Fatal Car Accident Attorney Colorado Springs

Compassionate Legal Help After a Deadly Crash

Losing a loved one in a car crash is one of the most painful experiences a family can face. In the middle of grief, you may also be dealing with funeral arrangements, sudden financial strain, and calls from insurance companies that feel confusing or rushed. In this difficult time, you may be wondering whether you should speak with a fatal car accident attorney Colorado Springs families can turn to for clear answers.

At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we help surviving family members understand their rights after a deadly collision and consider whether a wrongful death claim is the right step. Our firm has represented individuals and families in serious cases for decades, and we work to provide steady guidance when life has been turned upside down. You can talk with our team in a free, no obligation consultation so you can make informed decisions about the future.

We are based in Colorado Springs, and our fatal car accident attorneys are committed to serving people in this community, not corporations or insurance companies. If you are ready to speak with someone about what happened and what options might be available, we invite you to contact us.

Why Families Turn To Our Firm After A Fatal Car Crash

When a loved one is killed in a collision, families often feel an urgent need for a legal team that is both capable and compassionate. At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we have built our practice around representing individuals and families, and we do not represent insurance companies or large corporations. 

Our attorneys bring more than 150 years of combined legal experience to every case. Over that time, we have guided many clients through complex personal injury and wrongful death matters, including claims arising from serious and fatal traffic crashes. That depth of experience allows us to anticipate issues, explain options, and develop strategies that reflect the realities of high-stakes cases.

Our firm has earned a Tier 1 ranking in Best Lawyers and US News Best Law Firms, which is an independent recognition of the quality of our work and our reputation in the legal community. Several of our lawyers are graduates of the Trial Lawyers College, a program that focuses on advanced trial skills and understanding the people at the heart of a case.

How We Help Colorado Families After A Fatal Car Accident

Families often come to us unsure of what to expect, and many have never worked with a lawyer before. Our first priority is to listen to what happened and to understand your concerns. During the initial consultation, we will talk with you about the crash, the loved one you lost, and any contact you have already had with insurance companies or law enforcement.

Communication is central to how we practice. Our attorneys and paralegals strive to be accessible when questions arise, and we provide regular updates so you know what is happening with the case. We explain each major step in plain language and discuss the choices you may need to make, such as whether to accept a settlement offer or continue toward trial.

Some wrongful death cases can be resolved through negotiation, while others require filing a lawsuit and preparing for court. Because our lawyers include graduates of the Trial Lawyers College, we are prepared to present a case in front of a jury when needed. Throughout the process, our goal is to pursue fair compensation while allowing you to focus on your family and your own path through grief.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims After A Deadly Crash In Colorado

One of the most common questions we hear from families after a deadly collision is whether they have a wrongful death claim. In Colorado, a wrongful death case is a civil action that allows certain relatives to seek financial recovery when a person’s death is caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another. Car accidents are a frequent setting for these types of claims.

Colorado law sets out who may file a wrongful death claim and when. Generally, during the first year after death, the surviving spouse has the primary right to bring a claim, and in some situations, adult children may join that claim. In the second year, additional family members may have the ability to file, including certain parents when there is no spouse or children. The specific rules can be detailed, so we talk through your family’s situation to determine who may have standing to proceed.

Wrongful death damages are intended to address the losses caused by the death. These may include funeral and burial expenses, the financial support the loved one would have provided, and the loss of companionship and guidance that family members now face. Colorado law also allows for certain non-economic damages, and in some cases, there may be limits on certain types of recovery. We discuss these concepts using examples so you can see what they might mean in practical terms.

Common Causes Of Fatal Car Accidents In The Colorado Springs Area

Deadly crashes can happen in many different ways, but some patterns appear frequently in and around Colorado Springs. Understanding these causes can help families see how negligence may have played a role in their loved one’s death. It can also guide the investigation into who should be held accountable.

Dangerous Behaviors That Lead To Deadly Crashes

Serious collisions on roads like Interstate 25 or Academy Boulevard often involve speed, distracted driving, or aggressive lane changes in heavy traffic. At intersections throughout the city, running red lights, failing to yield, and turning without checking for oncoming traffic can have devastating consequences. Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs remains a major factor in fatal crashes, particularly during late-night hours and on weekends.

Local Roads & Conditions Around Colorado Springs

Conditions along foothill or mountain routes near the city can add complexity. Curving roads, changing weather, and limited visibility require careful attention. When drivers travel too fast for conditions, follow too closely, or drive while fatigued, these risks increase sharply. In some cases, a company vehicle or employer may also be involved if the driver was working at the time of the crash.

Every fatal accident has its own facts, and no two cases are identical. When we review a case, we look at the specific circumstances of the crash, the vehicles involved, and any available information about driver behavior. This case specific focus allows us to identify potentially responsible parties, whether that is another driver, a vehicle owner, or an organization that may have contributed to unsafe conditions.

What Families Can Do After A Fatal Car Accident

In the days and weeks after a deadly collision, most families are focused on immediate needs, such as funeral arrangements and emotional support. Legal steps may understandably feel overwhelming. There are, however, some practical actions you can take that may protect your family’s options while you decide how to move forward.

Helpful steps families can take after a fatal crash include:

• Preserve important documents. Keep collision reports, letters from insurance companies, medical records related to efforts to treat your loved one, and paperwork from funeral or memorial services in a safe place.
• Write down what you remember. If you have any information about the crash or what your loved one told you before they passed, note it while details are still fresh.
• Be cautious with insurers. Consider speaking with an attorney before giving detailed recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers from insurance companies.
• Track expenses and losses. Save receipts and records related to funeral costs, counseling, and other expenses that arise after the death.

