Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle crashes on Colorado’s roads and highways. When a massive semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic—causing serious injuries, permanent disabilities, and tragic fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Colorado, you’re facing enormous challenges, from mounting medical bills to lost income and an uncertain future.
At Eddington Law, our Colorado truck accident attorneys have been fighting for injured families throughout the state for more than 35 years. We understand the unique complexities of commercial truck accident cases and have the experience, resources, and determination to take on large trucking companies and their powerful insurance carriers. Our team knows how to investigate these crashes thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and build compelling cases that result in maximum compensation for our clients.
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accident claims. They involve federal and state regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, aggressive corporate defense teams, and often catastrophic injuries requiring extensive long-term care. You need attorneys who specialize in these challenging cases—lawyers who won’t be intimidated by big trucking companies and who have the track record to prove they can win.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Your consultation is completely free, and we’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
The Serious Nature of Colorado Truck Accidents
The statistics surrounding truck accidents in Colorado and across the nation are sobering. According to federal data, thousands of people are injured and hundreds are killed in large truck crashes every year. These numbers continue to rise as commercial traffic increases on Colorado’s highways.
The physics of truck accidents explain why they’re so devastating:
Size and Weight Disparity: A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or more—up to 20-30 times heavier than a passenger vehicle. When a truck strikes a car, the force involved is massive, and occupants of the smaller vehicle face the greatest risk.
Stopping Distance: Large trucks require significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles—sometimes up to the length of two football fields. When truck drivers are speeding, distracted, or following too closely, they cannot stop in time to avoid collisions.
Height Differential: The height difference between trucks and passenger vehicles creates dangerous scenarios, including underride accidents where cars become trapped beneath trailers, often with fatal results.
Cargo Hazards: Many commercial trucks carry hazardous materials, oversized loads, or improperly secured cargo that can cause or worsen accidents.
High-Speed Impact: Many truck accidents occur on interstate highways at high speeds, dramatically increasing the severity of injuries.
These factors explain why truck accident victims often suffer catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, severe burns, and other life-altering harm.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Colorado
Truck accidents in Colorado happen for many reasons, often involving violations of federal and state safety regulations. Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial to establishing liability and recovering compensation.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents. Federal Hours of Service regulations limit how long drivers can operate without rest, but some trucking companies pressure drivers to falsify logs or exceed legal driving time to meet deadlines. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment as severely as alcohol intoxication.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers face many distractions during long hauls—including cell phones, GPS devices, eating, drinking, and adjusting controls. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a devastating crash when operating an 80,000-pound vehicle.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
When truck drivers exceed safe speeds for road and weather conditions, they cannot maintain control or stop in time to avoid collisions. Speeding is particularly dangerous on Colorado’s mountain highways with steep grades and sharp curves.
Impaired Driving
Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications that impair their ability to drive safely. Drug testing requirements exist, but violations still occur.
Inadequate Training
Not all trucking companies provide thorough training for their drivers. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers may lack the skills needed to handle emergency situations, mountain driving, or adverse weather conditions common in Colorado.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloaded, improperly balanced, or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, increasing the risk of rollover accidents or cargo spills. Federal regulations govern weight limits and load securement, but violations are common.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies have a legal duty to maintain their fleet in safe operating condition. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical issues caused by inadequate maintenance can result in deadly accidents.
Hazardous Colorado Weather Conditions
Colorado’s weather presents unique challenges for commercial trucks. Snow, ice, high winds, and sudden weather changes—especially in mountain areas—require experienced drivers who adjust their driving accordingly. When truckers fail to reduce speed or use proper technique in adverse conditions, accidents often result.
