Runaway Truck Accidents in Colorado

The Colorado Rocky Mountains are a national treasure in the United States. Annually, tens of thousands of people travel to Colorado to enjoy pristine snow in the winter. To reach the dozen ski resorts, visitors must navigate the nightmarish sloped and windy stretch of road along Interstate-70 (I-70). Unfortunately, the interstate is also used by 18-wheeler semi-trucks weighing upwards of 80,000 pounds. It goes without saying semi-trucks gain momentum traveling down a steep stretch of road. What happens if the truck experiences brake failure?

A runaway truck accident can result in catastrophic injuries and even death. Recognizing the importance of this topic, the Colorado truck accident lawyers at Bowman Law discuss the causes of a runaway truck accident and explore the legal options available to victims. As these types of accidents can have serious consequences, victims should contact our Colorado semi-truck accident lawyers to learn their rights and responsibilities following an accident.

Colorado Runaway Truck Accidents

Mountainous roads can be difficult for semi-truck drivers to navigate, especially during the winter months when roads are covered by snow and/or ice. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) developed Mountain Rules as an educational program to highlight the unique dangers drivers face. Specifically, Colorado’s high elevation and topography can be challenging. While all drivers must proceed with extra caution, semi-truck drivers have it especially hard as their vehicle may be as long as 70 feet long and weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. It is also important to note Colorado experiences severe weather events that make driving difficult in the mountains, with high winds and storms bringing extreme snow and hail. Colorado is also susceptible to hazards such as rockfalls, fires and floods. These elements cause additional challenges and problems for trucks along I-70.

18-Wheeler Trucks on Colorado Roads

Semi-truck drivers must have great patience navigating Colorado roadways, especially during the winter months. Unfortunately, this can be challenging because drivers are often on deadlines and under pressure by employers to adhere to tight schedules. The Colorado truck accident lawyers at Bowman Law have seen time and time again that these challenges can result in semi-truck drivers driving more aggressively and pushing the limits of their truck to stay on schedule.

There is also insufficient data on what is needed to safely navigate these roads. Even though semi-truck drivers believe they are driving slow enough for conditions, the reality is that most drivers continue to drive too fast down dangerous stretches of Colorado roads. In addition, previous successful navigation creates a false sense of security for some semi-truck drivers, also contributing to them pushing their limits.

Importantly, semi-truck drivers must recognize that descending mountain roads requires frequent braking. Truck brakes heat up and may eventually hit a point where they are not able to absorb additional heat from sudden emergency braking or even a routine stop. This constant demand for the brakes creates a risk the brakes will overheat, fade, and fail.

Even the most experienced semi-truck drivers are unaware how to properly navigate these roads. Insufficient training and the lack of available data can play a part in drivers’ ignorance of how to properly navigate mountain roads. Most experts agree drivers should descend roads just as slow as they climb them, or even slower. However, it has been found drivers usually descend grades significantly faster than they ascend. The following represents a non-exhaustive list of causes of runaway truck accidents:

• Brake Failure: Colorado’s winding roads and steep slopes put great strain on trucks’ brakes. Brake failure can be caused by various factors, including:
  • Insufficient maintenance of the brakes.
  • Driver error and failing to adjust to terrain.
  • Excessive weight of the truck in which the truck’s weight exceeds the brakes’ capacities.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers spend long hours on the road by themselves. It is natural fatigue will set in on long trips. Fatigue may impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and appropriately when faced with dangerous and unexpected road conditions.
• Weather Conditions: Colorado experiences all kinds of crazy weather. With snow, ice, heavy winds, and rainstorms, dangerous weather can strike with no warning. These conditions can reduce traction on the roads and impact a truck’s ability to brake properly.
• Insufficient Training: Truck companies are responsible for training their drivers and ensuring they can navigate these giant vehicles. Companies are under constant pressure to haul large amounts of cargo long distances and meet stringent deadlines. As a result, companies may cut corners or rush the training process to ensure they have enough drivers to meet their clients’ demands.

Runaway Truck Ramps

A runaway truck ramp is an emergency safety measure along steep hills and busy turns on roadways throughout Colorado. The ramps vary in design, materials, and construction, but usually consist of gravel or sand. Oftentimes, they also have concrete barriers along the sides to help the truck maintain an upright position.

The idea behind a runaway truck ramp is that, when a semi-truck driver loses control of their rig, they should navigate their vehicle to crash into the runaway truck ramp, which will allow the semi-truck to slow down by absorbing the kinetic energy of the speeding truck. Runaway truck ramps exist to provide refuge to semi-truck drivers who lose brakes traveling at higher speeds on steed downgrades. They are typically located on steep, sustained grades in mountain areas.

Unfortunately, long, descending grades may result in drivers reaching high speeds and large, heavy semi-trucks can overheat and fail. The runaway truck ramps protect motorists from catastrophic collisions by diverting the speeding weapon off the road where the drivers can gain braking force. Without question, ramps are vital for all roadway users but are especially important for commercial truck drivers. Colorado drivers may be surprised to learn runaway truck ramps have been used nearly 80 times over the past five years. Specifically, there are five runaway truck ramps along the I-70 Mountain Corridor.

