Truck accidents pose a significant danger to Colorado motorists every day, often leading to severe injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress. The situation becomes even more devastating when the accident is caused, directly or indirectly, by the negligence of a third party.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a Denver truck accident, the law firm of Dulin McQuinn Young is here to stand by your side.
As experienced Denver personal injury attorneys, we are passionately committed to protecting the rights of our clients. When seeking justice in your case, we always secure the maximum possible compensation in your Denver truck accident case – whether through settlement or taking your case to trial.
Contact our Denver truck accident lawyers to book your free, no-obligation truck accident case review. Request your appointment today, and you’ll hear from one of our esteemed team members within 24 hours. We’re ready to get to work for you.
Our Denver Truck Accident Case Results
We are proud to represent injury victims in Denver and across Colorado with integrity and fierce dedication. Some notable settlements and verdicts we have secured on behalf of our clients include:
- $11,000,000 Settlement: Contested liability for wrongful death trucking case in Weld County, CO.
- $8,000,000 Settlement: Contested liability for catastrophic injury trucking case in Denver County, CO.
- $7,750,000 Settlement: Catastrophic injury trucking case in Larimer County, CO.
“I got in a nasty truck accident and they made sure to help me.” -J.M.
Meet Attorney Kari Jones Dulin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ms. Jones Dulin has been recognized by Best Lawyers 2024-2025, Super Lawyers Rising Star 2018-2021, Super Lawyers 2022–2023, and National Trial Lawyers as a top injury litigator in Colorado.
Attorney Jones Dulin is an experienced litigator and trial attorney who specializes in truck accidents and other personal injury cases.
She has argued before the Colorado Court of Appeals and has practiced in jurisdictions all across Colorado, and federal court which has resulted in millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of her clients.
How Can a Denver Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and significant property damage, leaving victims to navigate a complex and overwhelming recovery process. Unfortunately, insurance companies prioritize profits over payouts and frequently deny valid claims or offer settlements that fall far short of covering the victim’s losses.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, our experienced Denver truck accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to take your case to court and fight for your best interests.
Resources on this Page
- Statute Of Limitations For Denver Truck Accident Cases
- Who Is Liable For The Injuries Sustained From My Truck Accident?
- How Much Is My Denver Truck Accident Case Worth?
- Contributing Factors to Truck Accidents in Denver
- Denver Truck Accident Injuries
- Federal Trucking Regulations
- Areas We Serve & Local Resources
- Get a Free Consultation with Dulin McQuinn Young
Statute Of Limitations For Denver Truck Accident Cases
In Colorado, truck accident claims are subject to specific time limits for filing. For most motor vehicle-related personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date the injury is discovered.
Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations
If the accident results in wrongful death, the timeframe shifts to 2 years from the date of death. However, in cases involving a hit-and-run truck accident, the statute of limitations extends to 4 years due to the complexity and length of investigations.
While these time limits may seem generous, it is critical to act quickly. Delays in starting your claim can lead to challenges in collecting essential evidence, obtaining witness statements, and securing vital documentation—each of which is necessary to build a strong case. Contact our Denver wrongful death lawyers to begin the process and preserve your right to compensation.
Who is Liable For The Injuries Sustained in My Truck Accident?
Truck accident liability can be complex due to the multiple parties involved and the strict federal regulations that govern commercial vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) outline clear rules about maintenance, leasing agreements, and driver responsibilities, which can impact liability in truck accidents.
Common parties that may be held liable include:
- The Trucking Company: If the accident resulted from a lack of maintenance, improper vehicle inspections, or company negligence, the trucking business may bear responsibility.
- The Truck Driver: If driver error—such as fatigue, distraction, speeding, or impairment—caused the accident, the truck driver may be found liable.
- Third-Party Maintenance Providers: If mechanical failure occurs due to poor maintenance by an external repair service, liability may fall on that party.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo that causes a rollover or jackknife accident can shift liability to cargo handlers.
Additionally, whether the driver was on or off the clock can impact the trucking company’s level of liability.
To identify all responsible parties and navigate the complexities of truck accident liability, consulting with our Denver truck accident attorneys is essential. We will thoroughly investigate your case, uncover evidence, and hold the appropriate parties accountable.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Colorado Truck Accident Cases
Colorado applies a modified comparative negligence rule to personal injury cases, including truck accidents. Under this rule:
- You can recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
- If you are found partially responsible (49% or less), your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault.
- If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are ineligible to recover any damages.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by $20,000, leaving you with $80,000.
Our truck accident claim attorneys will work diligently to minimize any claims of shared fault, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation allowed under Colorado law.
