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Elk Collision Spurs Deadly Tragedy on I-25’s “The Gap”

by  on  Car Accidents & Motor Vehicle Collisions

A tragic run-in with an elk left a Colorado woman dead after she was mowed down by another car on Interstate 25 near Castle Pines.

Kendra Durnan, an 18-year-old woman from Minnesota, was struck by a car after exiting a vehicle in which she was a passenger, CBS4 reports. The 21-year-old driver of the vehicle that Durnan was in had pulled the car to the shoulder after hitting an elk crossing the highway. 

Durnan was struck when she and the driver got out of the car. A 70-year-old motorist reportedly hit the elk carcass and lost control of her vehicle.

Nine people were sent to the hospital, including several with serious injuries, according to CBS4.

The tragic collision comes as an advocacy group has been pushing to limit accidents between cars and wild animals on the 18-mile section of I-25 known as “The Gap.” The stretch of road from Castle Rock to Monument is popular for motorists but is also frequented by a wide range of wildlife like deer, sheep, wild turkeys, coyotes, bears, and mountain lions.

The Gap saw 125 car accidents involving animals from 2018 to 2020, according to The Colorado Sun. That includes 76 crashes involving deer, as well as 15 with bears, 10 with mountain lions, and four with hawks, among other species.

Advocates want to create a number of underpasses for underpasses for wildlife to cross and a system of fencing and escape routes to keep wayward animals off the road.

Compensation for Denver Car Accident Injuries

Anyone who is injured in a car accident in Colorado has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash, whether it is a negligent driver, the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or a construction crew that leaves a road in hazardous condition.

The money damages (often called compensation) available in these cases include compensation for medical bills, property damage, missed wages and any impact of the injury on long-term earning capacity. Additional compensation may also be available for pain, suffering and emotional distress.

In the tragic situation in which a person dies in an auto accident in Colorado, certain family members can also seek compensation for wrongful death. No amount of money will ever bring back your loved one, but compensation can ease the financial stress that often comes with losing a family member.

Speak with a Denver Accident Attorney Today – The Consultation is Free

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident a Denver accident attorney at Levine Law can help you understand your rights and seek compensation for your injuries. Our firm is pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver accident attorney.