Even with enhanced safety measures, runaway truck accidents are a real danger in Colorado. Unfortunately, the state has seen multiple runaway truck accidents in recent years. While many people may think these accidents are more prevalent during the harsh Colorado winters, runaway trucks are actually more common in the summer. The Lower Straight Creek ramp, located near Mile Point 212 on westbound I-70, is the most used runaway truck ramp in the United States, used an average of once per week in the summer.

There are several stretches of roadway that have proven to be more dangerous than others. Specifically, Loveland Pass, Berthoud Pass, and Monarch Pass are stretches of roadway that present unique challenges, including significant curves and switchbacks, as well as incredibly steep roads. Semi-truck drivers are required to constantly adjust their speeds as they navigate the dangerous roadways in Colorado.

1. Mount Vernon Canyon, Colorado

Despite the safety efforts, Colorado has seen multiple runaway truck accidents in recent years. Perhaps the most notorious of these accidents occurred on April 25, 2019 on I-70 in Mount Vernon Canyon. The truck’s brakes malfunctioned as it was coming out of the mountains. The driver missed a nearby runaway truck ramp, instead colliding into stopped traffic near Colorado Mills. The runaway truck crashed into 12 cars and three other trucks. The tragedy caused fires and explosions and killed four people.

The case made national headlines when the driver was sentenced to 110 years in jail. While District Court Judge Bruce Jones acknowledged the sentence was harsh, he stated he had no other choice as it was the minimum sentence required by law. However, in December 2021, Colorado Governor Jared Polis reduced the sentence to 10 years.

• Garden City, Utah

On June 2, 2023, a runaway semi-truck slammed into condominiums in Garden City, Utah. The crash happened near the US-89 and Bear Lake Boulevard intersection. According to Utah Highway Patrol, the truck lost its brakes and was unable to turn at Bear Lake Boulevard, smashing into properties and garage units. The truck also hit a 100-gallon propane tank, prompting nearby homes and businesses to evacuate.

Two women, a driver and passenger, were in the truck. Paramedics and firefighters extricated the passenger and flew her to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. Ambulance personnel transported the driver to a local hospital in stable condition.

• Cajon Pass, California

At 2:22pm on October 13, 2023, a semi-truck crashed after entering the runaway truck ramp on southbound Interstate-15 in the Cajon Pass, California. The crash ignited a brush fire, which fire fighters were able to control. The truck reportedly lost its brakes and began traveling out of control at a high rate of speed. Thankfully, the driver thought fast and used the nearby runaway truck ramp, avoiding surrounding traffic. The driver escaped with only minor injuries.

Liability in a Runaway Truck Accident

Determining liability in a Colorado runaway semi-truck accident is a multifaceted process because several parties may bear responsibility. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and operated in compliance with safety regulations. Companies must comply with vehicle maintenance, inspection requirements, and weight restrictions. Any negligence resulting in a lack of compliance with these regulations can render trucking companies liable for accidents.

Companies must also provide proper training and resources for their drivers. Companies should know whether a prospective driver is qualified and capable of driving a truck. They should conduct background checks and ensure their drivers have pristine driving records, valid driver’s licenses, and have completed all required training.

Similarly, truck drivers must adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution to prevent accidents. Instances of reckless driving or driver error may contribute to liability. Additionally, manufacturers may be held accountable in cases where defective vehicle components or equipment malfunctions lead to accidents.

Steps After a Runaway Truck Accident

If you were injured in an accident in Colorado by a semi-truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The first thing you should do is call the police and emergency services immediately, especially if any of the parties suffered injuries.

Notwithstanding the presentation of the police, you should also collect the truck driver’s name, address, and phone number. While writing down a truck driver’s information may be sufficient, it is a much better idea to take a photograph of the driver’s license. It is also important to collect the name of the truck driver’s employer. In addition to the foregoing, if you were injured by a semi-truck in Colorado, you must obtain the driver’s insurance information. This is also something you will want to take a picture of while at the scene.

You should also take photographs of the vehicles involved and any damage the accident caused. If there are objective signs of the accident, such as skid marks and debris patterns, you will also want to take photographs of that too. If you are unable to take photographs because you suffered serious injuries, you should ask someone else to take photographs for you. There may have been a witness that stopped to make sure everyone was okay.

The point is, you want to document as much information as possible about how the accident happened. To learn what else you should gather and do at the scene of an accident, contact the Colorado truck accident lawyers at Bowman Law as soon after an accident as possible.

Contact our Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers

Runaway truck accidents can have devastating consequences. By understanding liability and compensation options, you can take proactive steps to protect their rights and seek the compensation you deserve. With the support of our Colorado truck accident attorneys, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and work towards obtaining the justice and closure you need to move forward.

If you or loved one has suffered injuries in a runaway truck accident, contact the Colorado truck accident lawyers at Bowman Law to ensure you receive the support you need to recover and regain control over your life. Our attorneys serve Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins and the surrounding areas.