Blind Spots (“No Zones”)
Large trucks have massive blind spots on all sides where the driver cannot see other vehicles. When trucks change lanes or turn without ensuring these blind spots are clear, devastating side-swipe and merge accidents occur.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Some truck drivers engage in aggressive behaviors including tailgating, weaving through traffic, cutting off other vehicles, or engaging in road rage incidents—all particularly dangerous given the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Failure to Follow Colorado’s Trucking Regulations
Colorado has specific requirements for commercial trucks, including chain laws for winter mountain driving, speed restrictions on steep grades, and requirements for brake checks before descending mountain passes. Violations of these state regulations can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Colorado
Eddington Law has extensive experience with all types of commercial vehicle accidents throughout Colorado:
Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents: Crashes involving large tractor-trailers on interstates and highways
Delivery Truck Accidents: Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other commercial delivery vehicles
Dump Truck and Construction Vehicle Accidents: Accidents involving heavy construction equipment and materials haulers
Tanker Truck Accidents: Crashes involving trucks carrying liquids, often resulting in spills or fires
Flatbed and Cargo Truck Accidents: Including accidents caused by falling or shifting cargo
Garbage and Waste Truck Accidents: Involving sanitation vehicles making frequent stops
Tow Truck Accidents: Crashes involving tow trucks and recovery vehicles
Box Truck and Moving Van Accidents: Including rental trucks operated by inexperienced drivers
Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out forming a V-shape, blocking multiple lanes
Rollover Accidents: When trucks tip over, often due to speed, cargo issues, or sharp turns
Underride Accidents: Devastating crashes where passenger vehicles slide under truck trailers
Blind Spot Accidents: Caused when trucks change lanes or turn without seeing nearby vehicles
Runaway Truck Accidents: Brake failures on mountain descents, particularly on I-70 and other Colorado mountain passes
Wide Turn Accidents: When trucks making wide turns strike vehicles alongside them
Rear-End Collisions: When trucks fail to stop in time and strike vehicles ahead
Catastrophic Injuries in Colorado Truck Accidents
Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, accident victims often suffer severe, life-changing injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage causing permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and disabilities
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, requiring lifetime care and accommodation
Multiple Fractures and Broken Bones: Shattered pelvis, compound fractures, crushed limbs requiring multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery
Severe Burn Injuries: When trucks carry flammable materials or catch fire after impact, victims may suffer third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and causing permanent scarring
Internal Organ Damage: Ruptured organs, internal bleeding, and abdominal trauma requiring emergency surgery
Amputations: Severe crush injuries may result in traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical amputation afterward
Facial Injuries and Disfigurement: Broken facial bones, dental injuries, eye damage, and permanent scarring
Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions following traumatic accidents
Wrongful Death: Tragically, many truck accidents in Colorado result in fatalities, leaving families devastated
These severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation, permanent lifestyle modifications, and ongoing care—all translating to enormous expenses and life-long impacts.
Compensation in Colorado Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident victims in Colorado may be entitled to substantial compensation for their losses:
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses: Including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, medical devices, physical therapy, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and future medical needs
Lost Income: Wages and benefits lost due to your injuries, plus future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous employment
Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, and damage to personal property
Home and Vehicle Modifications: Costs to make your home and vehicles wheelchair accessible or otherwise accommodate disabilities
Vocational Rehabilitation: Job retraining if you cannot return to your previous career
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries
Loss of Quality of Life: When injuries prevent you from enjoying activities, hobbies, and life experiences
Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent visible injuries affecting your appearance and self-image
Loss of Consortium: Impact on your relationships with spouse and family members
Mental Anguish: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you may pursue a wrongful death claim seeking:
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of guidance, care, and companionship
- Pain and suffering your loved one experienced before death
Truck accident cases often result in significantly higher settlements and verdicts than typical car accidents due to the severity of injuries and the commercial nature of the defendants. Insurance coverage for commercial trucks is typically much higher than passenger vehicle policies, and multiple parties may share liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Colorado Truck Accidents?
One reason truck accident cases are more complex than car accidents is that multiple parties may share responsibility. Our Colorado truck accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties, which may include:
Truck Drivers: For negligent operation, hours of service violations, impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, or other violations
Trucking Companies: For negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, pressuring drivers to violate safety rules, or inadequate supervision
Truck Owners: When owners lease trucks to operators but fail to properly maintain them
Cargo Loading Companies: For improperly loading, securing, or distributing cargo weight
Truck Maintenance Companies: For failing to properly service vehicles or conducting inadequate inspections
Truck and Parts Manufacturers: When defective truck components or design flaws cause accidents
Third-Party Contractors: Including logistics companies, shipping companies, or brokers who arrange transportation
Identifying all liable parties is crucial because it increases the potential sources of compensation and improves your chances of receiving full and fair recovery for your losses.
