Mountain Pass Fatalities in Winter: I‑70 and I‑25 Scenarios
Losing a loved one in a car accident is a catastrophic and devastating event for a family. The Arvada car accident attorneys at the Frickey Law Firm can handle your family’s case in a compassionate and diligent manner. We have been representing Colorado’s injured for over 60 years, which is why we are the go to firm for Colorado locals. We get results!
We love our Colorado mountains, however, mountain passes are dangerous for drivers at any time of day, during any time of year. They are even more perilous during the winter. I-70 and I-25 have been the scene of numerous car accidents on or near mountain passes. Some of these car accidents have resulted in fatalities. If your loved one was killed in a car accident on a mountain pass that was someone else’s fault, you can file a wrongful death claim.
The Arvada car accident lawyers at The Frickey Law Firm do our best to understand what your family is going through, and we commit to fighting for you. Speak to us during a free initial consultation by calling 303-237-7373 to learn more about your case. The call is free, find out what your rights are and get paid what you deserve.
I-70 and I-25 Are Dangerous During the Winter
Both I-70 and I-25 in Colorado have mountain passes in several locations. The ones on I-70 are known to be particularly challenging due to the grades and curves on the roadway. Although the mountain passes on I-25 are slightly more gentle, they are still dangerous. These passes become even more hazardous in winter weather when there may be snow and black ice.
There have been numerous fatal accidents recently near the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70. This area is known for mountain passes and dangerous road conditions. In January 2026, a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow lost control and struck a van carrying a youth hockey team, along with other vehicles. One person died in the crash, and many more were injured.
Why Mountain Pass Car Accidents Are Even More Dangerous
There are numerous reasons why mountain passes see more accidents and fatalities, including:
- There is more likely to be ice patches at higher elevations
- Drivers are less likely to see and be seen when there is fog in the mountains
- Sharp curves on the road both reduce visibility and can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle
- Motorists can also lose control on sharp inclines and declines
The crashes that occur on mountain passes will almost always be more serious. Since there are heavy guardrails in these areas, drivers may hit them when they are struck by another car. There may be a great deal of force if the accident occurs when a motorist is going down the mountain.
How Drivers Cause Fatal Mountain Pass Car Accidents
There are several ways that drivers can cause fatal accidents on mountain passes. The first is that they may be unfamiliar with the roadway and do not know how to safely handle a mountain pass. Any driver may travel too fast for the road conditions, whether it is handling the road itself or adverse weather. Some drivers may be distracted when they are going through a mountain pass, when they need to be paying full attention to the roadway.
Other causes of fatal mountain pass car accidents include:
- Multicar pileups that occur in a very dangerous area on the road
- Failure to properly maintain a car, causing the brakes to fail
- Fatigued drivers who are either on the highway late at night or when they are tired and need a rest
- Loss of tire traction due to ice or snow
- Following too close to another vehicle and not giving the driver room to navigate the road
Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Mountain Pass Car Accidents
If your family has lost a loved one in a winter car accident, you can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation. If you are able to prove that someone else was to blame for your loved one’s death in the accident, your family may be entitled to significant financial compensation. How much? Find out by calling the Frickey Law Firm. Your Arvada car accident lawyer will perform a complete investigation of the crash to determine who was to blame. One difficulty in proving a wrongful death case is that your loved one is no longer here to tell their story. The insurance company may realize that they owe your family a considerable amount of money, and they may try to blame your family member, either in whole or in part. Don’t let the insurance company play games, get a lawyer and fight back for the money that you deserve.
Wrongful death cases have their own challenges involved, so you need an experienced car accident law firm to fight for your family every step of the way. Your Arvada car accident attorney can quantify your family’s damages and fight for you to be fully compensated.
Contact an Arvada Car Accident Law Firm
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you can focus on your family, and Arvada car accident lawyers at The Frickey Law Firm will focus on your case. Schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident attorney by visiting our website or by calling us today at 303-237-7373.
Attorney Janet Frickey wants to do the right thing. An impassioned litigator and client advocate for more than 40 years, Ms. Frickey is the owner and managing attorney of The Frickey Law Firm who focuses in workers’ compensation and personal injury. Learn more here.