Denver Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Denver, you need a denver truck accident lawyer who understands the complexity of commercial vehicle claims. Truck accidents differ significantly from car accidents—they involve multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and catastrophic injuries. Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers has helped injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing litigation when necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation with no obligation.
Why Choose Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Claim
When you’re injured in a truck accident, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need a legal team that understands the trucking industry, federal regulations, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers brings years of experience handling truck accident cases throughout Colorado. Our attorneys have worked with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists to build strong cases for our clients. We don’t rush settlements. Instead, we take time to investigate thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and calculate the full value of your claim—including damages you might not realize you’re entitled to.
We communicate with you directly throughout your case. You’ll speak with an attorney, not a paralegal or case manager. We believe you deserve to understand every step of the process and to have your questions answered by someone with the legal expertise to guide your case. Our commitment is simple: fight for the maximum compensation you deserve while treating you with the respect and compassion your situation demands.
Understanding Trucking Liability in Denver Accidents
One of the most important differences between truck accident cases and car accident cases is liability. In a car accident, you typically have one or two liable parties. In a truck accident, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries.
Truck Driver Liability
The truck driver is often the first party we investigate. Driver negligence can take many forms: speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, or impaired driving. Federal regulations limit how many hours a driver can work without rest. When a driver violates hours-of-service rules, it’s evidence of negligence. We obtain electronic logging device (ELD) records and logbooks to determine whether the driver exceeded legal driving limits. We also investigate whether the driver had proper training, a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and a clean driving record. A pattern of violations or previous accidents strengthens your claim.
Trucking Company and Carrier Liability
The trucking company that employs the driver often bears responsibility for the accident. Companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, provide adequate training, and maintain their vehicles properly. If a company hired a driver with a history of accidents or violations, failed to train the driver on safety procedures, or neglected vehicle maintenance, the company shares liability for your injuries. We investigate the company’s hiring practices, training programs, and maintenance records. We also examine whether the company pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, which can lead to speeding and fatigue.
Broker and Shipper Liability
Brokers arrange transportation for shippers, and shippers are the companies that need goods transported. Both can be liable if they contributed to the accident. Improper cargo loading creates dangerous conditions—an overloaded or unevenly loaded truck is more difficult to control and more likely to tip over. Shippers and brokers have a responsibility to ensure cargo is loaded safely and secured properly. If an accident resulted from improperly loaded cargo, both the shipper and broker may be liable for your injuries.
Understanding these multiple liability sources is crucial because it expands the potential sources of compensation. Our attorneys investigate all parties involved and pursue claims against everyone responsible for your accident.
Critical Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful truck accident claim. We know what evidence matters and how to obtain it before it disappears.
Electronic Logging Devices and Logbooks
Federal regulations require commercial trucks to have electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record driving hours, rest breaks, and vehicle movement. These devices create a digital record that’s difficult to falsify. ELD data shows whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour daily driving limit, failed to take required 30-minute rest breaks, or violated the 14-hour on-duty limit. We immediately request ELD records and compare them to the driver’s logbook entries. Discrepancies between the two often reveal attempts to hide violations. This evidence is critical because hours-of-service violations are strong indicators of negligence.
Dashcam and Surveillance Footage
Dashcam footage from the truck, nearby vehicles, or roadside cameras provides objective evidence of how the accident occurred. This footage shows the truck’s speed, lane position, and actions immediately before the collision. We work quickly to preserve this evidence because trucking companies sometimes delete dashcam footage. We also identify and obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and other sources. Video evidence is powerful in settlement negotiations and at trial because it shows exactly what happened without relying on witness testimony alone.
Maintenance Records and Vehicle Inspection Reports
Trucks must pass regular inspections and receive proper maintenance. We obtain the truck’s maintenance records, inspection reports, and repair logs. If the truck had known mechanical problems—faulty brakes, worn tires, defective steering components—and the company failed to repair them, the company is liable for your injuries. We also obtain roadside inspection reports from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which document any safety violations found during inspections. These records reveal whether the trucking company prioritized profit over safety.
We preserve all evidence immediately after taking your case. We send preservation letters to the trucking company, insurance companies, and other parties, legally requiring them to maintain all evidence related to your accident. This prevents the destruction of dashcam footage, ELD data, maintenance records, and other critical information.
Common Truck Accident Injuries and Their Impact
Truck accidents cause injuries that are often more severe than those from car accidents. The size and weight difference between a truck and a passenger vehicle means the force of impact is dramatically greater.
