Paul Montoya Dies in Colorado Springs Car Accident
The intersection collision marks the 21st traffic fatality in the city this year, a sharp increase from 2025
Paul Montoya, 80, died on May 14 from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash at Union Boulevard and Parkside Drive on May 8, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. The department's Major Crash Team is handling the ongoing investigation. No formal charges have been filed against the other driver.
The morning collision occurred when a vehicle making a left turn at the intersection struck a northbound vehicle traveling in the right lane of Union Boulevard. Speed is not considered a factor.
Colorado Springs resident Montoya was initially taken to a local hospital for treatment. He died six days later.
The crash adds to a rising toll across the state. Colorado recorded 720 traffic death in 2023, according to state crash data.
Why do left-turn collisions occur at Union Boulevard and Parkside Drive?
Intersection safety remains a critical focus for traffic engineers, particularly concerning left-hand turns across active travel lanes. When drivers fail to yield the right of way, the resulting side-impact or angled collisions frequently cause severe injuries.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Left‑turn crashes are especially dangerous at intersections because drivers must judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic while also dealing with signals and visibility. A single miscalculation in those conditions can quickly lead to a catastrophic side‑impact collision."
An attorney may assist surviving relatives by preserving traffic‑signal records and securing nearby video evidence while working with crash reconstruction specialists, added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How common are fatal crashes in Colorado Springs?
The city has experienced a sharp increase in roadway deaths this year. The 21 death recorded by mid-May represent a 50% increase over the same period last year. Statewide, Colorado saw nearly 100,000 total crashes in 2024, highlighting the persistent risks on local corridors.
"Distracted driving continues producing fatal crashes at alarming rates because a few seconds of inattention at highway speeds can eliminate any chance of avoiding a collision," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.
While the cause and liability of a crash are being investigated, independent reviews often uncover important details. Investigators look at signal timing, sightlines, and vehicle data recorders to determine exactly how an intersection collision unfolded.
Colorado wrongful death statute
Under C.R.S. § 13-21-201, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Colorado applies modified comparative fault (50% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and net pecuniary loss.