Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Thornton

FAQs

• 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.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.