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries change your life permanently. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care, home modifications, and assistance with daily activities. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect cognitive function, memory, personality, and physical abilities. Some victims never fully recover. Amputations result in permanent loss of limbs, requiring prosthetics, ongoing medical care, and significant lifestyle adjustments. These injuries demand substantial compensation because they affect every aspect of your life—your ability to work, your independence, your relationships, and your future.
Serious Injuries
Even injuries that don’t result in permanent disability can be serious and require extensive treatment. Broken bones may require surgery and months of physical therapy. Internal injuries can cause bleeding, organ damage, and long-term complications. Severe burns require specialized medical care, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation. These injuries result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Long-Term Effects
Some injuries don’t show their full impact immediately. Chronic pain can persist for years after an accident, affecting your ability to work and enjoy life. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common after serious accidents and can require ongoing therapy. Loss of function—difficulty walking, reduced range of motion, or weakness—can prevent you from returning to your previous job. We work with medical experts to document these long-term effects and ensure your compensation accounts for your future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, learn more about your rights by visiting our pages on catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident
Colorado law allows you to recover multiple types of damages after a truck accident. Understanding what you can claim helps ensure you receive full compensation.
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses. Medical bills include emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages cover income you lost while recovering and unable to work. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, you can claim lost earning capacity—the difference between what you earned before and what you can earn now. Rehabilitation costs cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other services that help you recover function. Property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Non-economic damages compensate you for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life. Pain and suffering cover the physical pain you experience from your injuries. Emotional distress covers anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma from the accident. Loss of enjoyment of life recognizes that your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you enjoyed before the accident. Loss of companionship applies in cases where injuries affect your relationships and ability to spend time with family.
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Colorado allows punitive damages. These damages punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are available when a trucking company’s conduct was reckless—for example, if a company knowingly hired drivers with serious violations or ignored repeated safety violations.
Our attorneys calculate damages comprehensively, ensuring you receive compensation for all losses—past, present, and future.
Truck vs. Car Accident Claims: Key Differences
Understanding how truck accident claims differ from car accident claims helps explain why you need specialized legal representation.
Severity and Injury Differences: A fully loaded semi-truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds, compared to a passenger vehicle weighing around 4,000 pounds. The force of impact in a truck accident is 20 times greater. This means injuries are typically more severe. Car accidents often result in minor injuries like whiplash. Truck accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or death.
Liability Complexity: Car accidents usually involve one or two liable parties. Truck accidents involve multiple parties: the driver, the trucking company, the broker, the shipper, the truck manufacturer, and maintenance providers. Each party may share responsibility. Determining liability requires investigating each party’s actions and negligence.
Insurance Coverage Differences: Personal auto insurance typically provides $25,000 to $100,000 in coverage. Commercial trucking insurance is much higher—federal regulations require minimum coverage of $750,000 for interstate trucks. This higher coverage means larger settlements are possible, but insurance companies fight harder to minimize payouts.
Regulatory Framework: Car accidents are governed by state traffic laws. Truck accidents are governed by federal regulations administered by the FMCSA. These regulations cover hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo loading. Violations of federal regulations are strong evidence of negligence.
Why Truck Accident Cases Require Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases are more complex than car accident cases. They require understanding federal regulations, the trucking industry, and the tactics insurance companies use. A general personal injury attorney may not have the expertise to identify all liable parties or understand the significance of ELD data and maintenance records. Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers has the specialized knowledge to handle truck accident cases effectively.
The Timeline: From Accident to Resolution
Understanding the timeline for your truck accident case helps you know what to expect.
Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours): After a truck accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Report the accident to police and obtain a copy of the police report. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Do not discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney present.
Investigation Phase (Weeks 1-3): We immediately send preservation letters to preserve evidence. We obtain the police report, medical records, and photographs. We request ELD data, logbooks, maintenance records, and inspection reports from the trucking company. We identify and interview witnesses. We may hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the accident occurred.
Liability Analysis and Expert Consultation (Weeks 3-8): We review all evidence and determine which parties are liable. We consult with medical experts to understand the extent of your injuries and your prognosis. We calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity.
Demand and Negotiation (Weeks 8-16): We prepare a detailed demand letter explaining the accident, liability, your injuries, and the compensation you deserve. We send this to the insurance company and begin negotiations. Many cases settle during this phase.
Litigation and Trial (Months 4-24+): If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit. We conduct discovery, exchanging evidence with the other side. We may take depositions of witnesses and experts. If the case doesn’t settle, we prepare for trial and present your case to a jury.
Colorado Statute of Limitations: Unlike general personal injury claims, Colorado law provides a three-year statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents (C.R.S. § 13-80-101). However, do not wait until the deadline approaches. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies may delete data if not legally compelled to preserve it. Contact us immediately to protect your claim. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure your rights are protected.
