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.
While pedestrians are generally prohibited from walking on interstate highways, drivers still owe a duty of care to avoid hazards on the road. Investigators will examine visibility conditions and vehicle data from the 6 a.m. collision.
Cases involving pedestrians on controlled-access highways often present complex liability questions. The State Patrol continues to gather witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the impact.
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.