Colorado Springs Downtown Car Accidents: What You Need to Know About Tejon Street and Pikes Peak Avenue Claims

Ever been stuck in traffic downtown, watching someone cut across three lanes on Tejon Street like they’re auditioning for Fast & Furious? Yeah, me too. And if you’ve driven through downtown Colorado Springs more than a handful of times, you’ve probably witnessed – or maybe even been part of – one of those heart-stopping moments where metal meets metal and everyone’s day suddenly gets a whole lot more complicated.

Look, I’ve been around Colorado Springs long enough to know that downtown driving can feel like trying to get through a maze designed by someone who clearly never had to parallel park. Between the tourists trying to find Garden of the Gods, locals rushing to work, and that one person who thinks a yellow light means “floor it,” our downtown streets see their fair share of fender-benders and more serious crashes.

Today, I want to talk with you about something that hits close to home for a lot of us: car accidents in downtown Colorado Springs, especially around those busy spots like Tejon Street and Pikes Peak Avenue. Whether you’ve been in an accident, almost been in one, or you’re just trying to figure out what to do if it happens to you, I’ve got your back.

Why Downtown Colorado Springs is a Car Accident Hotspot

Let’s be real – downtown Colorado Springs wasn’t exactly designed with modern traffic in mind. You’ve got narrow streets that were probably perfect for horse-drawn carriages back in the day, but now they’re packed with SUVs, delivery trucks, and everyone trying to get somewhere five minutes ago.

The Perfect Storm of Traffic Chaos

Downtown creates this perfect storm of conditions that make car accidents more likely. You’ve got people who know the area like the back of their hand weaving through traffic, mixed with visitors who are squinting at their GPS while trying not to miss their turn. Throw in some construction (because when isn’t there construction downtown?), a few one-way streets that seem to change direction just to mess with you, and parking that requires the spatial smarts of a Tetris champion.

I’ve seen people slam on their brakes because they suddenly realized they needed to turn left three blocks ago, or swing wide around a parked car without checking their blind spot. It’s like a real-life game of bumper cars, except the stakes are a lot higher and nobody’s laughing.

Rush Hour Reality Check

If you’ve ever tried to get through downtown between 7-9 AM or 4-6 PM, you know what I’m talking about. Everyone’s in a hurry, patience is running thin, and that gap between cars that looked perfectly reasonable five seconds ago suddenly seems way too small. That’s when you see people making questionable decisions – like trying to beat a red light or squeezing into a lane that’s clearly not meant for two cars.

Tejon Street: The Main Artery That Keeps Everyone on Edge

Tejon Street is basically the backbone of downtown Colorado Springs. It’s where you’ll find everything from local businesses to government buildings, and it carries a ton of traffic every single day. But here’s the thing – it’s also where I’ve seen some of the most preventable accidents happen.

Common Accident Scenarios on Tejon Street

The “I Didn’t See You” Left Turn
This one happens all the time. Someone’s waiting to turn left onto Tejon Street, traffic looks clear, and then BAM – they pull out right in front of someone who was going straight. Maybe the sun was in their eyes, maybe they were distracted by their phone, or maybe they just misjudged the speed of oncoming traffic. Either way, it’s a mess.

Rear-End Collisions at Traffic Lights
You know how it goes – traffic’s moving along fine, then suddenly everyone hits their brakes because the light changed. The person behind you was checking their text messages or adjusting their coffee cup, and before you know it, you’re getting a very unwelcome tap on your bumper.

The Parallel Parking Disaster
I swear, parallel parking on Tejon Street should come with a warning label. You’ve got people backing out of tight spots without great visibility, cars trying to squeeze into spaces that are questionably sized, and pedestrians walking between parked cars. It’s like a three-dimensional puzzle where one wrong move affects everyone.

Lane-Change Chaos
With multiple lanes and lots of businesses along Tejon Street, people are constantly changing lanes to get where they need to go. Problem is, not everyone signals, and some folks seem to think that putting on their blinker gives them an automatic right to merge, regardless of whether there’s actually space.

What Makes Tejon Street Particularly Tricky

The thing about Tejon Street is that it serves so many different purposes. You’ve got commuters trying to get through town as quickly as possible, shoppers looking for parking, business people running between meetings, and tourists who might not be familiar with the area. It’s like trying to mix highway driving with neighborhood cruising, and sometimes those two styles don’t play well together.

Plus, there are a lot of visual distractions along Tejon Street. Signs, storefronts, people walking around – it’s easy to take your eyes off the road for just a second, and that’s all it takes.

