while trying to deal with luggage after an accident. Adrenaline masks pain, so someone might aggravate a back injury by trying to move heavy bags right after being in a crash.
Delayed Symptom Recognition
One challenge with airport accidents is that people are often focused on catching flights or dealing with travel stress, so they don’t immediately recognize that they’ve been injured. You might feel fine right after the accident, make your flight, and then wake up the next morning in another state feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.
This delay in seeking medical attention can complicate your claim later. Insurance companies love to argue that if you were really injured, you would have gone to the hospital immediately instead of continuing with your travel plans.
Insurance Complications You’ll Face
Here’s where airport car accidents get really messy – the insurance situation. You’re not just dealing with your standard auto accident claim. There are layers of complexity that can make your head spin.
Out-of-State Insurance Issues
When you’re in an accident with someone from another state, you’re dealing with different insurance companies, different state laws, and different coverage requirements. What’s covered in Colorado might not be covered in Texas, and vice versa.
I had a case where a Colorado resident was hit by someone from California. The California driver’s insurance company initially tried to apply California law to the claim, which would have resulted in much lower compensation for my client. We had to fight to get Colorado law applied, since that’s where the accident happened.
Rental Car Insurance Nightmares
Rental cars are everywhere at airports, and they create their own special brand of insurance headaches. When someone in a rental car hits you, you might be dealing with:
- The renter’s personal auto insurance
- The rental car company’s insurance
- Credit card coverage that the renter might have
- Additional insurance the renter bought from the rental company
Each of these policies might have different coverage limits, different deductibles, and different exclusions. The insurance companies will spend months arguing about who should pay while you’re stuck with medical bills and car repair costs.
Even worse, sometimes the person driving the rental car isn’t the person who rented it. Maybe it’s their spouse or friend who’s listed as an additional driver, or maybe it’s someone who isn’t authorized to drive the car at all. This can void coverage entirely, leaving you with fewer options for recovery.
Commercial Vehicle Coverage
When commercial vehicles are involved – shuttles, taxis, delivery trucks – you’re dealing with commercial insurance policies that work differently from personal auto coverage. These policies often have higher coverage limits, which is good news for you if you’re seriously injured. But they also have more complex coverage terms and exclusions.
Commercial insurance companies are also more aggressive about fighting claims. They have teams of lawyers and investigators whose job it is to minimize payouts. They’ll scrutinize every detail of your claim looking for ways to reduce their exposure.
Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Unfortunately, not everyone driving around COS has adequate insurance coverage. Colorado requires minimum liability coverage, but those minimums might not be enough to cover your damages if you’re seriously injured.
This is where your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage becomes important. But even then, your own insurance company might fight you on the claim. It’s frustrating – you pay premiums for years, and then when you need the coverage, they look for reasons to deny or minimize your claim.
What to Do Immediately After an Airport Accident
If you find yourself in an accident at COS, what you do in those first few minutes and hours can make a huge difference in how your case turns out. Here’s what I tell all my clients:
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
I know it’s easier said than done, but try to stay calm. Airport accidents often happen when people are already stressed about travel, so emotions can run high. Take a deep breath and focus on what needs to be done.
First, check if anyone is injured. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. Don’t try to move anyone who might be seriously hurt – let the paramedics handle that.
If it’s a minor accident with no injuries, you still need to decide whether to call the police. In Colorado, you’re required to report accidents that involve injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000. Given that even minor car damage can easily exceed $1,000 these days, it’s usually worth calling the police.
Document Everything
Your phone is your best friend here. Take pictures of:
- All vehicles involved, from multiple angles
- The accident scene, including traffic signs and road conditions
- Any visible injuries
- License plates
- Driver’s licenses and insurance cards
- The other driver(s)
I can’t tell you how many times good photos have made the difference in a case. Insurance companies love to dispute what happened, but photos don’t lie.
Also, write down or record your recollection of how the accident happened while it’s fresh in your memory. Details fade quickly, especially when you’re dealing with the stress of travel and insurance claims.
Exchange Information Properly
Get the other driver’s:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN if possible)
If it’s a rental car, get the rental agreement information too. If it’s a commercial vehicle, get the company name and any fleet numbers or identifying information.
Don’t just rely on what the other driver tells you – actually look at their driver’s license and insurance card. I’ve had cases where people gave fake information at the scene and then disappeared.
Talk to Witnesses
If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Airport accidents often have witnesses because there are usually people around. These witnesses can be incredibly valuable later, especially if the other driver changes their story about what happened.
Ask for their name, phone number, and a brief statement about what they saw. Most people are willing to help, but they won’t stick around forever.
Be Careful What You Say
This is important – don’t admit fault, even if you think you might have contributed to the accident. Say things like “I’m sorry this happened” instead of “I’m sorry I hit you.” Insurance companies will use any admission of fault against you later.
