You may not realize how dangerous Colorado highways can be until you're suddenly in the middle of a crash and need to be hospitalized. From pileups near the Eisenhower Tunnel to collisions along Clear Creek, vehicle accidents happen fast, leaving people unsure of what comes next.
In this guide, Flesch Law Denver Injury Accident Lawyers explains the right steps to take after a car accident on some of Colorado's busiest roads.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident in Colorado
A car accident can cause a wide range of injuries depending on the speed of impact and the number of vehicles involved. Common injuries in a vehicle crash include:
- Head and brain trauma
- Neck and back strain or spinal damage
- Broken bones
- Chest trauma from seat belt impact
- Emotional distress
Bodily injuries from crashes can have lasting consequences well beyond the day of the incident. You could face months of recovery and time away from work. This makes it especially important to document your losses appropriately as you navigate your claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado
Vehicle accidents exceed 100,000 annually statewide, with over 700 fatalities recorded in 2022. The Colorado State Patrol responds to crashes across the state daily, and their reports consistently point to similar causes, including:
- Speeding: Drivers going too fast for conditions near the Eisenhower Tunnel and the Loveland ski area frequently cause multi-vehicle crashes.
- Distracted driving: Holding a mobile device while driving has been illegal for adult drivers since January 1, 2025.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs are involved in more than 25% of fatal collisions in Colorado yearly.
- Poor tire condition: Insufficient tread depth reduces traction on snow and ice, increasing the risk of a sudden pileup near areas like Clear Creek.
- Following too closely: Drivers following vehicles too closely led to multiple rear-end pileup events that slowed traffic for hours on local highways.
Drivers should slow down and increase their following distance in rain and snow, day and night.
The Eisenhower Tunnel and High-Risk Stretches of I-70
The Eisenhower Tunnel carries heavy traffic through a narrow corridor daily. Eastbound lanes approaching and exiting the tunnel are vulnerable to multi-vehicle crash events when snow and ice reduce visibility and traction.
The tunnel area has seen major crashes, including an April afternoon pileup involving 75 vehicles that led to chaos across multiple highway lanes. The pileup left people injured and hospitalized, and each person involved received emergency response care before authorities cleared the scene.
Eastbound lanes remained closed for approximately five hours while the sheriff's office managed the scene near mile marker 216. Another person was treated near mile marker 218 before the sheriff's office completely cleared the area. CBS Colorado covered the crash and published photos and videos showing vehicles stuck across closed lanes near the tunnel.
This situation highlighted how dangerous road conditions in and around Denver and I-70 can be. Things like slick ice, poor visibility, or distracted driving can quickly compound into a life-altering event.
What To Do After a Vehicle Crash on a Colorado Highway
When a car accident occurs, your priority is safety. If possible, move out of the flow of traffic and call 911 so the sheriff's office and Colorado State Patrol can respond to the scene. Once you're safe, take the following steps:
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries immediately.
- Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with all involved drivers.
- Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Avoid admitting fault to other drivers at the scene.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries appear hours after a crash.
The official crash investigation report from the Colorado State Patrol or sheriff's office becomes one of the important documents in any personal injury case that follows. Be sure to request a copy of this document from the responding officers on scene.
What You Should Know About Car Crash Liability in Colorado
Part of knowing what to do after a car accident means understanding how liability may work for your case.
Auto accident liability in Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule. Courts assign fault by percentage among drivers involved, and you cannot recover compensation if you are 50% or more at fault. This is where car crash liability and negligence become central to determining who is financially responsible.
The official report from your crash is one of the first things an attorney reviews. The sheriff's office and Colorado State Patrol reports document driver behavior, road conditions, and violations that contributed to the car accident, and these findings directly support case outcomes.
It's important to avoid admitting fault on the scene and when speaking with insurance adjusters, as this can bar your right to compensation. If an insurance adjuster asks any prying questions, let them know that you cannot answer until you've consulted your attorney. You can provide basic details, like the location and date of your accident, but you should keep the specifics to a minimum to avoid accidental liability assumption.
Your Filing Deadline After a Major Pileup
You generally have three years from the date of a vehicle crash to file a claim in Colorado, though other types of personal injury claims may have a shorter two-year deadline. Missing that deadline eliminates your right to recover anything. Damages you may pursue after a vehicle crash include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- And more, depending on the case details
Navigating car accident claims in Denver requires knowledge of Colorado law. A local attorney can guide you through all of the necessary steps, helping you gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue compensation.
Contact Flesch Law Denver Injury Accident Lawyers After a Car Accident
A car accident on a Colorado highway can cause serious injuries, significant financial losses, and a legal process that feels difficult to navigate alone. At Flesch Law Denver Injury Accident Lawyers, we handle motor vehicle accident injury cases throughout Denver, CO, helping injured people pursue compensation. Call (303) 218-9394 to request local car accident attorney services.