How Much Is My Denver Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on the specific details of the crash, including the severity of injuries, financial losses, and long-term impacts. Compensation in truck accident cases is categorized into two main types:
Economic Damages: These are the tangible, measurable losses directly caused by the accident:
- Medical bills (past, current, and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Costs for at-home care or long-term nursing care
Non-Economic Damages: These cover the intangible, emotional costs of the accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Truck accidents often result in more significant damages than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Victims may be eligible for six- or seven-figure settlements when catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death are involved.
To understand the full value of your case, contact a Denver truck accident lawyer for a thorough assessment. We will ensure that all damages—both economic and non-economic—are accounted for and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contributing Factors to Truck Accidents in Denver
Denver’s major highways, such as Interstate 25 (I-25) and Interstate 70 (I-70), are high-traffic corridors for commercial trucks, increasing the risk of accidents. Several factors frequently contribute to truck accidents, including:
- Stopping Distance: A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph requires approximately 600 feet—two football fields—to come to a complete stop. This distance increases in poor weather or road conditions.
- Blind Spots: Trucks have four major blind spots, according to the FMCSA: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, one lane to the left, and two lanes to the right. Blind spot accidents occur when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle while changing lanes.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often exceed legal driving hours, leading to drowsiness and slower reaction times.
- Speeding and Schedule Pressure: Tight delivery deadlines can push drivers to exceed speed limits or take risks, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Driver Distraction: Unfamiliar roads, GPS use, or cellphone distractions can cause truck drivers to lose focus.
- Impairment: Drug or alcohol use—whether for coping with fatigue or stress—significantly increases the chances of an accident.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloaded or imbalanced cargo can shift, causing rollovers, jackknifes, or multi-vehicle pileups.
No matter the cause, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries for victims. Understanding the contributing factors is key to determining liability and holding negligent parties accountable.
Injuries That May Occur After A Truck Accident in Denver
When an individual is involved in a truck accident, what type of injuries could they sustain? Here is an overview of what victims could experience after a Denver truck accident.
Brain Injuries
As the most complex organ of the human body, this command center of the human experience can be irreparably damaged due to a trucking accident.
Concussion
Doctors consider concussions to be mild forms of traumatic brain injury. Instead of causing the brain to swell, it usually occurs when a hit to the head causes a loss of normal brain function.
After the blow to the head is experienced through an experience like a truck accident, the victim’s brain will move within the skull, which can disrupt normal cognition.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious brain injuries typically sustained from external blunt force trauma to the skull, like an incident such as a truck accident. As the brain is one of the few organs in the body restricted by a bony shell (the skull in this case), whenever the brain swells due to injury, it pushes against the skull, crushing the brain tissue.
TBIs can cause inflammation, brain swelling, post-traumatic dementia, comas, vegetative states, and permanent brain death.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Acute soft tissue injuries are caused by sudden trauma like a truck accident and can occur anywhere in the body. These can be as basic as a mild sprain to muscle, ligament, or tendon tears.
Internal Bleeding
Blunt trauma, such as the impact of a truck accident, can cause internal bleeding. Internal bleeding occurs when body parts are crushed against an immovable or firm object, potentially at high speeds.
This causes the blood vessels in the body to tear or be crushed. Internal bleeding can affect multiple organ systems, all in different ways, but they are almost always serious injuries.
Spinal Injuries
The spine and spinal cord are one of the human body’s largest systems of nerves, bones, and tissues. That’s why a truck accident can cause many disorders and symptoms that are largely debilitating and cause long-term disability.
Spinal Column Injuries
The spinal column comprises 24 vertebrae and the sacrum, also known as the tailbone. Between each vertebra is a disk, which protects and cushions the bones. Injuries to the bones of the spine are usually what cause damage to the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is when the nerves that extend from the brain stem to the lower back are damaged. These nerve cells translate messages from the brain and send them throughout the body.
A spinal cord injury from a truck accident can cause conditions such as quadriplegia or paraplegia. According to the Merck Manual, the “most common cause of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle crashes.”
Broken or Fractured Bones
Any part of the body with a bone can be broken, fractured, or cracked. There are many different types and severities that victims of a truck accident can experience as a result of the incident:
- Stable Facture: when a bone is broken, but yet still in alignment with the other pieces of bone in the affected body part.
- Compound Fracture: also known as an open fracture, this type of fracture is when a piece of bone punctures the skin. This break will require a physician to reset the bone, likely through surgical means.
- Comminuted Fracture: this type of fracture is akin to a crush or shattering, where the bone is broken into three or more pieces.
