Driver Arrested in Loveland Car Accident on Interstate 25 That Killed Child

Box Truck Driver Facing Multiple Criminal Charges, Including Vehicular Homicide, After Child Died and Several Others Were Injured in Loveland Collision on Interstate 25

A box truck driver was charged in a fatal Loveland car accident on Interstate 25 near Mile Post 259. Larimer County officials are saying the accident took place around 12:27 PM on Tuesday. A box truck was in the center lane of the roadway when it veered into the right lane and collided with a Lexus. The Lexus was then pushed forward into the path of a Kia and a Chevrolet. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all injured parties.

Sadly, one child in the Lexus was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. Two other adults and a child were transported to the hospital. Police have since arrested the 35-year-old box truck driver involved in the collision. He has since been booked into the Larimer County Jail. The driver is facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. Authorities also allege that the driver involved was under the influence. A full investigation remains ongoing.

How Law Enforcement Pursues Colorado DUI Charges

 In Colorado, law enforcement officers will typically initiate DUI cases with a traffic stop. A police officer may choose to pull someone over by observing their driving behavior. Occasionally, they may act based on information from a third party. Following the traffic stop, officers are trained to look for signs of impairment that can later be used to support criminal charges. What follows are some of the steps that officers will use to pursue DUI charges.

• Initial Observations: Police officers make initial observations that a person is driving under the influence. This could include weaving, speeding, or failing to stay in a single lane of traffic.
• Contact Indicators: Police officers will search for contact indicators after they pull someone over. This may include attempting to smell alcohol and slurred speech.
• Field Sobriety Tests: Police officers will often ask suspects to perform a field sobriety test. Among other things, suspects may be asked to stand on one leg or walk in a straight line.
• Breath Test: Police officers may ask for a person to perform a breath test to help establish probable cause for a DUI arrest.

While this process may seem straightforward, the outcome of any DUI stop can often hinge on small details. For example, it matters how a stop began. If police officers failed to follow constitutional or statutory rules, any evidence that they collect during a stop can be dismissed. One of the biggest mistakes that people make during a DUI is feeling the need to explain themselves. By volunteering information, you run the risk of giving police officers probable cause to continue their investigation.

Steps to Take After a Colorado DUI Arrest

Many people are charged with DUI every year. According to SafeHome, “804,926 Americans were arrested for suspected DUI in 2024, representing 11% of all arrests nationwide.” If you have been charged with DUI this year, you are not alone. There are several steps that anyone charged with DUI in Colorado should take.

• Requested a DMV hearing within seven days to avoid having your license automatically suspended.
• Avoid driving if your license has been restricted or you are at risk of having your license suspended.
• Document everything you can related to your traffic stop.
• Preserve all evidence related to your traffic stop, including witness information prior to the incident.
• Consulting an experienced Colorado DUI attorney before making any statements to the police or entering a plea deal.

Being convicted of DUI can have far-reaching implications for a person’s life. The legal consequences can be more severe for those who have prior convictions. Facing additional criminal charges or other aggravating factors can also lead to more severe penalties. Hiring a skilled Colorado criminal defense attorney is an essential part of having a positive outcome after being charged with DUI or another crime.

Getting Legal Help After Being Charged With DUI in Colorado

We at DeChant Law were very concerned to hear about this fatal accident in Loveland. This incident highlights how a single drive can turn the lives of multiple families upside down. In these situations, it is important for all parties to carefully consider their legal options.

Have you or someone that you care about been charged with DUI in Colorado? You may have legal recourse. Our team of DUI attorneys is here to assist you. We are committed to helping victims get the legal representation that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 303-409-7500.