Stick to the facts when talking to the police and the other driver. Don’t speculate about what happened or why. Just describe what you observed.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, consider getting checked out by a medical professional. As I mentioned earlier, adrenaline can mask injuries, and some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
If you’re traveling and can’t see your regular doctor, at least document any pain or discomfort you experience. Keep a journal of how you feel in the days following the accident. This documentation can be valuable if symptoms develop later.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Once you’ve handled the immediate aftermath of the accident, you’ll need to deal with insurance companies. This is where things can get really frustrating, especially with airport accidents that often involve multiple parties and complex coverage issues.
Your Own Insurance Company
Start by reporting the accident to your own insurance company, even if you don’t think you were at fault. Your policy probably requires you to report accidents promptly, and failing to do so could jeopardize your coverage.
Be honest with your insurance company, but stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about fault or accept blame. Let them investigate and determine what happened.
If you have rental car coverage, medical payments coverage, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, ask about those benefits. You might be entitled to immediate help with expenses while the fault determination is being worked out.
The Other Driver’s Insurance
You’ll also need to deal with the other driver’s insurance company. This is where you need to be more careful. Remember – their job is to protect their policyholder and minimize their company’s financial exposure. They’re not on your side.
When the other insurance company calls, you don’t have to give a recorded statement right away. In fact, I usually recommend against it unless you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney first. Anything you say can be used against you later, and insurance adjusters are skilled at asking questions in ways that might hurt your claim.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies have some standard tactics they use to minimize payouts, especially in airport accident cases:
The Quick Settlement Offer: They might offer you a quick settlement before you’ve had time to fully understand your injuries or damages. These initial offers are usually much lower than what your claim is actually worth.
Disputing Medical Treatment: They might argue that your medical treatment is excessive or unrelated to the accident. This is especially common with soft tissue injuries that don’t show up on X-rays.
Blaming Pre-existing Conditions: If you have any history of back problems, neck issues, or other medical conditions, they might try to argue that your current problems aren’t related to the accident.
Using Your Words Against You: They’ll scrutinize everything you say looking for inconsistencies or admissions that could hurt your claim.
Delaying Tactics: Sometimes they’ll just drag their feet hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept a lower settlement.
When You Need Legal Help
Not every airport car accident requires an attorney, but many do. The complexity of these cases, combined with the aggressive tactics of insurance companies, often makes legal representation necessary to get fair compensation.
Signs You Should Call an Attorney
You should seriously consider getting legal help if:
- You suffered significant injuries that required medical treatment
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- There are disputes about who was at fault
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- A commercial vehicle was involved
- The insurance company is offering much less than your actual damages
- You’re dealing with out-of-state insurance companies
- The accident involved a rental car with complex coverage issues
What an Experienced Attorney Can Do
A good personal injury attorney who understands airport accident cases can:
- Investigate the Accident Thoroughly: We have resources to conduct detailed investigations, including accident reconstruction if necessary. We can also preserve evidence like security camera footage that might otherwise be lost.
- Deal with Insurance Companies: We know how insurance companies operate and what tactics they use. We can handle all communication with them so you don’t have to worry about saying something that might hurt your case.
- Evaluate Your Damages: Many people underestimate the full value of their claim. We can help you understand all the damages you’re entitled to, including future medical expenses and lost wages.
- Sort through Complex Coverage Issues: Airport accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and complex coverage questions. We can sort through all of that and make sure you’re getting maximum compensation from all available sources.
- Handle Multi-State Issues: If the other driver is from out of state, we can deal with the jurisdictional and legal issues that arise.
- Negotiate Settlements: Insurance companies take claims more seriously when there’s an attorney involved. We can often negotiate settlements that are significantly higher than what they initially offer.
- Take Your Case to Trial: If the insurance company won’t make a fair settlement offer, we can take your case to court.
At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we’ve been handling personal injury cases in Colorado Springs since 1995. We understand how airport accidents work, and we know how to deal with the unique challenges they present. We work on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
Understanding Your Damages
When you’re in an airport car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for various types of damages. Understanding what you can recover is important for evaluating any settlement offers and making sure you don’t accept less than your claim is worth.
Medical Expenses
This includes all medical treatment related to your injuries:
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor appointments
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment (like crutches or back braces)
- Future medical expenses if you need ongoing treatment
Keep all your medical bills and records. Even small expenses add up, and you’re entitled to be reimbursed for all of them.
Lost Wages
If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can recover your lost wages. This includes:
- Time off work for medical appointments
- Sick days or vacation days you had to use
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
You’ll need documentation from your employer showing your wages and time missed.
Property Damage
Your vehicle damage should be covered, but make sure you’re getting fair compensation. Don’t just accept the insurance company’s estimate – get your own estimates from reputable body shops.
If your car is totaled, you’re entitled to its fair market value, not just what the insurance company wants to pay. You might also be entitled to rental car expenses while your car is being repaired or while you’re looking for a replacement.
Pain and Suffering
This is compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It’s harder to calculate than medical bills or lost wages, but it’s often a significant part of your claim.