Pikes Peak Avenue: Where Speed Meets Reality

If Tejon Street is the backbone of downtown, then Pikes Peak Avenue is like the major highway that everyone uses to get in and out. It’s wider, it moves faster, and when accidents happen here, they tend to be more serious.

High-Speed, High-Stakes Accidents

Pikes Peak Avenue carries traffic at higher speeds than most downtown streets, which means when things go wrong, they go really wrong. I’ve seen accidents here that started as minor fender-benders but became major crashes because of the speed involved.

The Intersection Nightmare
Where Pikes Peak Avenue crosses major streets, you get these complex intersections with multiple lanes, turning arrows, and timing that seems designed to confuse everyone. People get stuck in the middle of intersections when lights change, or they’re trying to figure out which lane they need to be in while traffic’s moving at 35+ mph behind them.

Merging Madness
Getting onto Pikes Peak Avenue from side streets can feel like trying to merge onto a highway. You need to match the speed of traffic that’s already moving pretty fast, find a gap that’s big enough, and do it all while making sure you’re not cutting anyone off. Not everyone nails this maneuver.

The “I’m Almost There” Syndrome
When people are driving on Pikes Peak Avenue and they see their destination coming up, sometimes they make last-second decisions. Sudden lane changes, quick turns, hitting the brakes harder than expected – all because they don’t want to miss their exit or turn.

Weather Makes Everything Worse

Colorado weather can change faster than your mood on a Monday morning, and Pikes Peak Avenue becomes even more challenging when conditions aren’t perfect. A little bit of snow, some ice, or even just wet pavement can turn a routine drive into a white-knuckle experience.

I’ve seen people who drive this route every day suddenly struggling because they didn’t adjust their driving for conditions. Following distances that work fine on dry pavement become way too close when it’s slippery, and speeds that feel comfortable in good weather become downright dangerous when visibility drops.

The Real Cost of Downtown Car Accidents

Here’s what most people don’t think about until it happens to them – a car accident isn’t just about fixing your bumper and moving on with your life. Especially in downtown areas where accidents can be more involved, the ripple effects can be significant.

It’s Not Just About the Cars

When you’re in an accident downtown, you’re not just dealing with vehicle damage. You might be blocking traffic on a busy street, affecting local businesses, or creating safety hazards for pedestrians. I’ve seen minor accidents turn into major traffic jams that affect dozens of other drivers and businesses that rely on street access.

And let’s talk about the human cost. Even “minor” accidents can leave you shaken up, dealing with neck pain, headaches, or that general feeling that you just got hit by a truck (because, well, maybe you did). Your daily routine gets disrupted, you’re dealing with insurance companies, and suddenly you’re spending your free time at auto body shops instead of doing things you actually enjoy.

The Insurance Reality

Insurance companies love to make everything sound simple in their commercials, but the reality of dealing with a claim after a downtown car accident can be anything but straightforward. Who was at fault when three cars were involved and there are conflicting stories? What about that pedestrian who saw everything but didn’t stick around to give a statement? How do you prove that the other driver was texting when they hit you?

Downtown accidents often involve multiple parties, complex traffic patterns, and situations that don’t fit neatly into the insurance company’s standard playbook. That’s when having someone in your corner who knows how these things actually work becomes really valuable.

Hidden Costs You Don’t See Coming

Medical bills can add up fast, even for injuries that seem minor at first. That stiff neck might turn into weeks of physical therapy. Those headaches might be a sign of a concussion that affects your work performance. And don’t get me started on the cost of rental cars, time off work, and all the other little expenses that pile up while you’re trying to get your life back to normal.

What to Do Right After a Downtown Car Accident

Okay, let’s say it happened. You’re sitting in your car on Tejon Street or Pikes Peak Avenue, your heart’s racing, and you’re trying to figure out what the heck you’re supposed to do next. Here’s your game plan:

Stay Calm and Stay Safe

I know, easier said than done when you’ve just been in an accident. But take a deep breath and focus on safety first. If your car is drivable and you’re blocking traffic, try to move to the side of the road. Downtown streets are busy, and you don’t want to become part of a second accident.

Turn on your hazard lights, and if you have them, put out flares or reflective triangles. Other drivers might be rubber-necking or not paying attention, so make yourself as visible as possible.

Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, call the police. In downtown Colorado Springs, you want an official report, especially when there might be questions about fault later. Police officers see accidents all the time, and they know what to look for and document.

