Truck crashes differ significantly from typical car collisions due to trucks’ massive size and weight, which often lead to catastrophic injuries. Additionally, commercial truck crashes can involve many layers of federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and substantial insurance policies. Due to this, knowing when to hire a lawyer for a truck accident is crucial.
Early legal intervention can be the key to securing rightful compensation for your injuries. At Boesen Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling truck accident cases across Colorado. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we can make all the difference in your case’s outcome.
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.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney After a Crash in Thornton
Truck accident cases are inherently complex. To begin with, they can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even cargo loaders. Determining truck accident liability involves identifying all parties responsible for the accident, which in turn requires a thorough investigation to establish fault.
Additionally, commercial trucks are subject to stringent regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Colorado state laws. These regulations cover diverse aspects like driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service. Violations can significantly impact liability and compensation.
Lastly, insurance companies representing trucking firms often try to minimize payouts, employing entire teams of adjusters and attorneys to protect their interests. Given these complexities, having an experienced truck accident attorney by your side will significantly improve your chances of building a robust claim and negotiating assertively.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Thornton
Understanding the factors behind truck accidents in Colorado can help you identify potential negligence or regulatory violations that contributed to the crash. Some of the most common causes in Thornton (where busy corridors like I-25 increase accident risks) include the following:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, impairing reaction times and decision-making.
- Distracted driving: Smartphone use, eating, or other distractions divert attention from the road.
- Mechanical failures: Poor maintenance can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues.
- Improper loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can cause rollovers or loss of control.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can make driving hazardous, especially for large trucks.
Investigating these causes involves analyzing driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reports to uncover negligence. Our legal team works diligently to establish liability and hold responsible parties accountable.
Steps to Take After a Thornton Truck Accident
Taking immediate and appropriate actions will significantly impact your case’s outcome. Follow these steps after a truck accident:
- Call emergency services: Ensure medical assistance is on the way and request a police report to document the accident officially.
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a healthcare professional and keep all the records.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Gather witness information: Collect contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Contact a truck accident attorney: Early legal intervention will help preserve evidence, build a compelling claim, and guide you through the process.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Colorado?
The statute of limitations for motor vehicle collisions in Colorado is three years from the accident’s date, as per C.R.S. § 13-80-101.
This timeframe dictates how long after a truck accident you can claim for injuries, as failing to file within this period means losing your right to seek compensation altogether. That’s why it’s important to consult with an attorney promptly after an accident: at Boesen Law, we can ensure that all the legal deadlines applicable to your case are met.
What Compensation Is Available After a Truck Accident?
Depending on the specifics of their case, truck accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: This covers hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to the accident.
- Lost wages: Compensate for income you miss due to your inability to work after an accident. This includes both immediate lost earnings and potential future income if your injuries affect long-term employment.
- Pain and suffering: This addresses physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and reflects its impact on your quality of life, including anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
When working with us, you benefit from our experience calculating personal injury settlements. Our attorneys assess the full extent of your damages, consulting medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
When Federal Trucking Regulations Apply
The federal trucking regulations enforced by the FMCSA play a critical role in truck accident cases. They include:
- Hours of service: Limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue-related crashes. Drivers must log their time and rest periods accurately.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Drivers are subject to random testing and post-accident screenings. A failed test can serve as key evidence of negligence.
- Vehicle maintenance logs: Trucking companies must maintain records of inspections and repairs. Gaps or falsifications in these logs can support your case.
Violations of these regulations can trigger negligence per se claims. This means the violation itself may be considered proof of fault, which can significantly strengthen a case while establishing liability against a company or driver. Our truck accident attorneys can analyze driver qualification files, ELD records, inspection reports, and FMCSA safety histories to identify non-compliance.
When to Contact a Thornton Truck Accident Lawyer at Boesen Law
Trucking companies often begin their own investigations within hours of truck accidents, sometimes deploying entire legal teams and adjusters to mitigate liability. You need someone in your corner doing the same.
At Boesen Law, our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims throughout Colorado, as shown in our testimonials. As a boutique firm with big results, our experience is the difference.
The good news is that you won’t pay a cent unless we win. After a truck accident in Thornton, contact us to schedule your free case review.
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.
Content Reviewed By
Truck Accidents Articles
