Colorado Million Dollar Highway Accident Attorney

The Million Dollar Highway is known for being one of the most dangerous highways in the world. While it may have spectacular views, its dangerous design, along with the increase in tourism through the area, means accidents are prevalent and can be deadly.

If you have been injured on The Million Dollar Highway, you deserve an attorney who will stand up for you, working hard to secure the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Why Choose Us at Purvis Thomson, LLP?

After an accident on The Million Dollar Highway, having an attorney you can trust is essential. Our Boulder car accident attorney from Purvis Thompson, LLC has a deep understanding of these cases and can help get you the compensation you are owed. We understand the dangers of this highway and utilize our decades of experience to advocate on your behalf.

Since 1985, we have been helping our clients in Colorado secure the settlements they deserve.
Michael J. Thompson is a recipient of the Best Lawyers 2024 Lawyer of the Year award
We have extensive knowledge of the Million Dollar Highway and have handled cases related to its risks

Where Is The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado?

The Million Dollar Highway, also known as US 550, is in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. It is a 25-mile stretch between Ouray and Silverton known for its extravagant views but tight curves, steep drop-offs, and limited guardrails.

How Dangerous Is The Million Dollar Highway?

The Million Dollar Highway is well known for its beauty and scenery, but it can be treacherous. With Colorado’s inclement weather, conditions can become unpredictable. The small, 25-mile stretch of The Million Dollar Highway accounts, on average, for 40 accidents per year and 7 deaths. Some items that make this road so dangerous include:

Narrow lanes, barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other. This is especially dangerous around curves.
Falling rocks created by unstable mountain ridges. These rockslides can happen quickly and without warning, and be detrimental to those below. Rocks can also serve as a distraction, causing drivers to make dangerous maneuvers to avoid them.
Lack of guardrails can be especially dangerous. While a guardrail may not stop a vehicle going full speed, it may be able to prevent a slow-moving vehicle from going over the edge. Additionally, they can help provide more visibility as to where the edges are, particularly at night.
Weather conditions can create hazards on The Million Dollar Highway. Snow, ice, sleet, and rain can cause vehicles to lose traction, along with reducing visibility.
Steep drop-offs can turn what would have been a minor accident into a deadly situation. When narrow roads run along cliffs, there is little room for mistakes, such as an overcorrection or a swerve to avoid an animal or road hazard.
Tight curves limit visibility and can make maneuvering vehicles difficult. If a large truck is on the road, its necessity for wide turns can make this near impossible.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), on average, .01% of crashes are fatal in Colorado. On The Million Dollar Highway, this jumps to 17.5%, making this road one of the deadliest per capita in the country.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Colorado?

All car accidents are different, and depending on the severity and your specific situation, you could be entitled to several types of compensation. Working with an attorney can help you to identify what your specific case may be worth. Common reimbursements included in car accident settlements in Colorado may include:

Medical expenses: This can include past and future medical costs, including doctor visits, therapies, hospital stays, medications, and adaptive equipment if needed.
Lost wages and loss of earning potential: Any income lost while recovering and dealing with accident-related items may be reimbursed. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from working in the future or require you to change the type of work you do, you could be compensated.
Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs, damaged personal items or cargo, and towing costs may all potentially be reimbursable. Ensure you document all damage to both the vehicle and your personal items as soon as possible
Other out-of-pocket costs: This can include transportation to medical appointments and other items you’ve had to purchase in relation to your accident.

Pain and suffering: This is intended to help compensate you for the physical pain you’ve had to endure, which often affects all aspects of your life.
Emotional distress: This can include any sort of trauma, anxiety, stress, or other emotional or mental repercussions from the accident.
Disfigurement or impairment: If you experience any permanent scarring that limits you physically or is visible and affects your day-to-day, you could be entitled to compensation.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Oftentimes, after an accident, victims are unable to participate in activities that once brought them joy. Whether this is from new physical limitations or resulting emotional struggle, you may be able to recoup damages.

Every scenario is different and allows for different levels of compensation. Working with a qualified attorney allows you to fully understand what your case is worth and ensures you are not leaving money on the table that you are entitled to.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Colorado?

In Colorado, car accidents have a three-year statute of limitations according to C.R.S. 13-80-101 – General limitation of actions. This means that you have three years after the date of the incident to file a claim before it becomes time-barred. There are, however, a few instances in which the time can be extended, including if the injured party becomes incapacitated, if they are a minor, or if a wrongful death occurs.

Call Our Boulder Million Dollar Highway Accident Attorney

If you were in an accident while driving on The Million Dollar Highway, we at Purvis Thompson, LLC are on your side. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to see what your case may be worth and to get the justice you deserve.