While you’re waiting for the police, don’t admit fault or get into detailed discussions about what happened. Stick to the basic facts: “I was driving north on Tejon Street when the other car turned left in front of me.” Save the analysis for later.

Document Everything

Use your phone to take pictures of everything – the damage to all vehicles, the street and intersection, traffic signs or signals, skid marks, and the general scene. Get photos from multiple angles, and don’t forget to document any injuries you can see.

If there are witnesses, get their contact information. People are usually willing to help right after an accident, but they might be harder to track down later when you actually need their statement.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine right after the accident, consider getting checked out by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and some problems (like whiplash or concussion symptoms) might not show up until hours or days later.

This isn’t just about your health – it’s also about documenting any injuries for insurance purposes. If you wait too long to seek medical care, insurance companies might argue that your injuries weren’t related to the accident.

Understanding Fault in Colorado Car Accidents

Colorado follows what’s called “modified comparative negligence,” which basically means that fault can be shared between drivers, but you can only recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault. Sounds simple, right? Well, not so much when you’re dealing with real-world accident scenarios.

How Fault Gets Determined

Insurance companies will look at the police report, interview the drivers involved, talk to witnesses, and examine the physical evidence to determine who was at fault. They’ll consider things like:

• Who had the right of way?
• Was anyone speeding or driving recklessly?
• Were traffic signals or signs followed?
• Was anyone distracted or impaired?
• Did weather or road conditions play a role?

In downtown accidents, fault determination can get complicated because there are often multiple factors at play. Maybe the other driver ran a red light, but you were also going a few miles over the speed limit. Or perhaps someone was illegally parked, which contributed to the accident even though they weren’t driving.

Why Downtown Accidents Are Different

Downtown car accidents often involve more complex fault scenarios than your typical highway crash. You might have:

• Multiple vehicles involved
• Pedestrians or cyclists in the mix
• Confusing traffic patterns or construction zones
• Limited visibility due to parked cars or buildings
• Drivers unfamiliar with the area making unexpected moves

All of these factors can affect how fault is determined and how much compensation you might be entitled to receive.

The Insurance Company Game

Here’s something most people don’t realize: insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible while still keeping their customers happy. They have teams of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers whose job it is to minimize claims.

That doesn’t make them evil – it just means they’re doing their job. But it also means that you need to understand the process and protect your own interests. Insurance adjusters might ask you questions that seem innocent but are actually designed to get you to accept more fault than you should, or to minimize the extent of your injuries.

When You Need Professional Help

I’m not going to sugarcoat this – sometimes handling a car accident claim on your own just isn’t realistic. There are certain situations where trying to go it alone is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

Red Flags That Say “Get Help”

If any of these apply to your situation, you should seriously consider talking to a professional:

• You were seriously injured or hospitalized
• The other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage
• There’s a dispute about who was at fault
• The insurance company is offering a settlement that seems too low
• You’re being pressured to sign documents or accept a quick settlement
• Your injuries are affecting your ability to work
• The accident involved a commercial vehicle or government entity

The Insurance Settlement Trap

Insurance companies love to make quick settlement offers, especially for smaller accidents. They’ll call you up a few days after the accident, sound very concerned about your well-being, and offer to cut you a check right away to “make this whole thing go away.”

Here’s the problem: once you accept that settlement and sign their paperwork, you’re done. You can’t come back later if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought, or if you discover additional damage to your vehicle. That quick settlement might seem generous at first, but it could end up costing you thousands of dollars down the road.

What Professional Help Actually Looks Like

Working with an experienced car accident attorney isn’t like what you see on TV. It’s not about dramatic courtroom scenes or getting rich quick. Most of the work happens behind the scenes – reviewing medical records, negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and making sure you understand your options.

At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we’ve been handling personal injury and car accident cases in Colorado Springs since 1995. We’ve seen how downtown accidents can affect people’s lives, and we understand the local factors that can complicate these cases. Our approach is pretty straightforward: we work on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you.

If you want to learn more about our experience and approach, you can check out our professional services profile to see what other clients have said about working with us.

The Hidden Complications of Downtown Accidents

Downtown car accidents come with their own special set of challenges that you might not face if you got into a fender-bender out in the suburbs. Let me walk you through some of the things that can make these cases more complicated.

Multiple Parties and Witnesses

When you’re in an accident on a busy downtown street, there are usually more people around. That can be good – more potential witnesses – but it can also make things more complicated. You might have:

• Pedestrians who saw part of what happened
• Other drivers who witnessed the accident
• Business owners or employees who came outside after hearing the crash
• Security cameras from nearby businesses

All of these potential witnesses and sources of evidence need to be identified and contacted quickly, before memories fade and security footage gets recorded over.

