1. Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, complex litigation
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer wrecks, commercial carrier accidents, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, cargo spill accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, black box data retrieval, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, punitive damage claims
Background: The firm has decades of experience defeating insurance companies and has successfully won significant compensation for truck accident victims. Attorneys work as a team handling complex truck accident claims throughout Colorado and across the United States. The firm focuses on complex litigation and high-stakes injury claims.
Location: Denver, Colorado
Contact: (303) 759-9945 | Toll-free: (877) 433-3906 | https://www.leventhal-law.com
Consultation: Free, no-cost consultation, contingency fee basis (no fees unless case is won)
2. The Wilhite Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, commercial vehicle litigation
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial truck crashes, rear-end collisions, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations investigation, accident investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, exemplary damages claims
Background: Denver-based firm with experienced attorneys handling thousands of accident claims. The firm works with accident reconstruction experts and understands both state and federal trucking regulations. Sande Hagen is a member of the litigation team specializing in trucking litigation and insurance bad faith with 100% practice devoted to litigation and appellate work.
Location: Denver, Colorado
Contact: https://www.wilhitelawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation
3. The Frickey Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, big rig accidents, semi-truck accidents, workers compensation, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle collisions, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, overloaded truck accidents, equipment failure accidents
Legal Services: Liability investigation, expert witness consultation, accident reconstruction, deposition of witnesses, insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation, independent medical examinations
Background: Over 60 years of experience representing Colorado injury victims. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News Best Law Firms, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV rating, 5280 Magazine, and Super Lawyers. Founding partner and attorneys include Attorney Adam McClure, selected to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, recognized in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree.
Location: 940 Wadsworth Blvd, Suite 400, Lakewood, CO 80214
Contact: (303) 237-7373 | https://www.frickey.com
Consultation: Free initial case evaluation
4. The Babich Law Firm (Law Firm of William Babich, LLC)
Practice Focus: Trucking accidents, personal injury, automobile accidents, wrongful death, commercial vehicle litigation
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial truck crashes, 18-wheeler accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations investigation, trucking safety regulations analysis, accident reconstruction expert consultation, insurance coverage analysis, litigation, trial representation, arbitrations, appeals
Background: William Babich has been selected to Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Best Attorneys of America, American Society of Legal Advocates: Top 100 Litigation Lawyer, and Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Author of chapters on trucking litigation and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage in the Auto Litigator’s Handbook published by Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA). Editor of the entire CTLA Handbook. Served on CTLA’s Board of Directors for over 30 years. Graduate of Trial Lawyers College learning directly from Gerry Spence.
Location: 2750 South Wadsworth Blvd, Suite C-206, Denver, CO 80227
Contact: (303) 691-5222 | https://www.voicefortheinjured.com
Consultation: Free consultation
5. Burg Simpson
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, personal injury, complex litigation, commercial vehicle accidents
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial carrier crashes, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, cargo accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, driver log investigation, black box data analysis, maintenance record investigation, insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: Award-winning attorneys with national renown for handling complex personal injury cases. Multiple lawyers have received legal industry awards year after year for results and high ethical and professional standards. The firm has extensive resources and experience with trucking regulations. Available 24/7 for client questions and concerns.
Location: Denver, Colorado
Contact: (303) 792-5595 | https://www.burgsimpson.com
Consultation: Free and confidential case evaluation
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Colorado
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of injury for most personal injury cases (C.R.S. 13-80-102). However, motor vehicle accidents including truck accidents have a three-year statute of limitations (C.R.S. 13-80-101).
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death for most wrongful death cases. Four years for wrongful death in hit-and-run accidents.
Claims Against Government Entities: 180 days to provide notice of claim under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
Fault System: Colorado is an at-fault state. The driver who causes an accident bears financial responsibility for resulting damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system (C.R.S. 13-21-111). If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Colorado requires 25/50/15 liability coverage. $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, $15,000 property damage per accident.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Federal law requires commercial carriers to carry significantly more insurance, often exceeding $750,000 to $1 million or more depending on cargo type.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Available in Colorado; recommended for additional protection.
Damage Caps: Colorado has enacted damage caps in several types of cases. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are capped, with the cap adjusted periodically for inflation. Punitive damages are generally limited to the amount of actual damages.
Punitive Damages: May be available in cases involving gross negligence. Punitive damages are awarded to punish wrongdoers.
Vicarious Liability Rules: Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers under respondeat superior. Companies may be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations apply in Colorado courts. Violations can be evidence of negligence.
Colorado Commercial Vehicle Definition: Colorado defines commercial vehicles as self-propelled or towed vehicles with apportioned plates or a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of at least 16,000 pounds (C.R.S. 42-4-235), which is narrower than the federal definition of 10,001 pounds.
Chain Requirements: Colorado law mandates that commercial drivers carry chains from September 1 to May 31 when traveling on I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero due to dangerous mountain passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Colorado?
A: For truck accidents in Colorado, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This extended timeline applies specifically to motor vehicle accidents under C.R.S. 13-80-101. However, if your claim involves a government-owned truck or public agency, the deadline may be as short as 180 days to provide notice of your claim under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. For wrongful death claims, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. It is critical to act quickly because evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records may be lost or destroyed without immediate legal action.
Q: How does Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident case?
A: Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. 13-21-111. Under this rule, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your case is worth $300,000 and you are found 30% at fault, you would receive $210,000. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. This is why trucking companies and their insurers aggressively try to blame accident victims to reduce their liability or eliminate it entirely.
Q: What damages can I recover in a Colorado truck accident case?
A: In Colorado truck accident cases, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages. Economic damages include medical bills (past and future), hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, lost wages, lost future earnings, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability. Colorado does have caps on non-economic damages that are adjusted periodically for inflation. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or egregious conduct, though they are generally limited to the amount of actual damages.
Q: Who can be held liable in a Colorado truck accident?
A: Multiple parties may share liability in Colorado truck accident cases. The truck driver may be liable for negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating hours of service regulations. The trucking company may be liable under respondeat superior for their employee’s actions, or directly for negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules. The truck-loading company may be liable if improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo caused instability. Maintenance providers may be liable for negligent repairs. Truck or parts manufacturers may be liable for defective equipment such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems. Because multiple parties often share liability, these cases can be complex, requiring experienced legal representation.
Q: What role do federal trucking regulations play in Colorado truck accident cases?
A: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations establish safety standards that govern commercial trucking throughout the United States, including Colorado. These regulations cover hours of service limits, vehicle maintenance requirements, cargo securement standards, driver qualification requirements, drug and alcohol testing, and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates. Violations of these federal regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in Colorado courts. Evidence such as electronic logging devices, black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and dispatch communications must be preserved quickly. An experienced attorney can investigate whether the trucking company or driver violated any federal regulations that contributed to your accident.