Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Thornton

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Thornton, Colorado?

  720-977-5150 is the non-emergency contact number of the Thornton Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Thornton, Colorado?

  You can request a police report online using this link: https://forms.thorntonco.gov/Police/requestforcriminaljusticeinformation. You may also request in person at 9551 Civic Center Drive, Thornton, CO 80229. Alternatively, you can send a request through the U.S. mail. You should receive an email response to policedept@thorntonco.gov when your request has been submitted. Check your spam folder before submitting a second request.

• What rules and procedures should trucking companies follow in Thornton?

  Trucking businesses in Thornton must follow federal rules and Colorado laws governing employment and training methods, documentation, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, hours of duty, load securement, and other issues of the drivers employed. Truck companies will be liable for accidents caused by their on-duty personnel under vicarious responsibility.

• What is the statute of limitation in a Thornton truck accident case?

  In Colorado, the statute of limitation for truck accidents is three years after the accident. Strict compliance with the notification requirement is required, and failing to do so may result in a claim being rejected in Thornton. If the victims plan to file a lawsuit against a government entity and their employees, they must do it within six months after the incident.

• Why are truck accidents different from other vehicle accidents in Thornton?

  In Thornton, private vehicle drivers are accountable for their cars and behavior on the road, while drivers of commercial trucks have a duty of care owing to the nature of their profession and the risk to their vehicles. Tractor trailers spend more time on the road and drive longer. The FMCSA enforces tight standards regarding truck driver hours of duty, mandatory training and certifications, and vehicle maintenance schedules. Also, a trailer is heavier than a typical passenger car, which makes them more vulnerable to side forces and prone to tip-overs and rollovers.

• What are the similarities and differences between fault and liability in truck accidents in Thornton?

  "At-fault" refers to the person who has caused a truck collision. A truck driver and the motorist of a smaller vehicle might be at fault. "Liable," on the other hand, refers to the person accountable for compensating accident victims. Because Colorado is an at-fault state, accident victims can seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance carrier. A Thornton lawyer can assist in determining who was at fault in a truck accident and who should be made liable for any losses, injuries, or property damage.

• What are the pieces of evidence needed in filing a trucking accident lawsuit in Thornton?

  Some of the pieces of evidence needed in filing a case in Thornton include the driver’s cell phone records to determine if they were distracted; logbooks; electronic logging device (ELD) data on driving hours and movements before the crash; the trucker’s driving record, training, drug tests, and prior incidents. Evidence found by the police, such as prescription or illegal drugs in the cab, as well as eyewitness testimony can also be used as evidence.