Property Damage Beyond Your Car

Downtown accidents don’t always stay confined to the vehicles involved. I’ve seen cases where cars ended up hitting:

• Street signs or traffic signals
• Parking meters
• Building facades or windows
• Other parked cars
• City property like bus stops or benches

When this happens, you might be dealing with claims from the city, private property owners, or other vehicle owners who weren’t even involved in the original accident. It’s like a domino effect that can keep expanding.

Business Interruption Issues

If your accident blocks access to local businesses or damages their property, you might face claims for lost revenue. A restaurant might claim they lost customers because the accident blocked their entrance, or a retail store might say the crash scared away shoppers.

These kinds of claims can be tricky to evaluate. How do you determine if a business really lost money because of your accident, or if they just had a slow day for other reasons?

Emergency Response Complications

Downtown accidents often require more emergency response resources. Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars all need to make their way through narrow streets and heavy traffic to reach the scene. Sometimes this means blocking additional lanes or even shutting down entire sections of street.

While this isn’t your fault, it can affect how the accident is perceived and documented. It might also mean that emergency responders are dealing with multiple priorities at once, which could affect the thoroughness of the initial investigation.

Medical Considerations After Downtown Accidents

Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked in the immediate aftermath of an accident: the medical side of things. Downtown accidents can cause injuries that might not be immediately obvious, and the urban environment can affect both the types of injuries you sustain and how they’re treated.

Common Injuries in Downtown Crashes

The stop-and-go nature of downtown traffic means that many accidents happen at lower speeds, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Low-speed collisions can still cause:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Even a 15-mph rear-end collision can snap your head back and forth hard enough to strain muscles and ligaments in your neck. The symptoms might not show up until the next day, and they can linger for weeks or months.

Back Injuries
The jarring motion of an accident can affect your spine in ways that aren’t immediately apparent. You might feel fine walking around at the accident scene, but wake up the next morning barely able to get out of bed.

Concussions and Head Injuries
You don’t have to hit your head on something to get a concussion. The rapid acceleration and deceleration of an accident can cause your brain to bounce around inside your skull, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.

Psychological Trauma
Don’t underestimate the mental and emotional impact of being in an accident. Some people develop anxiety about driving, especially in downtown areas where the accident occurred. This is a real injury that can affect your quality of life and ability to work.

The “I Feel Fine” Trap

Here’s something I see all the time: people who feel completely fine right after an accident, so they decline medical treatment and tell the insurance company they weren’t injured. Then, a few days later, they’re in serious pain and realize they need medical care.

The problem is, once you’ve told the insurance company you weren’t hurt, it becomes much harder to get them to pay for medical treatment later. They’ll argue that your injuries must have happened after the accident, or that they’re not as serious as you claim.

Even if you feel fine, it’s worth getting checked out by a medical professional within a day or two of the accident. This creates a medical record that links any injuries to the accident, which can be valuable later if your condition worsens.

Choosing the Right Medical Care

Not all medical providers understand the types of injuries that car accidents cause, or how to document them properly for insurance purposes. You want to work with doctors who:

• Have experience treating car accident injuries
• Understand the importance of thorough documentation
• Can explain how your injuries might affect your daily life and work
• Are willing to provide written reports and testimony if needed

Your primary care doctor might be great for routine check-ups, but they might not be the best choice for treating accident-related injuries. Consider seeing a specialist who deals with these types of cases regularly.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: A Reality Check

Let me be honest with you about something: dealing with insurance companies after a car accident is rarely as smooth as their commercials make it seem. This is especially true for downtown accidents, which can be more complex and involve higher stakes.

The Adjuster’s Playbook

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts while maintaining customer satisfaction. They’re not necessarily trying to cheat you, but they are trying to resolve your claim for as little money as possible. Some common tactics include:

The Quick Settlement Offer
They’ll call you soon after the accident with an offer that sounds reasonable, hoping you’ll accept it before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages.

The Recorded Statement Trap
They’ll ask for a recorded statement “for their records,” but they’re actually looking for anything you say that might reduce their liability or minimize your injuries.

The Delay Game
Sometimes they’ll drag out the process, hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept a lower settlement just to get it over with.

Minimizing Your Injuries
They might suggest that your injuries aren’t that serious, or that they’re not related to the accident. They might even have you examined by a doctor they choose, who tends to find that people aren’t as injured as they claim.

