At Boesen Law, a dedicated Denver truck accident lawyer from our team understands how difficult it can be to get back on your feet after a large truck or commercial vehicle collision. Our legal professionals are here to help you protect your rights and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.
If you or someone you love was involved in a collision with a semi-truck, big rig, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, delivery van, or any other commercial vehicle, reach out to our law firm today to learn how we can help you seek the justice you deserve.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
Navigating the aftermath of any motor vehicle accident can be challenging. Most large commercial vehicle crashes result in significant damage, including catastrophic bodily injuries. These injuries can lead to permanent disability, life-altering impairments, and even death. Victims and their families are often left to pick up the pieces of their lives and may struggle to keep up with mounting medical bills on top of weeks, months, or years of lost wages and immense physical and emotional pain and suffering. Our Denver personal injury lawyers are highly experienced in handling these complex cases. When you need a reliable truck accident lawyer in Denver, our goal is to ensure you get the compensation required to rebuild your life.
$4.1 Million Recovery for a Colorado Truck Accident Victim
Boesen Law secured a $4.1 million recovery for a client who suffered serious injuries in a commercial truck accident in Colorado.
Truck accident cases often involve catastrophic injuries, extensive medical treatment, and long-term financial losses. Our firm works aggressively to identify all available insurance coverage and pursue the maximum compensation available under Colorado law.
To view more of our verdicts and settlements, please visit our case results page.
Our Denver Truck Accident Lawyers
Compensation Available After a Denver Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a Denver truck accident, there are several types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. These are designed to help you recover from the financial, physical, and emotional damages caused by the accident. Partnering with our legal team ensures that no potential area of recovery is overlooked. Below are the common forms of compensation available:
Medical Expenses
Covers immediate medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and any ongoing rehabilitation or therapy you may require.
Lost Wages
If your injuries have prevented you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income during your recovery period and potentially for future lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the emotional distress and physical pain endured as a result of the accident. This can include long-term pain or trauma caused by the incident.
Property Damage
Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property that was damaged in the accident.
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior by the truck driver or trucking company, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Consulting with an experienced Denver truck accident attorney is crucial to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available under the law. They can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Who Is Liable After a Denver Truck Accident?
Determining liability for a crash typically begins with establishing fault. Under the traditional fault-based system in this state, injured victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents generally must prove another party’s fault and then bring an injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. The same is true in Denver truck accident cases, although identifying the liable party can be highly complicated. This is why having our Denver commercial truck accident lawyers investigate your crash is vital.
Potentially Liable Parties
On the surface, the individuals behind the wheel are often the ones directly responsible for causing these collisions. In such instances, hiring a proven Denver truck driver accident lawyer can help you hold the operator accountable. However, it is often more complicated than that.
Under various state laws, the trucking companies themselves are often considered liable for the conduct of their employees. This includes any injuries or damages those employees cause while they are carrying out duties or activities that benefit the company. Finding a dedicated semi truck accident lawyer Denver residents trust is critical when facing well-funded corporate entities.
In other instances, a trucking company may have engaged in negligent conduct or practices that indirectly led to the crash. In still other instances, the accident may have resulted from the negligence of another third party, such as a manufacturer that created a defective part or an individual responsible for maintenance who failed to report problems. A meticulous Denver trucking accident lawyer will evaluate every angle of your claim.
Types of Commercial Vehicles We Handle
Different types of commercial vehicles require different legal approaches due to varying federal regulations and insurance policies.
Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers understand the unique complexities of hauling massive, articulated loads across state lines. If you were injured in a construction zone, our firm has the experience needed to investigate site safety protocols. We also represent victims injured by delivery vans, commercial work trucks, box trucks, flatbeds, and tanker trucks.
Our firm has the resources to investigate the specific vehicle that caused your injuries, whether it was a local delivery truck or an interstate semi-truck.
Types of Truck Accidents We Cover
In our decades of experience, we have seen truck accidents occur in various ways, each with its own set of challenges. Common types include:
- Rear-end collisions: Often caused by sudden stops or following too closely, these accidents can cause severe injuries due to the size and weight of the truck.
- Jackknife accidents: Occur when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to abrupt braking or slippery road conditions.
- Rollover accidents: These accidents occur when a truck flips onto its side or roof, often due to sharp turns, speeding, or uneven loads.
- Underride accidents: Happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Tire blowouts: Can cause the driver to lose control of the truck, leading to collisions with other vehicles.
- Blind spot accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, and accidents can occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without seeing another vehicle.
