Truck Accidents Attorneys in Thornton CO

Leading Causes of Truck Crashes in Colorado

While every case is unique, certain patterns emerge again and again on local roads. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Thornton and surrounding areas:

• Congestion. I-25 is one of the busiest highways in the state, running through Thornton with constant traffic at nearly all hours. Congested interchanges, especially near 120th Avenue or Thornton Parkway, often become trouble spots where sudden lane changes or heavy braking create hazards for truck drivers. Because large trucks need more time to stop, even a minor slowdown can cause a collision when drivers do not give truck drivers enough room.
• Fatigue. Truck drivers cover long distances across Colorado, sometimes through mountain passes before reaching the Denver metro area. Federal rules limit hours behind the wheel, but pressure to meet deadlines can push drivers beyond safe limits. Fatigue dulls reaction times and decision-making, which is particularly dangerous when truck drivers are behind the wheel of a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
• Distracted driving. A driver checking GPS directions near 104th Avenue or reaching for paperwork at a weigh station can miss critical seconds of traffic movement. Even a fraction of a second of distraction can cause a truck accident, motorcycle accident, or pedestrian accident.
• Impaired driving. Truck drivers are subject to careful screening to ensure they drive sober, but impaired driving can still be a factor in some crashes.
• Improperly loaded cargo. If loads are unbalanced or unsecured, cargo shifts can cause trucks to tip over or jackknife. These accidents can even spill onto multiple lanes, leading to chain-reaction crashes.
• Mechanical failures. Worn brakes, defective tires, and neglected maintenance remain common culprits for truck accidents.
• Workplace conditions. Some truck accidents happen on construction sites, where heavy machinery and trucks share space with workers and pedestrians. These conditions can pave the way for serious workplace accidents.
• Aggressive driving. While many truck drivers operate responsibly, some speed through Thornton’s stretches of I-25 to make up for lost time. Others may tailgate smaller vehicles, misjudge blind spots, or take turns too quickly, all of which can be risky behaviors.

At Flaxman Law Group, identifying the cause of your crash is the foundation of building a strong claim. We work with accident reconstruction experts, review electronic logging devices, and examine maintenance records to uncover the truth.

Who Is Responsible in A Thornton Truck Accident Case?

A commercial truck accident may involve multiple parties, each with their own attorneys and insurers. Here are some of the parties who may be involved:

• The truck driver. If the driver was distracted, fatigued, speeding, or under the influence, they can be held directly responsible. For example, a trucker pushing through late-night fatigue on I-76 may not hit the brakes soon enough at a construction zone, causing a chain-reaction crash.
• The trucking company. Companies are required to vet and train drivers, monitor hours, and maintain safe schedules. When they cut corners, they may share liability.
• Cargo loaders. The loading company may bear responsibility if a load was incorrectly labelled, loaded, or secured.
• Maintenance providers. Brake failure or tire blowouts often point to poor maintenance. If a third-party mechanic or maintenance contractor ignored safety checks, they may be legally accountable.
• Truck and part manufacturers. Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can trigger a catastrophic loss of control. Product liability laws may allow injured victims to seek recovery from manufacturers.
• Government entities. Local and state governments are responsible for local roads and inter-state highway systems. When they fail to provide reasonable maintenance, clear signage, and good lighting, they can be held liable if these factors lead to a car accident.
• Other third parties. Sometimes, another driver or even a pedestrian may cause a multi-vehicle crash that involves a truck, your vehicle, and other vehicles.

Sorting through all of this requires careful investigation. That’s why working with truck accident attorneys makes sense.