Your Rights in the Process

You have more rights in this process than most people realize:

• You don’t have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company
• You can choose your own doctors and medical treatment
• You can negotiate the settlement amount
• You can request to see all the evidence they’re using to evaluate your claim
• You can have a professional review any settlement offers before you accept them

When Insurance Companies Play Hardball

Sometimes insurance companies will flat-out deny valid claims, hoping that you’ll just give up and go away. They might claim:

• Their driver wasn’t at fault
• Your injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant compensation
• You were partially responsible for the accident
• Your medical treatment was unnecessary or excessive
• The damage to your vehicle was pre-existing

When this happens, you need someone who knows how to push back effectively. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working for them – shouldn’t you have someone on your side too?

We’ve written about this topic extensively, including articles about filing complaints against insurance companies in Colorado and challenging insurance company decisions in bad faith cases.

The Financial Impact You Don’t See Coming

Car accidents have a way of affecting your finances in ways you never expected. It’s not just about fixing your car and paying a few medical bills – the financial ripple effects can last for months or even years.

Medical Expenses Add Up Fast

Even if your injuries seem minor, medical costs can snowball quickly:

• Emergency room visit: $1,000-$3,000
• Follow-up doctor visits: $200-$500 each
• Physical therapy: $100-$200 per session
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs): $500-$3,000
• Prescription medications: Varies widely
• Specialist consultations: $300-$800

And that’s just for relatively minor injuries. If you need surgery, extended rehabilitation, or long-term care, the costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working, you’re not just dealing with medical bills – you’re also losing income. This can include:

• Time off work for medical appointments
• Reduced hours due to pain or limited mobility
• Inability to perform certain job functions
• Missing opportunities for overtime or bonuses
• Long-term career impact if your injuries affect your ability to do your job

For self-employed people or those who work on commission, proving lost income can be especially challenging, but it’s still a valid part of your claim.

Vehicle-Related Expenses

Car repairs are just the beginning:

• Rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired
• Diminished value of your vehicle after repairs
• Replacement of personal items damaged in the accident
• Increased insurance premiums
• Registration and title fees if you need to buy a replacement vehicle

The Hidden Costs of Recovery

There are dozens of small expenses that add up during recovery:

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Over-the-counter medications and supplies
• Home modifications if you have mobility issues
• Childcare if you can’t care for your kids normally
• Household help if you can’t do normal chores

Why Location Matters in Your Case

The fact that your accident happened in downtown Colorado Springs isn’t just a detail – it can actually affect various aspects of your case in ways you might not expect.

Local Traffic Laws and Ordinances

Colorado Springs has specific traffic laws and parking regulations that might not apply in other parts of the state. Understanding these local rules can be important in determining fault and liability. For example:

• Specific right-of-way rules at complex downtown intersections
• Parking regulations that might affect visibility or traffic flow
• Local ordinances about construction zones and temporary traffic patterns
• Rules specific to downtown business districts

Jury Pool Considerations

If your case goes to trial (which is rare, but possible), it will be heard by a jury of local residents. People who live and drive in Colorado Springs understand the challenges of downtown traffic in a way that might benefit your case. They know how confusing some of the intersections can be, how parking affects traffic flow, and how tourist traffic can create unpredictable driving conditions.

Available Resources and Evidence

Downtown accidents often have more available evidence than crashes in remote areas:

• Security cameras from businesses and and government buildings
• Traffic cameras at major intersections
• More potential witnesses
• Detailed police response due to the urban setting

However, this evidence needs to be identified and preserved quickly. Security footage might be recorded over within days or weeks, and witnesses can be hard to track down if you don’t get their information right away.

Medical Resources

Colorado Springs has excellent medical facilities, but the choice of where to seek treatment can affect your case. Some medical providers are more experienced with personal injury cases and better at documenting injuries in ways that support insurance claims.

Our office is conveniently located at 929 W Colorado Ave, and we’re familiar with the local medical providers who do excellent work with car accident injuries. If you need directions, you can find us on Google Maps.

The Emotional Side of Car Accidents

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: the emotional and psychological impact of being in a car accident. This is especially true for downtown accidents, which can feel more chaotic and overwhelming than crashes in quieter areas.