Factors that affect pain and suffering compensation include:
- The severity of your injuries
- How long your recovery takes
- Whether you have permanent limitations
- How the injuries affect your daily life
Travel-Related Damages
Airport accidents can disrupt travel plans, which might result in additional damages:
- Missed flights and rebooking fees
- Hotel expenses if you’re stranded
- Lost vacation time or business opportunities
- Additional transportation costs
These damages are often overlooked, but they can add up to significant amounts.
Special Considerations for Different Areas of COS
Colorado Springs Airport has different areas with different risks and legal considerations. Understanding these can help you stay safe and know what to expect if an accident happens.
Terminal Pickup and Drop-Off Areas
These are high-traffic zones with constant vehicle movement. Common accident types include:
- Rear-end collisions when someone stops suddenly
- Side-swipe accidents when drivers change lanes
- Pedestrian accidents when people cross unexpectedly
The key thing to remember is that these areas have specific traffic rules. There are usually time limits for how long you can stay, designated lanes for different purposes, and restrictions on stopping or parking. Violating these rules can affect fault determination if an accident happens.
Parking Garages and Lots
The multi-level parking structures present their own challenges:
- Limited visibility around corners and at intersections
- Tight spaces that make maneuvering difficult
- Pedestrians walking between cars with luggage
- Varying lighting conditions
Long-term parking lots have different issues:
- Higher speeds as people drive between sections
- Less foot traffic, so fewer witnesses if accidents happen
- Weather exposure that can create slippery conditions
Rental Car Return Areas
These areas see a lot of confused drivers trying to figure out where to go. People are often in a hurry to catch flights and might not be familiar with the layout. This creates conditions ripe for accidents.
There’s also the issue of rental car damage disputes. If you’re returning a rental car and notice damage that wasn’t there when you rented it, document it immediately. Take photos and make sure the rental company acknowledges the pre-existing damage.
Roadways and Entrance/Exit Areas
The roads leading to and from COS can be busy, especially during peak travel times. These accidents are often more serious because speeds are higher than in parking areas.
Weather can be a particular factor on these roadways. Colorado Springs can get sudden weather changes, and the roads around the airport might not be treated as quickly as major highways.
Preventing Airport Car Accidents
While you can’t control other drivers, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of being in an accident at COS.
Before You Go
- Plan your route ahead of time so you’re not trying to figure out where to go while driving
- Allow extra time so you’re not rushing
- Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, especially tires and brakes
At the Airport
- Drive slowly and be extra alert for pedestrians
- Don’t use your phone while driving, even hands-free
- Be patient with other drivers who might be lost or confused
- Follow all posted signs and traffic rules
- Be especially careful in parking structures where visibility is limited
When Picking Up or Dropping Off Passengers
- Use designated areas only
- Don’t stop in traffic lanes
- Watch for pedestrians who might not be paying attention
- Be patient if you have to circle around to find your passengers
Weather Considerations
Colorado weather can change quickly, so be prepared:
- Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in your car
- Allow extra following distance in wet or snowy conditions
- Don’t assume that because you’re in a parking lot, you can drive normally in bad weather
- Consider using ride-share or shuttles if conditions are particularly bad
Working with McCormick & Murphy P.C.
If you’ve been in an accident at Colorado Springs Airport, we’re here to help. We’ve been handling personal injury cases in Colorado Springs for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges that airport accidents present.
Our Approach
We believe in giving every client personal attention. When you work with us, you’re not just another case number. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and keep you informed throughout the process.
We also believe in being realistic with our clients. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case, including its strengths and weaknesses. We won’t make promises we can’t keep or encourage unrealistic expectations.
Our Experience with Airport Cases
We’ve handled numerous cases involving accidents at COS and other airports. We understand:
- How airport property ownership affects liability
- The complex insurance issues that arise with rental cars and commercial vehicles
- How to deal with out-of-state insurance companies and drivers
- The unique factors that contribute to airport accidents
- How to properly value claims involving travel disruptions
How We Can Help
If you’ve been in an airport accident, we can:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly
- Deal with all insurance companies on your behalf
- Make sure you get proper medical treatment
- Evaluate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Getting Started
If you think you might need legal help with an airport accident case, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget details, and there are time limits for filing claims.
We offer free consultations where we can discuss your case and help you understand your options. We work on a contingent fee basis, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
You can reach us at (719) 800-9407, or visit us at our office at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs. We’re here to help you get through this difficult time and get the compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Airport car accidents are more complicated than regular parking lot fender-benders. Between out-of-state drivers, rental cars, commercial vehicles, and complex insurance coverage issues, these cases can quickly become overwhelming.
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to handle this alone. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, property damage, or just the hassle of dealing with multiple insurance companies, there are resources available to help.
If you’ve been in an accident at Colorado Springs Airport, focus first on your health and safety. Get medical attention if you need it, document everything you can, and don’t let insurance companies pressure you into quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your damages.
Remember, insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line, not your well-being. Having someone on your side who understands how these cases work can make all the difference in getting fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Airport accidents might be complicated, but with the right help, you can get through this and move forward with your life. Don’t let a bad situation get worse by trying to handle everything yourself. Get the help you need to protect your rights and your future.
