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Colorado Springs Dangerous Road Accident Lawyer

Written by Timothy R. Bussey · Reviewed by Benjamin Wilcox · Last updated 3 September 2026

Key Takeaways

Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Can you sue the city or the state over a dangerous road?

Sometimes, and the window is short.

Colorado's Governmental Immunity Act waives immunity for a dangerous condition of a public roadway, but only if written notice is served within 182 days under C.R.S. 24-10-109(1) — which the statute calls "a jurisdictional prerequisite" whose failure "shall forever bar any such action". Not every defect qualifies, and design decisions are treated differently from maintenance failures, so the notice should be served while that is still being worked out rather than after.

What evidence matters in a dangerous road claim?

The history, more than the defect.

A pothole photographed today proves it exists; the maintenance records, prior complaints, work orders and previous crash reports at the same location prove the entity knew and did nothing — which is the actual issue. Photograph the defect with a scale object in frame the same day, because it will be repaired, and the repair is often the first thing that happens after a serious crash.

Representing People Injured On Dangerous Colorado Springs Roads

A large portion of Colorado’s population is concentrated in the greater Denver metro area, from Colorado Springs to Loveland. This means congested traffic and more dangerous roads. In addition to the risks of city driving, mountainous regions in the state present hazards that include steep inclines, sharp curves, high winds, and icy roads.

If you have been seriously injured in a dangerous road accident, contact a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free consultation. Timothy Bussey has been voted Top Attorney in Colorado Springs by Colorado Springs Style Magazine for years in a row. We can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.

Where Are the Dangerous Roads in Colorado Springs?

Traffic is more congested, and crashes happen more frequently on some roadways than others. Dangerous roads in the Colorado Springs area include:

I-25: Some of the most dangerous intersections in the state come off this interstate highway.
North Powers Boulevard: This massive commuter road sees hundreds of crashes a year.
West Cimarron Street: The connection to I-25 from West Cimarron Street sees a huge volume of traffic, with a corresponding number of accidents. It is the most dangerous intersection in Colorado Springs.
North Academy Boulevard: Shoppers pulling into and out of the numerous strip malls on this road make accidents more likely to happen.
South Academy Boulevard: Providing access to an elementary school, a middle school, and I-25, this road sees its fair share of wrecks.

What Makes Some Roads More Dangerous?

Heavy traffic is not the only thing that makes some routes more dangerous than others. Poor road design and maintenance can also create hazards for motorists. Defects in road design, construction, and maintenance can contribute to accidents, for example:

Freeway on and off ramps that are too short or improperly placed
Inadequate shoulder on the side of the road
Insufficient banking or excessive banking at curves
Pavement edge drop-offs
Lack of traffic control devices
Improper water drainage
Low bridges with unposted (or incorrect) height warnings
Poorly marked roads (lines and reflectors)
Inadequate or hidden signage
Insufficient lighting
Inadequate or improperly placed speed bumps, curbs, guard rails, and median barriers

What Injuries and Damages Can Commuters Suffer On Dangerous Roads?

Dangerous roads can contribute to serious crashes that cause bodily injury and property damage. Injuries in motor vehicle accidents can range in severity from minor to fatal. Common car accident injuries include:

Who Can Be Held Liable for Accidents On Dangerous Colorado Roads?

A party whose negligence caused your accident and injuries may be held accountable under the law. There may be multiple potentially liable parties in a Colorado Springs dangerous roadway crash. Liability will depend on what caused the injuries and who was responsible. If roadway hazards caused the crash, a government entity responsible for maintaining the roads or a construction company that built or repaired the road may be liable.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Dangerous Roadway Accidents?

Injury victims in Colorado are entitled to pursue economic damages, such as past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and loss of future potential. They may also pursue noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and mental anguish. However, noneconomic damages are capped at $613,760 for incidents that occurred on or after January 1, 2020. This limit may be increased by the court to a maximum of $1,227,530 if clear and convincing evidence is presented.

Frequently Asked Questions for Dangerous Road Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs, CO

You may have numerous questions and concerns about your rights, legal options, and how to proceed. Here, we provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions that individuals injured in dangerous road accidents in Colorado Springs may have.

What should I do immediately after a dangerous road accident?

After a dangerous road accident, your safety and well-being should be your top priority. Seek medical attention for your injuries, call the police to report the incident, and collect as much evidence as possible, such as photographs, witness information, and the other party’s contact details.

How can an attorney help me after a dangerous road accident?

An experienced attorney can assist you by investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and helping you build a strong personal injury case. They will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Is it important to hire an attorney if I've been injured in a dangerous road accident?

Yes, it’s highly advisable to consult with an attorney who focuses on dangerous road accidents. They can help protect your rights, navigate complex legal processes, and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. Many individuals who hire attorneys receive significantly higher settlements than those who don’t.

How much does it cost to hire a dangerous road accident attorney?

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand that individuals injured in dangerous road accidents may already be facing financial strain. That’s why we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we secure compensation for you.

What if I'm partially at fault for the accident?

Colorado follows a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help assess your situation and work to minimize any potential impact on your compensation.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a dangerous road accident?

In Colorado Springs, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

What types of compensation can I seek in a dangerous road accident case?

You may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. The specific compensation you can seek depends on the details of your case.

How long does it take to resolve a dangerous road accident case?

The time it takes to resolve a case can vary widely depending on the complexity of the situation and whether a settlement or trial is involved. Our attorneys work diligently to expedite the process while ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve as efficiently as possible.

How long do I have to file a claim against a public entity in Colorado?

182 days to serve written notice — C.R.S. 24-10-109(1) — measured from when you discovered the injury, not from when you knew the full extent of it. The statute states that compliance is "a jurisdictional prerequisite to any action" and that failure "shall forever bar any such action". The three-year motor-vehicle deadline still applies to the lawsuit itself, but it is irrelevant if the notice was not served.

What does a dangerous road claim cost to pursue?

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless there is a recovery. A dangerous road review is free and the firm is paid a percentage of what it recovers rather than by the hour, so asking costs nothing. Call (719) 475-2555.

Can a road authority be liable for a crash in Colorado?

Yes, but the route is narrow and the deadlines are short. Claims against a public entity carry a formal notice requirement that runs long before the ordinary injury deadline, and missing it ends the claim regardless of merit. Get advice immediately.

What makes a road legally dangerous rather than just badly designed?

A condition the entity knew about or should have found and did not fix — an unrepaired surface, a missing or obscured sign, an obstructed sightline, drainage that ices the same spot every winter.

Who else can be liable?

A contractor whose work created the hazard, and any driver whose conduct combined with it. These claims usually run against both.

Where is a dangerous road claim filed?

In the El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 — the district court serving El Paso County. Most claims settle without a court appearance, but the filing venue is what sets the deadline that matters.

Why does the crash history of the location matter?

Because notice is the whole question. A location with repeated crashes of the same type is evidence the entity knew, and those records can be obtained.

What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?

Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.

Colorado deadlines and rules that apply to this claim
A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle	3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)
Most other personal injury claims	2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102
If you were partly at fault	Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111
Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed	El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Sources and References

Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.