When a massive commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle in Denver, the results are often catastrophic. The sheer size and weight disparity—an 80,000-pound semi-truck versus a 3,000-pound car—means truck accidents frequently result in life-changing injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Denver, you’re facing not just physical recovery, but a complex legal battle against well-funded trucking companies and their insurance carriers.
At Eddington Law, our attorneys have over 35 years of experience representing truck accident victims throughout Denver and Colorado. We understand the unique complexities of commercial vehicle crashes, from federal trucking regulations to the multiple parties who may share liability. As a family-owned firm, we combine compassionate personal service with aggressive legal advocacy, ensuring you receive the support you need and the compensation you deserve.
We know how to take on trucking companies and their insurers—and we’re ready to fight for you.
Why Choose Eddington Law for Your Denver Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases are fundamentally different from typical car accident claims. They require specialized knowledge and resources. Here’s what sets us apart:
Over 35 Years of Experience with Complex Vehicle Accidents
Our attorneys have spent more than three decades handling serious injury cases, including numerous truck accidents on Denver’s highways and streets. We understand the federal and state regulations governing commercial trucking, know how to investigate complex crashes, and have relationships with accident reconstruction experts and trucking industry specialists who can strengthen your case.
This experience means we know where to look for evidence, which regulations may have been violated, and how to build compelling cases against well-defended trucking companies.
Understanding of Federal Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucks are subject to extensive federal regulations governing:
- Hours of service (driver fatigue limits)
- Vehicle maintenance requirements
- Weight and cargo restrictions
- Driver qualification standards
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
- Cargo securement rules
Violations of these regulations often contribute to accidents. We know how to obtain and analyze trucking company records, logbooks, maintenance histories, and black box data to identify violations that establish liability.
Resources to Handle Complex Litigation
Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants (trucking company, driver, maintenance provider, cargo loader, parts manufacturer), extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and aggressive defense tactics. We have the resources and experience to handle these complex cases effectively.
Unlike smaller firms that may be overwhelmed by the scope of truck accident litigation, we’re prepared to see your case through to verdict if necessary—and trucking companies know it.
Experience with Catastrophic Injury Claims
Truck accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries requiring substantial compensation for:
- Lifetime medical care
- Lost earning capacity
- Home modifications
- Specialized equipment
- Round-the-clock care
- Pain and suffering
We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to fully document your future needs and ensure we’re seeking appropriate compensation—not just for today’s medical bills, but for the rest of your life.
No Fees Unless We Win
Truck accident cases require significant upfront investment in investigation, experts, and litigation costs. We advance all these costs on your behalf and only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. There’s no financial risk to hiring us, and you can afford the best legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Personalized Service from a Family-Owned Firm
Despite the complexity of truck accident cases, we never forget that you’re a person, not just a case file. We treat clients like family, keeping you informed, answering your questions, and providing the compassionate support you need during this difficult time.
Get Your Free Truck Accident Consultation
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Denver
Denver’s position at the intersection of major interstate highways means heavy commercial truck traffic through and around the metro area. Common truck accident types include:
Interstate Highway Crashes
I-25 and I-70 carry thousands of commercial trucks daily. High-speed interstate accidents often result in:
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Lane departure accidents
The combination of high speeds, heavy traffic, and weather conditions makes Denver’s interstates particularly dangerous for truck accidents.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it creates a jackknife. These accidents often occur when drivers brake too hard on slippery roads or take curves too fast. Jackknifed trucks can block multiple lanes, causing chain-reaction collisions.
Rollover Accidents
Top-heavy trucks can roll over when taking curves too fast, making sudden maneuvers, or carrying improperly loaded cargo. Rollover accidents are especially dangerous because they often involve cargo spills, road blockages, and multiple vehicles.
Underride Accidents
When a passenger vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, the results are often fatal. These accidents occur when trucks stop suddenly, lack proper rear guards, or when visibility is poor. Underride crashes typically result in severe head and neck injuries.
Wide Turn Accidents
Large trucks require wide turning radius, sometimes swinging into adjacent lanes. When truck drivers fail to account for this or don’t properly signal, they can crush smaller vehicles caught in the turn path—particularly at Denver intersections.
