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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
Choosing the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case, and Matlin Injury Law brings deep experience in Colorado personal injury law with a focused practice handling accidents involving commercial and delivery vehicles. Our team understands Colorado’s specific traffic laws and the nuances of local jurisdictions, allowing us to build cases with precision, while our client-centered communication ensures you are never treated like just a case number and are always kept informed about the status of your claim. We provide aggressive advocacy against large insurance companies and corporate legal teams by building strong, evidence-based cases designed to hold negligent parties accountable, and our proven history of favorable settlements and verdicts helps our clients secure the financial resources they need to recover and move forward.
Understanding Delivery Truck Accidents in Colorado
A delivery truck accident involves any commercial vehicle used to transport goods. This includes everything from heavy-duty semi-trucks to smaller delivery vans. These accidents present different challenges than standard passenger vehicle collisions.
First, multiple parties may share liability. This includes the driver, the delivery company, or the vehicle owner. Second, insurance policies often cover commercial vehicles with high limits. Consequently, insurance companies will fight harder to minimize or deny your claim. Finally, delivery drivers often face intense pressure to meet strict deadlines. This can lead to risky behaviors on the road.
Handling the Legal Process
After a delivery truck accident, the legal process begins with a thorough investigation. This involves gathering evidence such as police reports and witness statements. We also collect photos of the scene and “black box” data from the delivery vehicle. Our team examines the driver’s logs and the company’s maintenance records to identify safety violations.
Dealing with insurance adjusters is another important phase. Corporate insurers often use tactics to get victims to settle quickly for a low amount. We handle all negotiations to protect your interests. Furthermore, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, the court will reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault.
Evaluating Your Claim
Every delivery truck accident case is unique. When we evaluate your claim, we look at the severity of your injuries. We also consider the clarity of liability and the available insurance coverage. A strong case is built on a foundation of solid evidence. This includes comprehensive medical records that link your injuries directly to the crash.
At Matlin Injury Law, we support our clients by handling the heavy lifting of the legal process. This allows you to focus on healing. We work with medical experts and accident reconstructionists. Our team works to see that every aspect of your loss is accounted for. Our proven track record of results demonstrates our commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice
You do not have to face the aftermath of a delivery truck accident alone. The legal team at Matlin Injury Law is ready to provide the guidance and advocacy you need. We understand the tactics delivery companies use to avoid responsibility. Our firm is committed to fighting for the rights of injured Coloradans.
If you are ready to discuss your case and explore your legal options, contact us today.
Call Matlin Injury Law at (303) 854-6078 for a free consultation.
FAQs
Who is responsible for my delivery truck accident?
Liability in a delivery truck accident depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer can often be held liable for an employee’s negligent actions. However, if the driver is an independent contractor, the delivery company may attempt to distance itself from responsibility. Other potentially liable parties include the manufacturer of a defective part. A third-party maintenance company might also be responsible if it failed to keep the vehicle in safe working order.
What are the most common causes of delivery van crashes in Colorado?
Delivery accidents often stem from the unique pressures of the industry. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers checking GPS devices or delivery apps while moving.
- Fatigue: Long shifts and demanding schedules leading to driver exhaustion.
- Improper Parking: Delivery vans stopping in hazardous locations or blocking traffic flow.
- Speeding: Drivers rushing to meet delivery quotas.
- Inadequate Training: Companies putting inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles.
These factors are similar to those found in other truck accidents in Colorado, where driver negligence and corporate pressure create dangerous conditions on the road.
Can I sue the delivery company if the driver was a contractor?
This is one of the most contested areas of delivery accident law. Companies like Amazon frequently use independent contractors to shield themselves from liability. However, you may still have a valid claim against the parent corporation. This applies if the company exercised significant control over the driver’s work. It also applies if they were negligent in hiring or supervising the contractor. Understanding liability in commercial vehicle accidents is critical to building a strong case.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
Victims of delivery truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For cases filed on or after January 1, 2025, Colorado law generally caps non-economic damages at $1.5 million (under HB 24-1472).
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed, family members may seek compensation for funeral costs and other damages.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for most motor vehicle accident claims is three years. However, if the accident involved a government-owned vehicle, you must act faster. You must file a formal notice of claim within 182 days. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to help meet all deadlines.
What happens if the delivery driver was speeding to meet a deadline?
If a driver was speeding due to unreasonable delivery quotas, the company could be held liable. You can pursue these direct negligence claims against an employer. This applies even if they admit they are vicariously liable for the driver’s actions. This evidence can be powerful in demonstrating that the company’s policies directly contributed to the accident. Learn more about how fault is determined in a car accident.
Do I really need a lawyer for a delivery truck accident?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, taking on a large corporation alone is difficult. An experienced attorney understands the regulations governing commercial vehicles. These include Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. Our legal team knows how to uncover evidence that a layperson might miss. Learn more about why you should hire a lawyer for a truck accident.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to go to trial. Our goal is always to achieve a favorable outcome for you. We pursue this through negotiation or litigation. Understanding the truck accident lawsuit process can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
How much does it cost to hire Matlin Injury Law?
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about the cost of legal representation. Learn more about how your personal injury lawyer gets paid.