Immediate Emotional Reactions

Right after an accident, you might experience:

• Shock and disbelief (“I can’t believe this just happened”)
• Anger at the other driver or the situation
• Fear about injuries or financial consequences
• Guilt, even if the accident wasn’t your fault
• Confusion about what to do next

These reactions are completely normal, but they can also affect your ability to think clearly and make good decisions in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

Long-Term Psychological Effects

Some people develop lasting psychological effects from car accidents:

Driving Anxiety
You might find yourself feeling nervous or panicked when driving, especially in downtown areas or situations similar to where your accident occurred. Some people avoid driving altogether, which can significantly impact their daily life.

Post-Traumatic Stress
Serious accidents can cause PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. This is a real medical condition that deserves treatment and compensation.

If you’re dealing with psychological trauma after an accident, you might find our article about navigating life post-collision and the possibility of PTSD helpful.

Sleep Problems
Many accident victims experience sleep disturbances, either from physical pain or from replaying the accident in their minds. Poor sleep can affect your recovery, your work performance, and your overall quality of life.

Depression and Mood Changes
Dealing with injuries, medical appointments, insurance companies, and financial stress can take a toll on your mental health. Some people experience depression, irritability, or mood swings after an accident.

Getting the Help You Need

If you’re struggling emotionally after an accident, don’t try to tough it out alone. Mental health treatment is a legitimate part of your recovery, and it should be covered by the responsible party’s insurance just like your physical injuries.

Consider working with a counselor or therapist who has experience with car accident trauma. They can help you develop coping strategies and work through the emotional impact of the accident.

What Makes a Strong Car Accident Case

If you’re considering pursuing a claim after your downtown car accident, you’re probably wondering what makes the difference between a successful case and one that doesn’t go anywhere. Let me break down the key elements that strengthen your position.

Clear Evidence of Fault

The stronger your evidence that the other driver was at fault, the better your case will be. This might include:

• Police reports that cite the other driver for a traffic violation
• Witness statements that support your version of events
• Traffic camera or security camera footage
• Physical evidence like skid marks or vehicle damage patterns
• Expert accident reconstruction if needed

Documented Injuries and Treatment

Insurance companies pay more attention to injuries that are well-documented by medical professionals. This means:

• Seeking medical care promptly after the accident
• Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations
• Keeping detailed records of all medical appointments and treatments
• Being honest with your medical providers about your symptoms and limitations

Proof of Financial Losses

You’ll need to document all the ways the accident has cost you money:

• Medical bills and receipts
• Pay stubs showing lost wages
• Repair estimates or receipts for your vehicle
• Receipts for other accident-related expenses

Consistency in Your Story

Your account of what happened should be consistent across police reports, insurance statements, and medical records. Inconsistencies give insurance companies ammunition to question your credibility.

This doesn’t mean you can’t remember additional details later, but the basic facts of what happened should remain the same throughout the process.

The Settlement Process: What to Expect

Most car accident cases settle without going to trial, but the settlement process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries.

The Investigation Phase

After you file a claim, the insurance company will investigate the accident. This might involve:

• Reviewing the police report
• Interviewing the drivers and witnesses
• Examining the vehicles involved
• Reviewing medical records
• Sometimes hiring accident reconstruction experts

During this phase, it’s important to be cooperative but careful. Don’t volunteer information that wasn’t requested, and consider having a professional review any documents before you sign them.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

Don’t rush to settle your case before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, can have symptoms that develop or worsen over time.

If you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms after a head injury, our article about post-concussion syndrome might provide some helpful information.

Your attorney (if you have one) will typically recommend waiting until you’ve reached “maximum medical improvement” – the point where your condition has stabilized and you have a clear picture of any permanent limitations or ongoing treatment needs.

Negotiation

Once the insurance company has completed their investigation and you’ve finished your medical treatment, the negotiation phase begins. This usually involves:

• The insurance company making an initial offer
• Your side responding with a counter-offer and supporting documentation
• Back-and-forth negotiations until you reach an agreement or decide to take other action

Good negotiation requires understanding the value of your case and having some strength to encourage the insurance company to make fair offers. This is where having experienced representation can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Final Settlement

If you reach an agreement, you’ll sign a settlement agreement that typically includes:

• The total amount you’ll receive
• A release that prevents you from pursuing additional claims related to the accident
• Payment terms (usually a lump sum within 30 days)

Once you sign this agreement, the case is closed. You can’t come back later for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.