Blind Spot Accidents
Commercial trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. When truck drivers fail to properly check these zones before changing lanes or merging, they can collide with vehicles they never saw.
Cargo-Related Accidents
Improperly loaded, overweight, or unsecured cargo can cause:
- Cargo spills onto roadways
- Unbalanced trucks that tip over
- Falling cargo striking other vehicles
- Shifting cargo affecting truck handling
Rear-End Collisions
When loaded trucks can’t stop in time, the results are devastating. Truck rear-end accidents often occur in stop-and-go traffic, construction zones, or when passenger vehicles are stopped at traffic lights.
Tire Blowouts
Truck tire failures can cause drivers to lose control, with shredded tire debris creating hazards for other vehicles. Poor maintenance often contributes to tire blowouts.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Denver
Understanding what caused your accident is crucial for establishing liability:
Driver Fatigue
Despite federal hours-of-service regulations limiting driving time, some trucking companies pressure drivers to falsify logbooks or operate while exhausted. Fatigued truck drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them dangerous on Denver’s busy highways.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers who text, use phones, eat, adjust GPS systems, or engage in other distracting behaviors cause serious accidents. The size and weight of commercial trucks make even momentary inattention potentially catastrophic.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Truck drivers under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules may speed, follow too closely, or make unsafe maneuvers. At 80,000 pounds, trucks require much longer stopping distances—speeding dramatically increases accident risk.
Inadequate Training
Trucking companies that fail to properly train drivers create dangerous situations. Inexperienced drivers may not know how to handle emergency situations, navigate mountain roads safely, or properly secure cargo.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies have a duty to maintain their fleets. Accidents caused by brake failures, tire blowouts, steering problems, or other mechanical issues often trace back to inadequate maintenance programs.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overweight trucks, unbalanced loads, or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to tip over, lose cargo, or become difficult to control. Loading companies and trucking companies may share liability for cargo-related accidents.
Drug and Alcohol Use
Despite strict regulations and testing requirements, some truck drivers operate while impaired. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards—a blood alcohol content of 0.04% (half the limit for regular drivers) violates federal law.
Weather-Related Factors
Denver’s unpredictable weather creates hazardous conditions for trucks. However, drivers have a duty to adjust their operation for conditions—driving too fast for ice, snow, or rain can establish liability.
Hours of Service Violations
Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest. Violations of these rules often lead to fatigue-related accidents. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) now track driving hours, providing evidence of violations.
Inadequate Inspection
Federal law requires pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections. When drivers or companies skip these safety checks, mechanical problems go undetected, potentially causing accidents.
Get Help From Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
Catastrophic Injuries Common in Truck Accidents
The massive force involved in truck accidents frequently causes severe, life-altering injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head trauma from truck accidents can cause concussions, brain bleeding, or severe brain damage resulting in cognitive impairment, personality changes, and permanent disability. TBI victims may never fully recover or return to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord damage can result in paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). These devastating injuries require lifetime medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and round-the-clock assistance.
Amputations
The crushing force of truck accidents can sever limbs or cause injuries so severe that amputation becomes necessary. Amputees face enormous physical, emotional, and financial challenges, including prosthetic costs, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
Severe Burns
Truck accidents involving fuel spills or fires can cause third-degree burns over large portions of the body. Burn victims require extensive skin grafts, surgeries, and treatment for scarring and disfigurement.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma can rupture organs, cause internal bleeding, or damage the liver, spleen, kidneys, or other vital organs. These injuries often require emergency surgery and can have long-term health consequences.
Multiple Fractures
The impact force frequently causes multiple broken bones, crushed bones, or compound fractures. Severe fractures may require multiple surgeries, metal hardware, and extended rehabilitation.
Neck and Back Injuries
Beyond spinal cord damage, truck accidents cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and soft tissue injuries resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities. Surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses.
Liable Parties in Denver Truck Accident Cases
Unlike car accidents with typically one or two liable parties, truck accidents often involve multiple defendants:
Truck Driver
The driver may be personally liable for negligent operation, hours of service violations, distracted driving, or impairment.