- Wide turn accidents: When a truck makes a wide turn, it can collide with other vehicles or pedestrians caught in the turn path.
Each type of truck accident requires a detailed investigation to determine the cause and identify all responsible parties.
Colorado Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents remain a significant public safety concern throughout Colorado and the Denver metro area.
Commercial vehicle traffic is especially heavy along major corridors including:
- Interstate 25
- Interstate 70
- Interstate 76
- C-470
- E-470
According to Colorado Department of Transportation data and federal transportation records:
- Thousands of commercial vehicle crashes occur in Colorado annually – over 5,000 incidents each year.
- In 2020 alone, large trucks were involved in approximately 8% of all traffic-related fatalities statewide.
- From 2018 to 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recorded nearly 150 fatal truck crashes in Colorado.
- Interstate corridors near Denver experience some of the highest commercial traffic volumes in the state.
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – roughly 20 times the weight of an average passenger vehicle. When these vehicles collide with smaller cars, the consequences can be devastating and life-altering. If you or a loved one has been injured, our Denver truck accident lawyers are ready to help. You can also read more on our Colorado truck accident statistics resource.
Common Causes of Denver Truck Accidents
Every year, thousands of people are severely injured or killed in collisions with large commercial vehicles. Most often, these crashes are the result of negligence, wrongful or reckless conduct, or preventable errors. Our Denver truck accident attorneys are committed to uncovering the root cause of your crash.
Top causes include:
- Truck driver error or negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- State and/or federal hours-of-service violations, leading to fatigued driving or truck drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Negligent trucking company practices, such as failure to conduct background checks, improper training, or failure to enforce safety policies.
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo, leading to shifting weight during transit, loss of vehicle control, and other problems.
- Poor vehicle maintenance, including failure to conduct routine inspections, failure to report needed repairs, and failure to complete repairs.
- Defective design or defective parts/systems, including tires, brakes, power steering, lights, reflective strips, and engine components.
- Poorly maintained or defective roadways, resulting in potholes, blind curves, improper speed limits, and other roadway hazards.
- Third-party negligence, including the negligent, reckless, careless, or wrongful conduct of other drivers on the road.
Common Injuries in a Denver Truck Accident
These collisions can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial work trucks and passenger cars. The medical evidence in these cases is crucial. Some common injuries that victims sustain include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The force of impact can cause the head and neck to jerk violently.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These crashes can cause traumatic spinal cord injuries, such as herniated discs, fractures, and compression injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma is common, resulting in TBIs ranging from concussions to more severe forms. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairments, and changes in mood or behavior.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The sheer force of a collision can cause passengers in smaller vehicles to suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal injuries. These may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Amputations: In severe crashes, victims may suffer traumatic amputations of limbs due to crushing injuries.
- Burn Injuries: Collisions involving fires or explosions can result in burn injuries ranging from minor to severe third-degree burns.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can suffer damage resulting in sprains, strains, and contusions.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact can be significant, leading to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Fatalities: Tragically, some incidents result in fatalities. Families may suffer the loss of a loved one, leading to emotional and financial hardships from wrongful death.
Dealing With the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjusters After a Denver Truck Accident
One of the most critical aspects of any Denver truck accident claim is dealing with corporate insurance companies. These insurers dispatch rapid-response teams to the scene of a crash immediately. Their primary goal is to minimize liability and pay out as little as possible.
You should never provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking to our Denver truck accident lawyers. Adjusters may attempt to twist your words or offer a lowball settlement before you fully understand the extent of your medical needs. By directing all communications to our legal team, you protect your rights and preserve the true value of your claim.
5 Steps to Take After a Denver Truck Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a commercial collision can be overwhelming. Here are important steps to take that can impact your case result:
Step 1: Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel uninjured, undergo a medical evaluation – some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Gather as much information as possible. Take photos and videos of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, skid marks, road conditions, and any relevant signage. Collect contact information from the truck driver, any witnesses, and law enforcement officers.
Step 3: Report the Accident
Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the Denver Police Department or Colorado State Patrol. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Be cautious when discussing the accident with adjusters and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.
Step 5: Contact a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer
Contact Boesen Law as soon as possible. Our truck accident attorneys can protect your rights, advise you on your legal options, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. We will handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf.
Differences Between Truck Accident and Car Accident Claims
While personal injury claims involving large commercial vehicles are similar to those involving standard passenger vehicles, several key differences set these cases apart. This is exactly why finding the best truck accident lawyer in Denver is highly recommended for your specific situation.