Red Flags: When Insurance Companies Aren’t Playing Fair

Sometimes insurance companies use tactics that cross the line from aggressive negotiation into bad faith practices. Here are some warning signs that you might be dealing with an insurance company that isn’t treating you fairly:

Unreasonable Delays

While some delay is normal in complex cases, insurance companies shouldn’t drag out the process unnecessarily. Red flags include:

• Taking weeks to return phone calls
• Repeatedly asking for the same documentation
• Scheduling and canceling appointments multiple times
• Failing to investigate your claim within a reasonable time

Lowball Offers Without Justification

Insurance companies should be able to explain how they calculated their settlement offers. If they’re making offers that seem unreasonably low and can’t provide a clear explanation of their reasoning, that’s a problem.

Pressure Tactics

Legitimate insurance companies don’t need to use high-pressure sales tactics. Be wary of:

• Claims that “this offer expires tomorrow”
• Suggestions that you don’t need an attorney
• Attempts to get you to sign documents without giving you time to review them
• Threats about what might happen if you don’t accept their offer

Denial of Valid Claims

Sometimes insurance companies will flat-out deny claims that should clearly be covered, hoping that you’ll just give up rather than fight the denial. This might happen when:

• Liability is clear but they claim their driver wasn’t at fault
• Your injuries are well-documented but they claim they’re not related to the accident
• You were partially responsible for the accident
• Your medical treatment was unnecessary or excessive
• The damage to your vehicle was pre-existing

If you’re dealing with insurance bad faith, you have legal options. Colorado has laws that protect consumers from unfair insurance practices, and you might be entitled to additional compensation beyond your original claim.

We’ve written about this topic extensively, including articles about filing complaints against insurance companies in Colorado and challenging insurance company decisions in bad faith cases.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Downtown Accidents

Not all downtown car accidents are created equal. The type of accident you were in can affect everything from the severity of injuries to the complexity of determining fault. Let me walk you through some common scenarios and what makes each one unique.

Intersection Accidents

Downtown Colorado Springs has some complex intersections, especially where major streets like Tejon and Pikes Peak Avenue cross. These accidents often involve questions about:

• Who had the right of way
• Whether traffic signals were working properly
• If construction or road work affected normal traffic patterns
• Whether pedestrians or cyclists were involved

Intersection accidents can be particularly complicated because there are often multiple versions of what happened, and physical evidence might not tell the whole story.

Parking-Related Accidents

Downtown parking is tight, and parking-related accidents are common. These might involve:

• Someone backing out of a parallel parking space
• Doors opening into traffic
• Pedestrians walking between parked cars
• Drivers trying to squeeze into spaces that are too small

The key issue in parking accidents is often visibility and who had the duty to check for oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

Rear-End Collisions

These seem straightforward – the person who hits someone from behind is usually at fault. But downtown rear-end collisions can have complicating factors:

• Sudden stops due to pedestrians or unexpected obstacles
• Traffic backing up from construction or special events
• Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area and brake suddenly when they realize they’re in the wrong lane

Side-Impact Crashes

These often happen when someone runs a red light or fails to yield when turning. Side-impact crashes can be particularly dangerous because there’s less protection on the sides of vehicles compared to the front and rear.

Downtown side-impact crashes often involve questions about:

• Traffic signal timing and visibility
• Whether the turning driver had adequate visibility
• If road design or parked cars contributed to the accident

Working with McCormick & Murphy: What You Can Expect

If you decide to work with our firm, I want you to know what that process looks like. We’ve been handling car accident cases in Colorado Springs for nearly three decades, and we’ve developed an approach that focuses on getting you the best possible outcome while making the process as stress-free as possible for you.

Initial Consultation

We start with a free consultation where we’ll talk about what happened, review any documentation you have, and give you our honest assessment of your case. We’re not going to sugar-coat things – if we don’t think you have a strong case, we’ll tell you. But if we do think we can help, we’ll explain exactly how we’d approach your situation.

During this meeting, we’ll also explain how our fee structure works. We handle most car accident cases on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything for our time.

Investigation and Case Development

If you decide to work with us, we’ll immediately start investigating your accident. This might involve:

• Visiting the accident scene to take photographs and measurements
• Obtaining police reports and any available traffic camera footage
• Interviewing witnesses while their memories are still fresh
• Working with accident reconstruction experts if needed
• Reviewing your medical records and consulting with medical experts

We’ll also handle all communication with insurance companies. You won’t have to deal with adjusters calling you at all hours or trying to get you to say things that might hurt your case.

Medical Treatment Coordination

We work with a network of medical providers who understand car accident injuries and know how to document them properly for insurance purposes. If you need medical care, we can help you find the right providers and, in many cases, arrange treatment even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford to pay upfront.