Federal and Colorado Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucking is heavily regulated at both federal and state levels. These regulations exist to protect public safety, and violations often play a key role in accident cases:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes and enforces regulations covering:
Hours of Service: Limiting driving time to prevent fatigue (11 hours driving maximum after 10 consecutive hours off-duty)
Driver Qualifications: Requirements for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), medical certifications, training, and experience
Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory testing programs for commercial drivers
Vehicle Maintenance: Required inspections, maintenance schedules, and documentation
Cargo Securement: Standards for loading and securing freight to prevent shifting or falling
Weight Limits: Maximum vehicle and axle weight restrictions
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Mandatory electronic tracking of driver hours
Colorado State Trucking Requirements
Colorado imposes additional requirements for trucks operating in the state:
Chain Laws: Mandatory tire chains or alternative traction devices during winter storms on designated mountain highways
Speed Restrictions: Reduced speed limits for trucks on steep grades and dangerous mountain passes
Brake Check Requirements: Trucks must stop at brake check areas before descending steep mountain grades
Specialized Permits: For oversized or overweight loads
State Inspections: Additional safety inspection requirements
Our Colorado truck accident attorneys thoroughly understand these federal and state regulations and know how to uncover violations that may have contributed to your accident.
The Importance of a Thorough Truck Accident Investigation
Truck accident cases require immediate and comprehensive investigation to preserve crucial evidence and build strong claims. Unlike typical car accidents, commercial truck crashes involve extensive documentation and complex evidence that can quickly disappear if not preserved.
Our truck accident investigation includes:
Scene Documentation: Photographing the accident scene, vehicle positions, road conditions, signage, skid marks, and debris patterns
Electronic Data Retrieval: Obtaining data from:
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) showing driver hours
- Engine Control Modules (ECMs or “black boxes”) recording speed, braking, and vehicle operation
- GPS tracking showing routes and speeds
- Dash cameras and vehicle cameras
Driver Records: Reviewing:
- Driving logs and time records
- Employment history and qualifications
- Training records
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Prior safety violations
Vehicle Records: Examining:
- Maintenance records and inspection reports
- Previous mechanical problems
- Load securement documentation
- Weight station records
Company Records: Investigating:
- Safety policies and procedures
- Hiring and training practices
- Safety ratings and violation history
- Dispatch communications pressuring drivers
Witness Interviews: Speaking with eyewitnesses while memories are fresh
Expert Analysis: Engaging accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry experts, and medical professionals
Trucking companies and their insurers often begin their own investigations immediately, and evidence can be destroyed or “lost” if not preserved quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents
Commercial truck accident cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal expertise:
Multiple Defendants: Cases may involve truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and manufacturers—each with their own legal team and insurance company
Federal Regulations: Unlike car accidents, truck cases involve complex federal safety regulations that must be thoroughly understood and applied
Corporate Defense Teams: Large trucking companies and their insurers employ experienced defense lawyers and investigators who begin working immediately to limit liability
Higher Stakes: The severe nature of truck accident injuries and the substantial damages involved mean defendants fight these cases aggressively
Complex Insurance: Commercial truck insurance policies are complicated, often involving multiple layers of coverage from different insurers
Preservation of Evidence: Critical electronic data and documents can be destroyed if not preserved through legal action
Industry Expertise Required: Understanding the trucking industry, regulations, and practices requires specialized knowledge that general practice attorneys typically lack
At Eddington Law, our Colorado truck accident attorneys have specific experience with these complex cases. We’re not intimidated by corporate defense teams, and we have the resources to match them investigation-for-investigation, expert-for-expert.