Greater Severity of Injuries
Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, collisions often result in more severe injuries and, therefore, longer recovery times.
Damages Awarded Can Be Higher
More severe injuries mean higher medical costs; longer recovery time means higher amounts in lost wages and reduced quality of life. For these reasons, an experienced truck accident attorney Denver courts respect will fight for maximum economic and non-economic damages.
There May be More than One At-Fault Party
Drivers of commercial transport vehicles are usually insured by the parent company. This means you may be involved in a lawsuit against the corporation itself. Furthermore, an accomplished truck accident attorney Colorado families trust will investigate other parties that contributed to the accident, such as the manufacturer of a defective part or the loading company.
Safety Regulations Relevant to Denver Truck Accident Cases
Truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to both federal and state regulations to operate safely. Federal hours-of-service rules are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additional requirements are established under Colorado state commercial vehicle regulations. Our attorneys will immediately subpoena logbooks and maintenance records to prove negligence.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
- 11-hour driving limit: A driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour on-duty limit: A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- 30-minute rest break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
- 60/70-hour limit: A driver cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days. This limit resets after 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections
- Daily vehicle inspection reports (DVIR): Drivers must complete a daily inspection report documenting the condition of brakes, tires, lights, and emergency equipment.
- Annual inspections: Commercial vehicles must undergo a comprehensive inspection at least once every 12 months.
- Roadside inspections: Fleets are subject to random roadside inspections by authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Driver Qualifications
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Drivers must hold a valid CDL appropriate for the type of vehicle they operate.
- Medical certification: Drivers must pass a medical examination conducted by a certified examiner listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Drivers are subject to pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles are required to carry specific types and amounts of insurance. Colorado state law requires a minimum liability coverage of 25/50/15 for commercial auto policies:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 for property damage
Certain vehicles like semi-trucks traveling interstate require higher minimum limits of $750,000 combined single limit. Because these policies are substantial, hiring a dedicated Denver truck accident lawyer is highly advised to secure the full policy limits available to you.
Why Hire Boesen Law As Your Denver Truck Accident Lawyer
The legal team at our firm genuinely cares about the people who come to us for help. Our job is to take a situation that has turned your life upside down and help get it turned right side up.
Jon Boesen is the founder of Boesen Law, a personal injury law firm that focuses on helping individuals and families navigate the aftermath of serious commercial vehicle crashes. Early in his career, he recognized the profound difference that dedicated, experienced representation makes for injury victims and their families.
People’s biggest fears when hiring representation generally involves uncertainty. Is it going to cost them something to retain a top-tier semi truck accident lawyer services Denver CO firm? So when we meet with a new client, we go over those fears and concerns. We want to make you feel comfortable with the process, let you know what’s going to happen, and give you realistic expectations.
Attorney Insight From Jon Boesen
“One of the most common mistakes truck accident victims make is waiting too long to seek legal help. Trucking companies and their insurers often begin building their defense immediately after a crash. Evidence such as black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs can become harder to obtain over time. The sooner we can begin investigating, the better positioned we are to protect our clients and pursue the compensation they deserve.”
— Jon C. Boesen, Founder
Denver truck accident cases are not the same as standard car accident claims. You need an attorney who understands federal and state trucking regulations and knows what it takes to go up against major trucking companies and their insurance providers. Our truck accident attorneys have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex commercial vehicle cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Cases
What are the time limits for filing a claim?
The time limit to file an injury claim is generally within three years of the accident. After three years, that could mean you’re unable to pursue damages. It is critical to contact our Denver truck accident lawyers as soon as possible to review your case and preserve evidence before it disappears.
How have you helped truck accident victims in the past?
It is critically important to find the right attorney for the type of case you have. An attorney handling a severe commercial crash must have experience in that specific area to secure full financial compensation. We have successfully represented many clients, and you can read positive feedback from our clients about their experiences with our firm.
Do I have to go to trial for the case?
You do not always have to go to trial. There are typically two paths: a settlement or a trial. Both options depend on the case, the client’s discretion, and the negligent driver or insurance company. If the insurance company is offering a settlement amount that is not aligned with your expectations, our Denver truck accident lawyers are fully prepared to take the case to court.
Contact Us Today
As your legal team, Boesen Law will be there for you every step of the way. We are prepared to handle all communication with the trucking company, insurance provider, and other involved parties. Right now, you should spend your time focusing on your physical recovery – let our Denver truck accident lawyers fight for the justice and fair financial compensation you are owed.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
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