Pedestrian killed in Thornton collision on Interstate 76, CSP reports
The fatal collision involving a trash truck closed westbound Interstate 76 for the investigation.
A pedestrian was killed early Friday when they were struck by a Peterbilt trash truck on Interstate 76 south of Thornton, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The collision happened just after 6 a.m. in the westbound lanes near milepost 6, just east of the Interstate 25 interchange. The vehicle was driving west when it hit the person walking on the highway, and the driver remained at the scene.
Investigators closed the westbound lanes of the interstate for several hours. Traffic was diverted to the lower junction while troopers processed the area.
Authorities have not released the identity of the person who died. No charges have been announced.
Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to contact dispatch at 303-239-4501 and reference case number 1D261510.
Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is investigating a collision on Interstate 76 in Thornton that killed a pedestrian. The crash happened around 6 a.m. and involved a commercial vehicle.
National Legal Analyst Robert Candice Bond, a legal expert at Bond Legal, said that while pedestrians are generally not allowed on interstate highways, drivers still have a responsibility to avoid hazards. "We can help protect your rights and prevent your statements to the police and insurance companies from being used against you." Bond said. "The investigation will look at what the driver could see, how fast they were going, and if there were any actions they could have taken to prevent the crash."
Investigators are examining visibility conditions at the time of the 6 a.m. collision and data from the commercial vehicle. Bond noted that cases involving pedestrians on controlled-access highways often involve complex questions of liability. "Determining fault in these situations requires a thorough review of all available evidence, including witness statements, vehicle data, and accident reconstruction," Bond said. "It's not always straightforward, and multiple factors can contribute to the outcome."
The State Patrol continues to gather witness statements to determine the sequence of events that led to the impact on Interstate 76.
Under Colorado's wrongful death statute (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), surviving family members may pursue a civil claim when a loved one dies due to the negligence of another party. The state follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning a family can still recover damages as long as the deceased was less than 50% at fault for the crash.
If a driver or another party is found partially liable, eligible survivors may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of future financial support, and loss of companionship. Families generally have two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado courts.