Common Injuries from Semi-Truck and Commercial Vehicle Collisions

The sheer size of a commercial truck means that when things go wrong, the injuries are rarely minor. Here are some of the most common injuries we see after Thornton truck accidents:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with airbags and seatbelts, the force of a collision with a semi can cause concussions or severe brain trauma. Victims may face memory loss, headaches, mood changes, or lifelong cognitive challenges.
• Spinal cord and back injuries. Truck collisions often involve sudden, violent impacts that damage vertebrae or herniate discs. In the most serious cases, victims of spinal cord injuries may suffer partial or complete paralysis.
• Orthopedic injuries. Thornton’s busy highway traffic means many truck accidents happen at high speeds. The blunt force of these crashes frequently results in broken arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis fractures.
• Internal injuries. The body’s vital organs are especially vulnerable in truck crashes. Blunt abdominal trauma can damage the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
• Burns and lacerations. Fuel spills, fires, or shredded metal can cause burns and deep cuts.
• Exposure. One of the unique factors in commercial truck accidents is the cargo. Some trucks carry chemicals or dangerous, flammable substances. In the event of a crash, if this cargo spills other drivers and even bystanders can face exposure. They may develop painful symptoms or may develop serious illnesses months or even years after their exposure.
• Psychological trauma. Not all wounds are visible. Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety about driving, or depression as they cope with sudden changes to their lives. The mental health impacts can least for months or years and may require therapy.

The injuries sustained in truck accidents can be serious, and it’s important to always get medical attention and to follow your doctor’s medical treatment plan. It’s also useful to keep a journal of your symptoms and your medical treatment. This helps you notice any symptoms that gradually develop over time and which could indicate a complication that needs to be addressed.

What To Do After a Truck Accident in Thornton

Maybe you were on I-25 heading toward Denver, or merging onto Thornton Parkway after running errands, when a semi drifted into your lane. Now what do you do? Here is what we recommend after any truck accident:

• Seek medical care immediately. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, see a doctor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries don’t always present symptoms right away. Thornton has several urgent care clinics and hospitals nearby, such as North Suburban Medical Center, where you can get checked out.
• Report the accident. If the collision happened on a major road like I-76, Colorado State Patrol may respond. In neighborhoods or city streets, Thornton Police will usually handle the report.
• Document everything you can. If you’re physically able to, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Note the location and get contact information for witnesses. Keep any receipts, reports, or communication related to your injuries and accident.
• Avoid speaking with insurers too soon. It’s common for insurance adjusters to call within hours or days of a crash. They may sound sympathetic, but their goal is to limit payouts. You do not have to give a recorded statement before consulting an attorney, and in fact you may want to speak with an accident attorney before speaking with insurers, to make sure you protect your interests.
• Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. Having an attorney who knows how to seek compensation for you can make all the difference.

At Flaxman Law Group, we step in immediately to handle these details so you can focus on healing. We’ll coordinate car repairs, help you get a rental vehicle, and connect you with medical providers in Thornton or the greater Denver area. We’ll also explain what you need to do next and we’ll pursue full compensation, so you can pay for medical care, car repairs, and more.

How Our Thornton Truck Accident Attorneys Fight for You

Flaxman Law Group is a family-run firm, led by Charles and Steven Flaxman. When you call us, you speak directly to one of us. This personal connection means your story is heard and you will develop a close working relationship with your attorney.

With more than 60 years of combined experience, we’ve handled cases involving everything from multi-vehicle pileups on E-470 to rear-end collisions with delivery trucks on Washington Street. We also bring something unique: a background in insurance defense and claims adjusting. We’ve been on the inside of the insurance industry and understand the tactics used to minimize claims. Now, we use that knowledge against them.

Our team has recovered nearly $1 billion for clients, including multiple seven-figure outcomes. We work with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, investigators, and other professionals. We prepare your case as though we’re going to trial from the start, so we have the best chance of securing fair compensation for your losses.

Facing Trucking Companies and Insurers

One of the most frustrating parts of recovering from a truck accident is dealing with the insurance companies. Victims are often shocked at how quickly representatives for the trucking company or their insurer start calling after a crash, sometimes while victims are still in the hospital. Their job is to protect corporate interests, not yours.

Commercial trucking companies often carry large insurance policies, but those policies come with aggressive defense teams. Unlike a typical car accident claim, you may be up against national insurers, corporate risk managers, and legal departments all working to limit what you receive.

We’ve seen the same strategies again and again:

• Pressuring victims into early settlements before the full cost of medical care is known.
• Disputing the severity of injuries or blaming preexisting conditions.
• Delaying the claims process in hopes that victims will give up.
• Trying to shift blame to other drivers, the weather, or even the victim themselves.

Because we’ve worked inside the insurance industry, we know this playbook. At Flaxman Law Group, we anticipate these tactics and build strategies to counter them.