I-76 & Hwy-85: The Most Dangerous Intersection in Colorado
Not all deadly car crashes occur due to reckless driving or bad weather. Sometimes, fatal collisions are caused by the road or part of the road itself. In Colorado, that’s the intersection of I-76 and 85.
Just north of Commerce City lies the intersection of Interstate 76 and Highway 85, an intersection which many have dubbed as the deadliest in Colorado. It’s a fitting name, as it’s been the site of many preventable deaths, from multi-vehicle fatalities to deadly single-car collisions. Dozens of families are left facing profound, life-altering tragedy, all from accidents in the same deadly location.
The attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you and your family recover from the crash. Whether you were injured or lost a loved one at this intersection or any other road in Colorado, we’ll work hard to help you get back on your feet.
Contact Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers online or by calling (720) 613-9706 for specific information relating to your situation. In the meantime, keep reading for more information on the dangers of I-76, US-85, and what can be done to make the roads safer.
Hundreds of Accidents Occur at and Near This Intersection Each Year
In 2021 alone, there were 61 fatal collisions in Adams County, the location of the dangerous I-76 Hwy-85 intersection. That’s the third-highest traffic fatality rate in the state, bested only by Denver and El Paso counties, which saw 65 and 73 fatal crashes in 2021, respectively.
The issues at the intersection of I-76 and Hwy-85 are well-known, and have already prompted repairs and reconstruction upgrades. But this only brings up a new question: will these upgrades be enough to save lives? Judging by the facts, it’s unlikely.
Of the 22,762 accidents that occurred in Adams County from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022, there were 1,002 minor injuries, 243 serious injuries, and 61 deaths. The death rate in this area is significantly higher than you would find at similar intersections across the country.
Startling conclusions may be drawn from statistics like these, but it’s more important to take action and prevent future injuries and deaths. That begins with road safety, but where progress falls short, legal action can motivate. If one intersection is where a significant number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities happen, then what is the problem with those roads?
What Makes the Intersection of Highway 85 and I-76 So Dangerous?
The factors that lead to dangerous intersections such as the one where I-76 and Route 85 meet include:
- Poor road design: Traffic flows in patterns, and part of the job of city planners and engineers is to make sure cars don’t bottleneck or pile up. Similarly, large trucks like 18-wheelers, semis, and tractor-trailers require adequate room to turn safely. Trucks may also use these particular roadways as paths into the city due to commercial vehicle regulations, further increasing truck congestion at this intersection.
- Insufficient or lack of road signs: Interstate drivers need enough warning time to slow down and transition from highway speeds to lower-speed county roads and city streets, without interrupting the movement of other vehicles.
- Malfunctioning or confusing traffic signals: Hesitation at fast, busy intersections can cause preventable crashes, and lead to dangerous, frustration, fear, and road rage incidents. Improper maintenance of temporary or permanent traffic signs or signals can lead to cases holding the city or county liable.
While individual drivers can often adapt to bad roads, not all drivers are evenly skilled. A young driver could cause harm to themselves and others if they don’t have enough experience to deal with confusing highway signs or sudden changes in the type of road or highway.
A negligent driver who assumes they have plenty of time to text could create a devastating multi-car pile-up that is partially caused by an unpredictable road.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the Denver car accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
Find us with our Geocoordinates: 39.75208145814397, -105.00017355026108
About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO
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