Truck Brake Failures & Runaway Incidents on I-70

Brake failures and runaway truck incidents on I-70 are serious safety concerns, especially in the mountainous areas of Colorado and other regions with steep grades. I-70 features some of the most challenging stretches of road for large vehicles, particularly along Vail Pass, the Eisenhower Tunnel, and Floyd Hill, where trucks must navigate steep downhill grades. These conditions increase the risk of brake fade and brake failure, especially when vehicles are heavily loaded and drivers are not able to maintain appropriate speed control.

When a truck’s brakes fail on I-70, it can lead to multi-vehicle pileups, especially in areas with heavy traffic or limited visibility. Trucks that lose control on steep slopes can crash into other vehicles or even barriers, causing significant damage, injuries, or fatalities. The combination of heavy trucks, steep terrain, and unpredictable weather makes brake failures and runaway truck incidents particularly hazardous on I-70. 

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident on I-70, you may be facing serious injuries, property damage, and a complex legal process. It’s crucial to understand the steps you need to take to safeguard your health, protect your rights, and preserve your opportunity to seek compensation. This post offers you a guide so you can know what to do while navigating this difficult process. 

Brake Fade & Runaway Vehicles

One of the most common and dangerous issues on mountain roads, such as I-70, is brake fade, which occurs when the brakes overheat due to prolonged or heavy use, particularly during long downhill descents. This can lead to a complete loss of braking power, making it nearly impossible to stop the vehicle, potentially resulting in severe accidents.

Driving on steep grades like those found on I-70 presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing the vehicle’s braking system. 

To help reduce the danger of brake fade, highways like I-70 are equipped with runaway ramps, which are emergency safety features designed to assist vehicles in slowing down when their brakes fail. These ramps can save lives, but they are only useful if drivers are aware of them and know how to use them when needed.

After an accident, it’s crucial to collect key evidence, such as photos of the scene, skid marks, and witness statements, to help determine the cause of the crash. In accidents involving commercial trucks, liability may also fall on the trucking company if poor maintenance or insufficient driver training contributed to the incident. Understanding these hazards and safety measures is vital for safely navigating I-70’s challenging terrain.

The Importance of Runaway Ramps

Runaway ramps are vital safety features on Interstate 70 (I-70), especially in mountainous areas like Colorado, where steep inclines and challenging terrain heighten the risk of brake fade and runaway vehicles. 

These ramps act as emergency escape routes for vehicles, particularly large commercial trucks, that lose braking power while descending long, steep grades. When a truck’s brakes overheat and become ineffective, a common problem in mountain driving, runaway ramps offer drivers a crucial opportunity to slow down and stop safely, preventing accidents.

Sections of I-70, such as Vail Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel, and Floyd Hill, are notorious for their steep slopes, making them especially prone to brake fade. Without runaway ramps, vehicles could continue accelerating uncontrollably, significantly raising the chances of a catastrophic crash. By providing a safe diversion area, these ramps allow drivers to regain control of their vehicles and avoid disaster.

Typically constructed of gravel or with a sharp incline, runaway ramps help decelerate vehicles quickly. However, they are only effective if drivers are familiar with their locations, prepared to use them, and able to act swiftly in an emergency. In this way, runaway ramps serve as a crucial safety measure on I-70, reducing the risk of serious accidents and helping protect drivers and other road users.

Gathering Evidence after a Crash

After a crash on I-70, collecting evidence is crucial to establishing fault and supporting your claim. 

Key evidence includes photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions. It’s essential to capture the location of the crash, including skid marks or signs of brake failure, which can indicate if brake fade was a contributing factor. 

Witness statements can also help clarify what happened and who may be at fault. In cases involving commercial vehicles, black box data from trucks can provide critical information about speed, braking, and other actions taken by the driver. 

Additionally, police reports and surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras or dashcams can help establish liability.

Establishing Liability

In certain situations, liability for accidents caused by brake fade or other issues can extend beyond the driver. 

For example, if a commercial vehicle’s brakes were not properly maintained or if the driver wasn’t adequately trained in handling steep grades, the trucking company could be held accountable. 

Trucking companies are legally required to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and that their drivers are trained in defensive driving, especially for mountainous terrain. Neglecting maintenance tasks, such as failing to replace worn brake pads or properly inspect vehicles, could indicate company negligence, making them liable for the accident. 

Similarly, if drivers are not trained to use lower gears or recognize the signs of brake fade, this can contribute to accidents as well. In these cases, both the driver and the company could share responsibility, and victims may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses.

How an I-70 Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

In cases involving brake fade, a car accident lawyer plays a crucial role in ensuring that victims receive fair compensation and that liability is properly established.

An attorney will also collect crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and black box data from the vehicle, to strengthen your case. They will focus on proving that brake fade caused the accident, gathering photos or video footage of the scene to highlight the failure. 

Additionally, a trained lawyer will manage insurance claims, making sure you receive fair compensation and preventing insurers from offering inadequate settlements.

Contact an I-70 Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a brake fade accident, especially on steep grades like those on I-70, it’s crucial to have a skilled I-70 truck accident attorney on your side. 

Don’t navigate the legal complexities alone: contact a dedicated attorney today to discuss your case and protect your rights. Let us help you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out for a free consultation.