Adams Co., CO – One Killed, Two Hurt in Crash on I-76 

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Written by Bradley Smith

Adams Co., CO - One Killed, Two Hurt in Crash on I-76 

Adams Co., CO (June 16, 2025) – One person was killed and two others sustained injuries in a devastating wrong-way collision late Friday night on Interstate 76. The Colorado State Patrol is leading the investigation.

A GMC Sierra pickup, driven by a 62-year-old Denver man, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I‑76 near County Road MM3 on June 13, just before 11 p.m. 

A westbound Honda swerved to evade the pickup, but the truck’s front passenger side struck its front passenger side. The Sierra spun and flipped onto its roof. 

A 44-year-old passenger in the pickup was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died. Both drivers—the pickup driver and the Honda driver—were hospitalized with minor injuries.


The Colorado State Patrol, Adams County Fire Rescue, Westminster Fire, and Adams County Sheriff’s Office are collaborating on the response and investigation. Authorities haven’t yet determined what led the driver to enter the interstate in the wrong direction; charges are pending.

We want to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim. We also hope for the full recovery of the injured victims. 

Colorado Car Accidents 

Each year, fatal car accidents devastate families across Colorado, particularly in high-traffic areas like Denver. Whether caused by a reckless wrong-way driver or a high-speed collision at a busy intersection, these tragedies leave behind grief, unanswered questions, and an overwhelming sense of loss.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, thousands of serious and fatal crashes occur annually throughout the state. Many are entirely preventable and stem from driver negligence, impairment, or inattention.

Wrong-Way Crashes: Sudden and Catastrophic

Though less frequent, wrong-way collisions are among the most lethal traffic incidents in Colorado. Often caused by intoxicated or disoriented drivers, these crashes typically occur on highways and result in violent head-on impacts.

  • High-Speed Head-On Collisions: Wrong-way crashes rarely end without serious injuries or fatalities. On roads like I-25 or I-70, speeds are high, and the time to react is minimal.
  • Disproportionate Fatality Rate: While wrong-way crashes make up a small percentage of total accidents, they account for a large share of highway deaths in Colorado.
  • Time and Location: Most occur late at night or during weekends, times when impaired or fatigued drivers are more likely to be on the road.

Legal Options After a Fatal Crash

Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is a life-altering experience. Alongside immense grief, families are often faced with unexpected funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of knowing the crash could have been prevented.

In these cases, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This legal action can help recover compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of companionship and emotional support
  • Lost future earnings
  • Medical expenses related to the accident
  • Pain and suffering endured by the family

At Smith & Weidinger, our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Adams County are committed to standing beside families who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents. We understand the pain and complexity that come after a tragic crash, and we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and strength.

Call us today at 720-505-5621 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case. You don’t have to face this journey alone—let Smith & Weidinger fight for your loved one and your future.

Note: The information provided in this blog post has been compiled from publicly available and secondary sources. While we strive for accuracy, some details may become outdated or contain inadvertent errors. If you believe any information is incorrect or requires updating, please contact Smith & Weidinger so that we may review and make the appropriate corrections.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation for business. The photo used is not from the scene of the incident described. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Smith & Weidinger. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and then consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

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