Our Attorney-Led Process for Truck Accident Claims
We handle your case differently than many law firms. Your case is led by an attorney from start to finish, not handed off to paralegals or case managers.
Step 1: Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
We begin with a free consultation where we listen to your story. We ask detailed questions about the accident, your injuries, and your medical treatment. We explain how truck accident law works and answer your questions. We evaluate whether we can help you and discuss the potential value of your claim. There’s no obligation—this consultation is free and confidential.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Once you hire us, we immediately begin investigating. We send preservation letters to preserve evidence. We obtain police reports, medical records, and photographs. We request ELD data, logbooks, maintenance records, and inspection reports. We identify and interview witnesses. We work with accident reconstruction experts to understand how the accident occurred. We investigate the trucking company’s hiring practices, training programs, and safety record.
Step 3: Liability Analysis and Expert Consultation
We review all evidence and determine which parties are liable. We consult with medical experts to understand your injuries and prognosis. We calculate the full value of your claim, including past and future medical costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. We develop a strategy for pursuing maximum compensation.
Step 4: Demand Preparation and Negotiation
We prepare a detailed demand letter explaining the accident, liability, your injuries, and the compensation you deserve. We support our demand with evidence: ELD data showing hours-of-service violations, dashcam footage showing the accident, medical records documenting your injuries, and expert reports. We send this to the insurance company and begin negotiations. We negotiate aggressively, but we’re also realistic about settlement value. If the insurance company makes a reasonable offer, we discuss it with you. If the offer is too low, we continue negotiating or prepare for litigation.
Step 5: Settlement or Trial Preparation
If we reach a settlement agreement, we handle all paperwork and ensure you receive your compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial. We file a lawsuit, conduct discovery, take depositions, and prepare witnesses and experts to testify. We present your case to a jury, explaining how the accident occurred, why the defendant is liable, and why you deserve the compensation we’re requesting.
Throughout this process, you work directly with an attorney. You have their phone number and email. You can call with questions. You understand what’s happening in your case and why we’re taking each step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Truck Accidents
What is the statute of limitations for a truck accident claim in Colorado?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. This deadline is important because if you miss it, you lose your right to compensation. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Even if you’re not ready to file a lawsuit immediately, consulting with an attorney ensures your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.
Who is responsible for a truck accident in Denver?
Multiple parties may be responsible. The truck driver is liable if they were negligent—speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, or violating hours-of-service rules. The trucking company is liable if they hired an unqualified driver, failed to train the driver, or neglected vehicle maintenance. The broker is liable if they arranged transportation without ensuring the truck was safe. The shipper is liable if they improperly loaded cargo. The truck manufacturer is liable if a defective part caused the accident. We investigate all parties and pursue claims against everyone responsible.
What are FMCSA regulations and why do they matter?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a federal agency that regulates the trucking industry. FMCSA regulations cover hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo loading. Hours-of-service rules limit how long a driver can work without rest. Under federal rules, drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour on-duty window. They generally cannot drive after being on duty for 60 hours in 7 consecutive days (or 70 hours in 8 days). These rules are strictly enforced to prevent fatigue-related crashes. Vehicle maintenance rules require daily inspections and regular maintenance. Drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass medical certification. Cargo must be loaded safely and secured properly. When a trucking company or driver violates these regulations, it’s evidence of negligence. Violations strengthen your claim and increase the compensation you can recover.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, how long your recovery takes, whether your injuries are permanent, how much income you lost, whether you can return to your previous job, and the strength of liability evidence. Cases with catastrophic injuries and clear liability are worth more than cases with minor injuries and disputed liability. We evaluate all these factors and calculate the full value of your claim. We don’t settle for less than your case is worth.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Second, call police and report the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report. Third, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Fourth, get contact information from witnesses. Fifth, do not discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney present. Insurance companies use your statements against you. Sixth, contact Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll protect your rights and preserve evidence.
How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within 3-6 months. Complex cases with multiple liable parties may take 12-18 months to investigate and negotiate. If your case goes to trial, it may take 18-24 months or longer. We work as quickly as possible while ensuring we build the strongest case for you. We don’t rush settlements just to close your case quickly.
Do I need an attorney for a truck accident claim?
Yes. Truck accident cases are complex. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your compensation. You need an attorney to protect your rights, investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and negotiate or litigate on your behalf. An attorney ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries. The cost of hiring an attorney is worth the additional compensation you’ll receive.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000. We investigate thoroughly to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your compensation.
Contact Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Free Truck Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Denver, don’t wait. Contact Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and discuss how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call (720) 613-9706 or fill out our online contact form. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. There’s no obligation—your consultation is completely free and confidential. Let us fight for you.
