1. Frank Azar Car and Truck Accident Lawyers
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, big rig accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Commercial truck collisions, delivery truck accidents, FedEx and UPS truck accidents, Post Office truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, brake failure accidents, driver fatigue accidents, cargo shift accidents, underride accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, vehicle maintenance investigation, cargo securement investigation, manufacturer defect claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims
Background: Frank Azar, known as “The Strong Arm,” operates one of Colorado’s largest personal injury law firms with offices throughout the state including Aurora at 14426 E Evans Ave. The firm investigates all potential causes of truck accidents and holds multiple responsible parties accountable. Additional offices are located in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Pueblo, and Thornton.
Location: 14426 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO (with multiple Colorado locations)
Contact: (303) 407-5200 | https://www.fdazar.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Dan Caplis Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, big rig accidents, delivery truck accidents, tanker truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, brake failure accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, truck owner liability claims, manufacturer liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, traumatic brain injury claims, spinal cord injury claims, catastrophic injury claims
Background: Dan Caplis Law has decades of experience protecting the rights of injured parties and has achieved record-setting results. The firm handles complex truck accident cases involving multiple liable parties. Their attorneys understand the unique aspects of commercial truck litigation including federal trucking regulations. The firm recently welcomed former elected Arapahoe County District Attorney John Kellner as Managing Partner.
Location: Aurora, Colorado (serves Aurora and Denver Metro Area)
Contact: (303) 770-5551 | https://www.dancaplislaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Genco Injury Attorneys
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, big rig accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, delivery truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, driver fatigue accidents, maintenance failure accidents, brake failure accidents, cargo spill accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, maintenance log investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, emotional distress claims, therapy bill recovery
Background: Genco Injury Attorneys helps victims and their families hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable in Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties. The firm understands the aggressive tactics corporate defendants use and fights to level the playing field. They handle cases on a contingency fee basis with no payment unless they win.
Location: Aurora, Colorado (serves Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties)
Contact: (303) 848-2360 | https://gencoinjury.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available, no payment unless case is won
4. Donaldson Law, LLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Commercial truck collisions, driver error accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, speeding accidents, improper lane change accidents, failure to yield accidents, centerline crossing accidents, mechanical failure accidents, overloaded truck accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, accident reconstruction, hours of service violation investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims
Background: Donaldson Law, LLC is led by Attorney Jennifer L. Donaldson, an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer. The firm conducts prompt and thorough investigations, often utilizing accident reconstructionists and other experts to determine the cause of crashes. The firm serves Denver and surrounding areas including Boulder, Longmont, Lakewood, Arvada, Aurora, Thornton, Westminster, Centennial, and Littleton.
Location: Denver, Colorado (serves Aurora and Denver Metro Area)
Contact: (303) 458-5000 | https://donaldsonlaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Zinda Law Group
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, delivery truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, weather-related truck accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, rear-end truck collisions
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, emotional distress claims
Background: Zinda Law Group is a national personal injury law firm with an Aurora office. The firm values honesty and integrity and sticks with clients throughout the legal process. They track all losses sustained including medical bills and property repairs. The firm handles claims against trucking companies and their powerful insurance agents.
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Contact: (800) 863-5312 | https://www.zdfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Colorado
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Personal Injury Claims: Three years from the date of the accident under Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-80-101.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death under Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-80-102.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date of the accident.
Claims Against Government Entities: Claims against government entities have shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements. Consult an attorney immediately if a government vehicle or entity was involved.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Colorado is an at-fault (tort) state. The party determined to be at fault for causing the accident is responsible for paying damages to injured parties.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence standard under Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-21-111. You can recover damages if you share blame for an accident, but only if your percentage of fault is 50% or less. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Colorado requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage (25/50/15).
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Colorado follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements. Trucks operating in interstate commerce weighing less than 10,000 pounds require $300,000 minimum coverage. Trucks weighing 10,001 pounds or more require $750,000 minimum coverage. Trucks carrying hazardous materials require $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on cargo type.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Colorado requires commercial truck drivers to obtain a CDL through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Requirements include passing knowledge and skills tests, meeting medical certification requirements, and maintaining appropriate endorsements.
Hours of Service Requirements: Colorado truck drivers must comply with federal Hours of Service regulations. Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers may not drive beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. A 30-minute break is required after 8 hours of driving.
Chain Laws and Mountain Driving: Colorado has specific chain laws and regulations for trucks operating in mountainous terrain. The Colorado Department of Transportation provides traveler information including chain locations and hazmat rules through CoTrip.org.
Vicarious Liability and Employer Liability: Colorado recognizes respondeat superior, holding employers liable for negligent acts of employees within the scope of employment. Trucking companies can be held directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations apply in Colorado state courts. Violations of federal regulations can serve as evidence of negligence.
Damage Caps: Colorado does not impose caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases arising from truck accidents. There is a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages that can be increased to $500,000 with clear and convincing evidence, but this applies to certain types of cases.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be available in Colorado truck accident cases involving willful and wanton conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Aurora, Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from truck accidents is three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death. Claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements. It is important to contact an attorney promptly because gathering evidence, tracking down witnesses, and preserving video footage all become more difficult as time passes.
How does Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident claim?
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence standard. You can recover compensation for your injuries if you share some fault for the accident, but only if your percentage of fault is 50% or less. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $70,000. Insurance companies often try to attribute fault to injured parties to reduce payouts, making experienced legal representation important.
What parties can be held liable in an Aurora truck accident case?
Multiple parties may share liability in a Colorado truck accident case depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include the truck driver for negligent driving, the trucking company for negligent hiring or supervision or for pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, the owner of the truck if different from the driver or trucking company, cargo loading companies if improper loading caused the accident, maintenance companies if mechanical failures contributed to the crash, and manufacturers if defective truck parts were involved. An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability.
Why are truck accident cases more complex than regular car accident cases?
Truck accident cases involve additional complexity for several reasons. First, commercial trucks are regulated by both federal (FMCSA) and state laws, creating a web of regulations that must be analyzed. Second, there are often multiple potentially liable parties including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. Third, trucking companies typically have aggressive attorneys and well-funded insurance companies working to minimize liability. Fourth, the severity of injuries is often greater due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, resulting in higher damages that insurers fight harder to reduce.
What compensation is available in a Colorado truck accident case?
Colorado truck accident victims may recover compensatory damages including economic damages such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. In cases involving willful and wanton conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Wrongful death cases allow surviving family members to recover damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.