You may receive calls or letters from the at fault driver’s insurance company or from your own insurer. It is usually wise to be cautious about giving detailed recorded statements or accepting any quick settlement offers before you have spoken with legal counsel. Insurance representatives often have a job to limit what their company pays, and the full impact of a loss is rarely understood in the first few days.

How Our Local Experience Benefits Your Colorado Springs Case

Choosing a fatal car accident lawyer Colorado Springs families can visit in person often provides practical advantages. Our firm is based here, and we are familiar with local roads, law enforcement agencies, and courts. That knowledge helps us understand both how crashes happen in this area and how cases typically move through the legal system.

Fatal collision investigations in and around the city are often handled by the Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol. We regularly review their reports and supporting materials when evaluating a case. We also understand how these agencies typically document scenes on highways such as Interstate 25, as well as on major city routes like Academy Boulevard or Powers Boulevard.

Wrongful death claims that cannot be resolved through negotiation may lead to lawsuits filed in El Paso County District Court or other appropriate courts in the region. Which court becomes involved can depend on where the crash occurred and how the claim is structured. Our attorneys appear in local courts and work within the procedures that apply there. Familiarity with filing practices and scheduling patterns can help us anticipate steps in the process and explain them more clearly to you.

When you visit our office, you are meeting with a legal team that is rooted here and prepared to stand with you as your case moves forward. Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Case After A Fatal Car Crash In Colorado?

In Colorado, the right to bring a wrongful death case depends on the family relationship to the person who died and how much time has passed since the death. Generally, during the first year, the surviving spouse has the primary right to file, and in some circumstances, adult children may join that case. In the second year, the ability to file can broaden, and in some situations parents of the person who died may be able to bring a claim if there is no surviving spouse or children. These rules can be detailed, and there are exceptions, so we review your family’s circumstances carefully and explain who the law allows to move forward.

How Soon Should I Talk To A Lawyer After A Fatal Car Accident?

It is usually helpful to talk with a lawyer as soon as you feel able to do so, even if you are not ready to decide about filing a wrongful death claim. There are deadlines for bringing cases, and important evidence is often easiest to locate and preserve early on. Speaking with an attorney can also help you handle calls from insurance companies and answer questions about what to sign or say. When you contact our firm, the initial consultation is free and there is no obligation, so you can simply learn about your options and take time to decide what is right for you.

How Do Legal Fees Work In A Fatal Car Accident Case?

Many families worry that they cannot afford legal help, especially when they are already dealing with funeral expenses and the loss of income from a loved one. In most wrongful death and serious injury cases, firms like ours typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means legal fees are paid from any recovery rather than upfront. Exact terms can vary based on the nature and complexity of the case, and we explain those details clearly during the consultation. At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., the initial meeting is free, and you can ask all the questions you need about costs before deciding whether to move forward with us.

Will I Have To Go To Court If We Bring A Wrongful Death Claim?

Many wrongful death claims are resolved through negotiation with insurance companies without a full trial, but some cases do go to court. Whether your case reaches a courtroom can depend on factors such as how clearly fault can be shown, the amount of damages involved, and the willingness of an insurer to make a fair offer. If a lawsuit is filed, there may be hearings or other steps before a trial is scheduled, and we guide you through each one. Our attorneys include graduates of the Trial Lawyers College, and we are prepared to present your family’s case in local courts when that becomes necessary.

How Long Does A Fatal Car Accident Case Usually Take?

The time it takes to resolve a wrongful death case can vary widely. Some matters settle within several months if liability is clear and the insurer is willing to negotiate in good faith. Others can take a year or more, particularly if a lawsuit is filed and the case proceeds through discovery and pretrial motions. Factors that influence timing include how complex the crash was, how many parties are involved, and the court’s schedule. During our representation, we discuss expected timeframes with you and update you as the case progresses, so you are not left wondering what is happening.

What Will Your Team Need From My Family During The Case?

We understand that grief and daily responsibilities leave families with limited energy for legal tasks. During a wrongful death case, there are still some things we will need your help with, such as providing background information about your loved one, sharing any documents you receive, and answering questions about how the loss has affected your family. We work to make these requests as clear and manageable as possible, and we handle the legal and procedural steps ourselves. Our goal is to shoulder the complex work so you can focus on supporting one another.

How Will I Stay Updated On What Is Happening With Our Case?

Staying informed can ease some of the anxiety that comes with a legal matter. At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we place a strong emphasis on communication. Our attorneys and paralegals provide regular updates at key points in the case, such as after important filings, negotiations, or court dates. We encourage you to contact us whenever questions arise, and we strive to respond promptly so you are not left waiting in uncertainty. From the beginning, we explain how to reach us and what you can expect in terms of updates.

Speak With Our Wrongful Death Team About Your Options

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you do not have to face insurance companies and legal questions by yourself. Our team at Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. brings many years of experience, a client-centered approach, and a strong local presence to families navigating these painful circumstances. We work to provide clear guidance, handle complex legal steps, and pursue accountability so you can focus on your own healing.

Your first step can be as simple as a conversation. We offer free, no obligation consultations where you can talk with us about what happened, ask questions, and learn how a fatal car accident attorney Colorado Springs families trust might assist in your situation. There is no pressure to make an immediate decision, and everything you share is treated with respect and confidentiality.

To talk with our wrongful death team, call (719) 625-3310 or contact us online today.