Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Aurora
Compare Top Aurora Truck Accident Attorneys
| Lawyer Name | CO Bar Association Status | Year Admitted to CO Bar | Law School Attended | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Babich | Active | 1981 | University of Illinois College of Law | |
| J. Kyle Bachus | Active | 1994 | University of Florida Levin College of Law | |
| Evan P. Banker | Active | 2007 | University of Denver Sturm College of Law | |
| Jennifer L. Donaldson | Active | 1988 | University of Colorado Law School | |
| Sean Dormer | Active | 2012 | University of Colorado Law School | |
| R. Keith Fuicelli | Active | 2000 | University of Colorado Law School | |
| John Lee | Active | 1998 | University of Colorado Law School | |
| David McDivitt | Active | 2006 | University of Colorado Law School | |
| Marc L. Schatten | Active | 2006 | Vanderbilt University Law School | |
| Kurt Zaner | Active | 2009 | University of Florida Levin College of Law |
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Aurora, Colorado
Recent truck accident statistics show crashes with large commercial vehicles are a significant problem nationwide, including in Colorado. When you’re hurt in a truck accident, knowing the time limit for filing a lawsuit and where to find excellent legal representation can be essential for recovering the compensation you deserve.
Colorado Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases
The statute of limitations is a law that sets the time limit for filing your truck accident lawsuit in Aurora, CO. If you miss the filing deadline, you could lose your right to pursue legal action and recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
According to Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 13-80-101, plaintiffs (those bringing a suit) generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.
However, certain factors, such as the defendant being a government entity, can shorten the time you have available to file. In some rare cases, such as incapacitation or minority of the plaintiff, the statute may be extended.
Colorado Laws Around Truck Accidents
Here are some of the essential laws covering truck accident lawsuits in Colorado:
- Who can file. In Colorado, any person injured in a truck accident who was less than 50% responsible for the crash can file a lawsuit against the negligent party, such as a drunk driver or trucking company. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians and others affected by the accident.
- Comparative negligence. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule as laid out in the Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-111. According to this rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault if you have some degree of responsibility for the truck accident.
- Damage caps. In Colorado, the cap for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is currently set at $729,790, which rises to $1,459,600 in cases of clear and convincing evidence warranting a higher amount. There are no caps on economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
- Government defendants. If the defendant in your truck accident lawsuit in Aurora is a government entity or employee, they may be immune from a lawsuit under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA). Consider consulting an attorney, as you may still be able to file a personal injury claim provided you fulfill certain conditions and filing requirements.
Identifying Fault for Truck Accidents in Colorado
Identifying fault for a truck accident can be tricky as such accidents may involve numerous defendants, including the driver, the trucking company, a truck manufacturer and others. However, determining all responsible parties is crucial for establishing who pays for the victims’ damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies and attorneys may examine various types of evidence when determining fault, including traffic law violations, police reports, witness statements and expert witness opinions. They may also review evidence such as photos, video footage and data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD).
In Colorado, fault is distributed among the parties involved in a truck accident based on their level of negligence. Under the modified comparative negligence rule, you can pursue compensation if you are less than 50% responsible for the crash. Recovery will depend on your degree of fault. For example, if your damages amount to $100,000, but you are 30% at fault, you can recover only $70,000.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
An attorney specializing in truck accidents can be a crucial ally and advocate when you’re injured and pursuing compensation. They will investigate the circumstances of the truck accident to determine all responsible parties and the various avenues for recovering compensation. An attorney will also complete legal paperwork, file court documents and observe the applicable deadlines to keep your case on track.
Crucially, your truck accident lawyer will protect your rights and level the playing field when negotiating with insurance companies. They can prevent you from accepting an insurance company’s lowball offer and take your case to court if an insurer refuses to compensate you adequately.
How To Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Aurora, CO
Finding an excellent truck accident lawyer can be critical for your legal case and your peace of mind. Here’s what to look for when seeking top-notch legal representation in Aurora:
- Specialization in truck accidents. You’ll want to work with someone who understands the specific legal issues, regulations and technical aspects of truck accidents. Working with an expert attorney is critical in these complex cases.
- Proven success. Seek an attorney with a history of success in truck accident lawsuits. You have the best chance of winning and recovering damages with an attorney who has secured favorable truck accident settlements and verdicts.
- Network of industry experts. Truck accidents can be complex, and industry experts may be required to investigate material failure or other technical aspects. Seasoned lawyers work with experts who can strengthen your case.
Our Methodology for Finding the Best Aurora Truck Accident Attorneys
Forbes Advisor considered many factors to determine the best truck accident lawyers in Aurora of 2024. Its mathematical analysis considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses and certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education and employment background
- Scholarly lectures and writings
- Awards and honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. However, this information should not be considered comprehensive. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Truck Accidents in Aurora
What types of compensation can I receive in a truck accident lawsuit in Aurora, CO?
No two truck accident cases are the same, and injuries and damages vary. Depending on your case, you could recover medical bills, lost wages and awards for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Aurora, CO?
Your best first step after a truck accident in Aurora is safeguarding your health and legal rights. Promptly call 911 to report the crash and wait for law enforcement and medical help to arrive.
What is the average truck accident settlement in Aurora, CO?
Truck accident settlements in Aurora, CO, differ based on the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage and other factors. Settlements can range from tens of thousands in minor or moderate accidents to several million dollars in cases involving permanent injuries or wrongful death.