Trucking Company
Companies can be liable for:
- Negligent hiring (not screening drivers properly)
- Inadequate training
- Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules
- Poor maintenance programs
- Negligent supervision
Truck Owner
If the trucking company leases trucks from another owner, the owner may be liable for maintenance failures or providing unsafe vehicles.
Cargo Loading Company
Third-party companies that load cargo can be liable for overweight loads, improper securement, or unbalanced cargo that contributes to accidents.
Maintenance Provider
Companies responsible for truck maintenance may be liable if mechanical failures caused by negligent repairs or inspections lead to accidents.
Parts Manufacturers
Defective parts (brakes, tires, steering components) that fail and cause accidents create liability for manufacturers.
Other Drivers
Sometimes passenger vehicle drivers contribute to accidents by cutting off trucks, driving in blind spots, or making sudden maneuvers trucks can’t avoid.
Identifying all liable parties is crucial for ensuring you receive full compensation—and it requires thorough investigation and legal expertise.
Federal Regulations Governing Commercial Trucks
Understanding the regulations that truck drivers and companies must follow helps establish liability:
Hours of Service Regulations
Federal law limits driving hours:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Maximum 14-hour work day
- Required 30-minute break after 8 hours
- Maximum 60-70 hours on duty in 7-8 consecutive days
Violations of these rules often contribute to fatigue-related accidents.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements
Companies must maintain trucks according to strict schedules, conduct regular inspections, and keep detailed maintenance records. These records are crucial evidence in accident cases.
Driver Qualification Standards
Commercial drivers must hold proper commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), pass medical examinations, and meet training requirements. Unqualified drivers create liability for trucking companies.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Companies must conduct pre-employment testing, random testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable suspicion testing. Violations indicate serious safety failures.
Weight Restrictions
Federal and state laws limit truck weight to prevent road damage and ensure safe operation. Overweight trucks are harder to control and stop.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Federal law requires electronic logging of driving hours, making it harder for drivers to falsify records. ELD data provides critical evidence in accident cases.
Colorado Laws Affecting Truck Accident Cases
In addition to federal regulations, Colorado law governs truck accident claims:
Three-Year Statute of Limitations
Colorado generally gives you three years from the accident date to file a truck accident lawsuit. However, this deadline can vary based on specific circumstances, so consulting an attorney promptly is crucial.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Colorado allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Trucking companies often try to shift blame to accident victims—experienced attorneys counter these tactics effectively.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements
Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry minimum insurance:
- $750,000 for trucks hauling non-hazardous materials
- $1,000,000+ for trucks carrying hazardous materials
These higher policy limits mean more compensation may be available for seriously injured victims.
Evidence Preservation
Colorado law requires preserving evidence. We immediately send preservation letters to trucking companies demanding they preserve:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Onboard camera footage
- Maintenance records
- Driver logs and training records
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Internal communications
This evidence is often critical to proving liability—and can disappear if not immediately preserved.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Denver
Your actions after a truck accident affect both your health and legal rights:
Call 911 Immediately
Always call police after a truck accident. Given the severity of most truck crashes, emergency medical response is typically needed. A police report provides crucial evidence.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re severely injured, get evaluated at a hospital. Truck accident injuries can have delayed symptoms, and immediate medical documentation links your injuries to the accident.
Document the Scene
If physically able, take photos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Truck company name and DOT number
- License plates
- Damage to your vehicle
- Skid marks, debris, road conditions
- Visible injuries
- Traffic signs and signals
Get contact information from witnesses—their testimony may be crucial.
Get Truck Driver and Company Information
Obtain:
- Driver’s name, license number, and contact information
- Trucking company name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy information
- Truck license plate and DOT number
- Trailer number
This information is essential for your claim.
Don’t Give Recorded Statements
Trucking company insurers will contact you quickly, often before you’ve even left the hospital. They’ll seem sympathetic but are gathering evidence to use against you. Politely decline to give recorded statements and refer them to your attorney.