Negotiation and Settlement

When you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we’ll put together a detailed demand package that documents all of your injuries, treatment, lost wages, and other damages. We’ll then negotiate with the insurance company to get you the best possible settlement.

Our goal is always to settle your case for fair compensation without having to go to trial. Trials are expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable, so we prefer to resolve cases through negotiation when possible. However, we’re always prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company won’t make a reasonable offer.

Staying Informed Throughout the Process

We believe in keeping our clients informed about what’s happening with their cases. You’ll receive regular updates on our progress, and we’re always available to answer questions or address concerns.

We know that being in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and we try to take as much of that burden off your shoulders as possible. Our job is to handle the legal and insurance aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back to normal.

Prevention: How to Avoid Downtown Car Accidents

While we can’t control everything that happens on the road, there are definitely things you can do to reduce your risk of being in an accident in downtown Colorado Springs. Let me share some practical tips that can help keep you safer.

Know the Area

If you’re not familiar with downtown Colorado Springs, take some time to learn the major streets and common traffic patterns before you need to drive there in a hurry. Pay attention to:

• Which streets are one-way
• Where the major intersections and traffic lights are located
• Common construction zones or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic
• Where parking is available and how it affects traffic flow

Plan Your Route

Don’t rely entirely on GPS when driving downtown. GPS systems sometimes suggest routes that look good on paper but don’t account for real-world factors like construction, special events, or heavy pedestrian traffic.

If you’re going somewhere important, look up the route ahead of time and have a backup plan in case your primary route is blocked or congested.

Adjust Your Driving Style

Downtown driving requires a different approach than highway driving:

• Leave more following distance than you normally would
• Be extra cautious at intersections, even when you have the right of way
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially around crosswalks and bike lanes
• Don’t assume other drivers know where they’re going – tourists and unfamiliar drivers might make unexpected moves

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

Downtown driving requires your full attention. This means:

• Put your phone away and don’t try to text or make calls while driving
• If you need to adjust your GPS or look up an address, pull over safely first
• Don’t eat, drink, or do other distracting activities while driving
• If you’re driving with passengers, ask them to help watch for hazards

Be Patient

Downtown traffic can be frustrating, especially during rush hour or when there’s construction. Getting angry or impatient doesn’t help anyone and can lead to poor decision-making.

If you’re running late, accept that you’re going to be late and focus on getting there safely. Most people understand that downtown traffic can be unpredictable.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Downtown Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident in downtown Colorado Springs, here’s what you should do:

Immediate Steps

1. Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is injured
2. Move your vehicles out of traffic if possible and safe to do so
3. Call the police even if the accident seems minor
4. Document everything with photos and witness information
5. Get medical attention even if you feel fine

Within the First Few Days

1. Contact your insurance company to report the accident
2. See a doctor if you haven’t already, even for minor symptoms
3. Keep detailed records of all expenses and medical appointments
4. Don’t give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company without talking to an attorney first
5. Don’t sign any documents from insurance companies without understanding what they mean

Consider Getting Professional Help If:

• You were seriously injured
• The other driver doesn’t have insurance
• There’s a dispute about who was at fault
• The insurance company is offering a settlement that seems too low
• You’re having trouble getting your medical bills paid
• Your injuries are affecting your ability to work

Get the Help You Deserve

Look, I know dealing with a car accident is the last thing you want to be thinking about right now. You’ve got enough on your plate without having to become an expert on insurance law and personal injury claims. But here’s the thing – the decisions you make in the days and weeks after your accident can have a huge impact on your financial recovery and your ability to get your life back on track.

At McCormick & Murphy, we’ve been helping people in Colorado Springs deal with car accident claims since 1995. We’ve seen how these cases can affect families, and we understand the local factors that can complicate downtown accident claims. We’re not going to promise you millions of dollars or tell you that your case is a slam dunk – what we will do is give you honest advice about your situation and work hard to get you the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been in a car accident in downtown Colorado Springs, especially around busy areas like Tejon Street or Pikes Peak Avenue, give us a call at (719) 800-9407. We’ll talk through what happened, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. The consultation is free, and you don’t owe us anything unless we recover money for you.

You can also visit us at our office at 929 W Colorado Ave – we’re right here in Colorado Springs, and we understand the local roads, traffic patterns, and legal environment that might affect your case.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during a difficult time. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries and losses, and we’re here to help make sure you get it. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and working on your case.

Remember, there are time limits for filing car accident claims in Colorado, so don’t wait too long to get the process started. Your focus should be on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back to normal – let us handle the legal and insurance complications.

Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. We’re here for you.