Colorado highways are constantly busy with commercial vehicles moving products across state lines. From I-70 to I-25, it’s not unusual to share the road with trucks bearing license plates from Texas, California, or even the East Coast. Unfortunately, when one of those trucks causes a serious accident, the injured party is often left wondering how to pursue compensation, especially when the trucking company isn’t based in Colorado. 

Filing a claim against an out-of-state trucking company can be more involved than a typical car accident case. These companies often have legal departments, aggressive insurance carriers, and policies designed to reduce financial exposure. Their headquarters may be hundreds of miles away, and the drivers they employ could be under contracts that include multiple layers of liability shielding. 

All of this can feel overwhelming when you’re recovering from a serious injury. However, Colorado law gives you the right to seek justice when a crash occurs within the state, even if the business responsible is based elsewhere.

Can I File My Claim in Colorado?

Yes, if the accident happened in Colorado, you generally have the legal right to file your injury claim here, even if the trucking company’s main office is across the country. That’s because the company, by operating vehicles on Colorado roads, is subject to what’s called “personal jurisdiction” in the state. That means you can file a civil lawsuit in a Colorado court. You don’t need to travel to another state or work through an unfamiliar legal system. But doing so requires thorough preparation and legal skill, especially when the defendant is a well-funded out-of-state company. 

The process typically begins by filing an insurance claim with the trucking company’s commercial carrier. These policies usually carry high liability limits, which is good news for injury victims, but it also means those insurers will fight harder to minimize payouts. If negotiations stall, the next step is filing a formal lawsuit in the appropriate court.

Steps to Take When Filing Against an Out-of-State Trucking Company

The most important thing you can do after a crash is protect your legal interests. These types of cases are often won or lost based on early actions taken at the scene and in the days following the accident. Here’s what you should do as soon as possible:

• Contact law enforcement and get an official accident report
• Take photographs of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and your injuries
• Seek immediate medical treatment and keep all related records
• Identify the trucking company, USDOT number, and any trailer information
• Avoid giving recorded statements to any insurance company without legal advice

Once these items are secured, your attorney can begin building your case. This includes sending out preservation letters to the trucking company, which require them to keep logs, dashcam footage, inspection reports, and other key evidence. A good attorney will also investigate the driver’s qualifications, the company’s safety history, and whether any federal trucking regulations were violated. Our truck accident attorneys know how to pursue justice even when the responsible company is operating from another state.

Proving Negligence and Building a Strong Case

To win your claim, you must show that the trucking company or driver was negligent and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Negligence in truck accident cases often looks different than in a simple fender-bender. Here are some of the most common forms of negligence we see in cases involving out-of-state trucking companies:

• Driver fatigue: Drivers may violate federal Hours of Service rules to meet unrealistic deadlines.
• Poor maintenance: Some companies cut corners on inspections and repairs, leading to brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems.
• Unqualified drivers: The company may have hired someone without a proper background check or commercial driving license.
• Overloaded or unsecured cargo: Improper loading can cause loss of control or shifting weight, increasing the danger of rollovers or jackknifing.

Establishing liability requires documentation, expert analysis, and knowledge of both Colorado and federal trucking laws. Your legal team will examine records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), review the black box data from the truck, and consult industry experts to determine if the company or driver acted recklessly.

Call Bell & Pollock if You’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident

When the at-fault party is a large out-of-state corporation, you’re not just dealing with a routine injury claim; you’re dealing with an entity that has a vested interest in reducing financial responsibility. Many of these companies have insurance policies that range into the millions of dollars. Their adjusters and legal teams are trained to challenge every detail of your claim. They may argue that:

• You were partially at fault
• Your injuries aren’t as severe as reported
• The accident was caused by a third party
• The case should be moved to a court in their home state

This is why it’s essential to work with a law firm that’s experienced in holding large trucking companies accountable, no matter where they’re based. At Bell & Pollock, we’ve represented countless Colorado residents injured by negligent drivers operating under national and regional carriers. We’re familiar with the legal strategies used by these companies and we know how to fight back.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by an out-of-state company, don’t leave your recovery to chance. These claims are high-stakes and time-sensitive. Let us help you protect your rights, investigate the company’s actions, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward holding them accountable.