Preserve Your Own Evidence
Keep all documents related to the accident:
- Medical bills and records
- Lost wage documentation
- Property damage estimates
- Photos of injuries as they heal
- Journal describing pain and limitations
Don’t Post on Social Media
Insurance companies monitor social media for evidence to minimize claims. Innocent posts can be twisted to suggest you’re not really injured. Avoid posting about the accident or your activities until your case resolves.
Contact Eddington Law Immediately
Truck accident cases require immediate action to preserve evidence before it disappears. The sooner you have legal representation, the better we can protect your rights and build your case.
How Eddington Law Handles Your Truck Accident Case
When you hire us, we immediately begin building your case:
Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send preservation letters to trucking companies, securing:
- Black box data
- ELD records
- Onboard camera footage
- Maintenance logs
- Driver qualification files
- Drug testing records
This evidence is often critical—and can be lost or destroyed if not immediately preserved.
Thorough Accident Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations, including:
- Obtaining police reports and 911 recordings
- Interviewing witnesses
- Hiring accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing trucking company records
- Analyzing driver logbooks and ELD data
- Inspecting the truck (when possible)
- Documenting scene conditions
Federal Regulation Analysis
We examine whether the trucking company or driver violated federal regulations regarding:
- Hours of service
- Vehicle maintenance
- Driver qualification
- Cargo securement
- Drug and alcohol testing
Violations establish negligence and strengthen your case.
Identifying All Liable Parties
We investigate to identify everyone who shares liability, ensuring we pursue all potential sources of compensation. Multiple defendants mean multiple insurance policies—and potentially greater recovery.
Working with Medical and Economic Experts
For catastrophic injuries, we consult with:
- Medical specialists who explain your injuries and future needs
- Life care planners who calculate lifetime medical costs
- Economists who determine lost earning capacity
- Vocational rehabilitation experts
- Mental health professionals
These experts help us prove the full value of your claim.
Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate with trucking company insurers from a position of strength, using evidence and expert testimony to demand fair compensation. Our reputation for thorough preparation often motivates reasonable settlement offers.
Trial Preparation and Litigation
If insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial experience—and trucking companies’ knowledge of it—is a powerful negotiating tool.
Compensation Available in Truck Accident Cases
Given the severity of truck accident injuries, compensation often includes:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Future medical care (lifetime treatment for permanent injuries)
- Lost wages (income missed during recovery)
- Lost earning capacity (reduced ability to work in the future)
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Home modifications (wheelchair accessibility, safety equipment)
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, prosthetics, assistive devices)
- In-home care (nursing care, personal assistance)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
- Disfigurement (permanent scarring, burns)
- Disability (physical limitations)
- Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious conduct—such as knowingly allowing fatigued drivers to operate or systematically violating safety regulations—Colorado courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter similar conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
Colorado’s statute of limitations is generally three years, but this can vary. Additionally, federal regulations require preserving evidence quickly. Contact an attorney immediately—waiting can mean losing crucial evidence.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Trucking companies often claim drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. However, many of these classifications are questionable under the law. We investigate the actual relationship to hold companies accountable.
Can I sue if a loved one died in a truck accident?
Yes. Surviving family members can file wrongful death claims for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other damages.
What if I was partially at fault?
Colorado’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if you were less than 50% at fault. However, trucking companies will try to inflate your fault percentage—experienced legal representation is crucial.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanent disability, and other factors. Truck accident cases often result in substantial compensation due to severe injuries and high insurance policy limits.
How long will my case take?
Truck accident cases are complex and typically take longer than car accident claims. Cases may settle in 6-12 months or require 1-2+ years if litigation is necessary. We work efficiently while ensuring maximum recovery.
Learn Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Contact Our Denver Truck Crash Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Denver, you’re facing one of the most challenging legal situations possible. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability—you need experienced advocates who know how to fight back.
At Eddington Law, we’ve spent over 35 years helping seriously injured Coloradans hold negligent parties accountable. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases, have the resources to take on major trucking companies, and the determination to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for your free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
Don’t let trucking company insurers pressure you into a quick, inadequate settlement. Contact Eddington Law and let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.
Your recovery is our priority. Your justice is our commitment. We’re ready to fight for you.