Cracked or Bruised Ribs
Similarly to a broken bone, a cracked rib is when one of the bones of the rib cage is broken. Cracked ribs often are caused by trauma, such as a truck accident, and can result in sharp pain, difficulty breathing, and discomfort.
In contrast, a bruised rib results from blunt force trauma to the chest, causing soft tissue damage surrounding the ribcage. Broken and bruised ribs commonly occur together, especially from a truck or other motor vehicle accident.
Burns
There are multiple ways an individual can experience a burn injury in Denver, but this wound is caused by an energy source damaging the body’s tissue. In motor vehicle accidents, a thermal burn from hot metal or fire caused by fuel spillage can cause life-altering injuries.
Amputated Limbs
If the damage to any of the body’s limbs is considered severe enough to be unable to reconstruct or save the limb, a physician may choose to amputate it. In some cases, amputation may be necessary to save the individual’s life or prevent further complications.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
On top of the physical injuries stemming from a traumatic situation like a truck accident, an individual may experience PTSD. This mental health condition can result in flashbacks and nightmares from traumatic circumstances. This can impact an individual’s day-to-day functioning for years to come.
Federal Trucking Regulations and Safety Standards
Truck accidents are distinct from regular car crashes due to the strict federal regulations governing the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces these standards to improve safety and prevent accidents. Regulations include:
- Mandatory alcohol and drug testing for truck drivers
- Strict limits on driver hours of service to combat fatigue
- Maintenance and inspection requirements for all trucks
- Regulations for transporting hazardous materials
Violations of these regulations can significantly impact liability in truck accident cases. A thorough investigation into compliance with these rules often reveals negligence on the part of the trucking company, driver, or maintenance provider.
How Is a Truck Accident Case in Denver Different from a Regular Car Accident Case?
Truck accidents are far more complex than standard car crashes due to the scale of damages, injuries, and legal issues involved. Unique aspects of truck accident cases include:
- Severity of Injuries: The sheer size of commercial trucks often causes catastrophic injuries and greater property damage.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers.
- Compliance With Federal Laws: Trucking companies must adhere to stringent federal and state regulations, making compliance a key factor in liability.
- Evidence Complexity: Critical evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records must be analyzed to determine fault.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we specialize in handling these complex claims. Our expertise as Denver auto accident lawyers allows us to tailor our approach to the unique aspects of each case. We take a tailored approach, holding all responsible parties accountable while securing the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do If the Trucking Company’s Insurance Company Is Pressuring Me to Settle Quickly?
Trucking companies and their insurers often pressure victims to accept quick, lowball settlements to protect their bottom line. They may claim that their offer is final or threaten prolonged legal action to push you into an unfavorable agreement.
Do not give in to these tactics. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, not to prioritize your recovery.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. Our truck accident attorneys will:
- Assess the full value of your case, including medical costs, future expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Prevent you from being rushed into a premature settlement.
- Aggressively negotiate for a fair, comprehensive resolution.
If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case. We are here to fight for you every step of the way.
Areas We Serve
We serve all over Denver, CO, including:
Capitol Hill | LoDo (Lower Downtown) | Highland | Cherry Creek | Washington Park | River North Arts District (RiNo) | Uptown (North Capital Hill) | Baker (South Broadway) | Athmar Park | Five Points | Congress Park | Park Hill | City Park | Cheesman Park | Sloan’s Lake | Platt Park | Sunnyside | Berkeley | Curtis Park | Stapleton | West Highland | Belcaro | Hilltop | Montclair | Cole | Cherry Creek North | Globeville | University Hills | Whittier | Virginia Village | University Park
Local Accident Resources in Denver
Law Enforcement
- Denver Police Department: Responsible for responding to accidents, investigating causes, and filing reports.
- Colorado State Patrol: Often involved in accidents on state highways and interstates.
Medical Facilities
- Denver Health Medical Center: Provides emergency and trauma care for accident victims.
- UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: A top-level trauma center for severe injuries.
Government Agencies
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Handles license reinstatement or penalties related to accidents.
- Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT): Tracks accident data and safety programs.
Speak With a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Denver residents have been choosing Dulin McQuinn Young for years for good reason. Our Denver truck accident attorneys never back down in a legal battle to make you and your family whole again after your truck accident injuries.
With millions in successful jury verdicts and settlements over our partners’ extensive careers, we are the law firm Colorado trusts for truck accident cases.
So get in touch today for your free, no-obligation truck accident case review. We guarantee a team member will reach out to you in just 24 hours to book your appointment with our Denver truck accident attorney.