Colorado's Truck Accident Laws
Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, you generally have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is typically two years from the date of death. However, certain circumstances may shorten these deadlines—particularly if a government entity is involved.
Don’t wait to take action. The sooner you contact our attorneys, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.
Comparative Negligence
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Trucking companies often try to shift blame onto accident victims to reduce their liability. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and protect your rights.
Respondeat Superior (Employer Liability)
Under Colorado law, trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers when those drivers were acting within the scope of employment. This legal principle allows victims to seek compensation from companies with greater resources and insurance coverage than individual drivers.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Colorado
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. Get evaluated even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt—some injuries have delayed symptoms.
2. Report the Accident: Call 911 to report the accident and ensure police respond to investigate and create an official report.
3. Document Everything: If possible, photograph the scene, vehicles, your injuries, road conditions, the truck’s company name and DOT number, and any visible violations (like unsecured cargo).
4. Gather Information: Collect the truck driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license, insurance information, and the trucking company’s details. Get witness contact information.
5. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements about responsibility. Truck accident liability is complex and should be determined through investigation.
6. Preserve Evidence: Keep all clothing, personal items from the accident, and any photos or videos you took.
7. Avoid Insurance Company Statements: Do not give recorded statements to trucking company insurers before speaking with an attorney. These statements can be used against you.
8. Don’t Sign Anything: Trucking companies may quickly offer settlements requiring you to sign releases. Don’t sign anything without attorney review.
9. Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Attorney Immediately: Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence can be destroyed, and trucking companies begin building their defense immediately.
How Eddington Law Handles Colorado Truck Accident Cases
When you choose Eddington Law for your truck accident case, here’s what you can expect:
Free Consultation: We’ll meet with you at no cost to evaluate your case and explain your rights.
Immediate Investigation: We’ll act quickly to preserve evidence and begin investigating your accident.
Expert Resources: We work with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry experts, medical professionals, and economists to build compelling cases.
Comprehensive Case Preparation: We thoroughly document your injuries, losses, and the impact on your life.
Aggressive Negotiation: We fight for maximum compensation through settlement negotiations.
Trial Readiness: If insurance companies won’t offer fair settlements, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.
Personalized Attention: You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who genuinely care about your recovery and your family.
No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency fees—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Truck Accident Cases
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Colorado?
Generally three years from the accident date for injury claims and two years for wrongful death claims. However, exceptions exist, so consult an attorney promptly.
What if the trucking company says I was at fault?
Trucking companies often try to blame victims. Our attorneys conduct independent investigations to establish the true facts and counter false blame.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value depends on injury severity, liability clarity, available insurance coverage, lost income, medical costs, and other factors. Our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case and fight for maximum compensation.
Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident?
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than car accidents and involve corporate defendants with experienced legal teams. Having specialized legal representation dramatically improves your chances of fair compensation.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You can afford us. We work on contingency fees, covering all case costs upfront and collecting payment only if we win your case.
How long will my truck accident case take?
The timeline varies based on case complexity, injury severity, and the trucking company’s willingness to settle fairly. Some cases resolve in months, while complex cases may take longer. We work efficiently while ensuring you receive full compensation.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
We handle cases involving out-of-state trucking companies and drivers. Federal jurisdiction rules often apply, and we have experience with multi-state cases.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Colorado’s comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your fault percentage.
Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident anywhere in Colorado, you need experienced legal representation that knows how to take on large trucking corporations and win. Eddington Law has been fighting for injured Colorado families for more than 35 years, and we have the track record to prove we get results.
Don’t let another day pass without protecting your rights. Trucking companies and their insurers are already working to build their defense—you need an attorney working just as hard for you.
Your consultation is completely free, and we never charge attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We serve truck accident victims throughout Colorado, including Denver, Steamboat Springs, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, Aurora, and all surrounding areas.
Contact Eddington Law today:
- Call (303) 815-1585
- Visit eddington.law
- Stop by our Denver or Steamboat Springs office
Let our experienced Colorado truck accident attorneys fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. Time is critical—contact us now.
Eddington Law – Fighting for Colorado’s Truck Accident Victims Since 1984