Denver Trucking Accident Causes Along I-25 and I-70

Truck accidents along Denver’s busiest highways—Interstate 25 (I-25) and Interstate 70 (I-70)—are alarmingly common and often result in catastrophic injuries. At Treviño Law, we understand the complex factors that lead to these crashes and how to hold responsible parties accountable. This blog explains the major causes of truck accidents in Denver, highlights the unique risks posed by local routes, and shows how our legal team can help crash victims secure full compensation.

1. Speeding and Unsafe Driving on Mountain Grades

One of the most frequent causes of trucking accidents in the Denver area is speeding—particularly on steep mountain grades. I-70 west of Denver includes long downhill stretches, such as around Vail Pass, that push brake systems to their limits. Drivers who exceed posted speeds risk brake failure and loss of control, which can lead to chain-reaction crashes or fiery rollovers.

Interstate 25 also faces issues where speed is concerned. High speeds in construction zones or complex interchanges can result in severe rear-end or lane-change accidents.

2. Brake Failure and Poor Truck Maintenance

Commercial trucks must undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections. However, companies that cut maintenance corners risk allowing dangerous mechanical failures. Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, faulty steering systems, and lighting problems are unfortunately common and highly dangerous.

In a particularly tragic case on I-70 near Lakewood in 2019, a semi-truck suffering brake failure crashed into multiple vehicles, resulting in four deaths and ten injured. Investigations revealed the trucking company had multiple safety violations.

3. Driver Fatigue and Sleep-Related Impairment

Long hours behind the wheel lead to extreme driver fatigue, a dangerous condition with effects similar to alcohol impairment. Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents and has been linked to failure to react in time or maintain vehicle control.

A notable risk factor is sleep apnea, which affects nearly a third of commercial drivers and dramatically impairs alertness.

4. Distracted Driving and No-Zone Blind Spots

Truck drivers juggle numerous in-cab tasks—from GPS adjustments to dispatch calls—that can divert their attention from the road. Even a brief lapse can have deadly results, especially for trucks that are 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger vehicles.

Compounding this, trucks have large blind spot areas or “no-zones” where smaller vehicles can easily go unseen. Failure to check these zones before changing lanes or turning can cause sideswipes and serious crashes.

5. Hazardous Weather, Road Conditions, and Visibility

Denver’s weather can change rapidly—clear skies can turn into sleet or black ice, particularly on I-70’s mountain stretches. These conditions reduce traction, extend stopping distances, and contribute to rollover and jackknife crashes.

Limited visibility due to fog, sudden snow, or construction makes it harder for drivers to navigate curves or react to hazards. Low visibility increases risk, especially in valleys or canyons where conditions shift suddenly.

6. Rollover Accidents in Mountain Terrains

Truck rollovers are especially dangerous and often fatal. On I-70’s steep grades and mountainous zones, factors such as brake failure, heavy loads, elevation changes, and strong gusts in narrow canyons can cause a trailer to lose stability and tip.

Even if a truck is empty, its significant weight and center of gravity can crush vehicles or create a roadblock, making these crashes particularly catastrophic.

7. Infrastructure Issues and High-Traffic Accident Zones

I-25 sees about 15,000 accidents annually in the Denver metro area—roughly 41 per day. This dense traffic, combined with aging infrastructure and ongoing construction, makes accidents both common and dangerous.

Interstate 70 runs through complex interchanges, tunnels, and canyon passes where older design, heavy use, and frequent construction contribute to accidents.

How Treviño Law Helps Truck Crash Victims

Proving fault in a trucking accident involves detailed evidence like black box data, maintenance records, driver logbooks, and expert testimony. At Treviño Law, we partner with accident reconstruction specialists, commercial trucking experts, and medical professionals to build a strong case.

Federal regulations, like those from the FMCSA regarding hours-of-service and maintenance, play a crucial role. We scrutinize compliance and use violations to strengthen your claim.

From fatal collisions to rollovers on steep interstates and rollover accidents near construction zones, we focus on strategies that recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, future care, and pain and suffering.

Conclusion

Truck accidents on I-25 and I-70 occur for many reasons—speeding on grades, brake failures, driver fatigue, distraction, poor road conditions, rollovers, and aging infrastructure. When these accidents happen, navigating legal recovery can seem overwhelming.

Treviño Law brings deep experience and fierce advocacy to each case. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a Denver trucking accident, contact us via our contact section for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for full justice and fair recovery.