
Personal Injury Lawyer Thornton | Adams County Experts
It’s More Than Money—It’s About Helping You Rebuild Your Life
You didn’t expect the crash on I-25 during your morning commute. You certainly didn’t plan for the confusion that followed—the insurance calls, the medical bills from North Suburban Medical Center, the worry about missing work and paying rent.
We know what you’re going through, because we’ve walked this path with hundreds of Thornton families. From Signal Creek to Thornton City Center, we help injured neighbors cut through the chaos and secure the compensation they deserve—so they can focus on healing.At Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, we don’t just practice law. We stand up to insurance companies that try to minimize your pain. As a personal injury law firm in the Denver Metro area, we fight for justice in the Adams County courts. And we do it with honesty, transparency, and care—because you’re not just a case file. You’re a person who deserves to be heard and helped.
Get Your Free Case Consultation. No upfront fees. We only get paid if you win.
Why Thornton Families Trust Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

We Navigate the “North Suburban” Billing Maze
One of the biggest frustrations our clients face isn’t just the accident—it’s what comes in the mail afterward.
If you were treated at North Suburban Medical Center on Grant St., you might receive two separate bills: one from the hospital (the “Facility Fee”) and another from a third-party physician group like US Acute Care Solutions (the “Provider Fee”). Even if the hospital is in your insurance network, the doctor might not be—leaving you with a surprise bill months later.
Insurance adjusters know this. They’ll try to downplay these separate costs or claim they’re “not related” to your accident, hoping to reduce your settlement. We know this administrative maze inside and out. We ensure every bill—hospital, provider, imaging, ambulance—is accounted for and included in your claim. You shouldn’t be left holding the bag for costs that weren’t your fault.
We Handle the Adams County Court System
Thornton falls under the 17th Judicial District, which means your case is processed at the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton—about 20 minutes north of Thornton proper. This is one of the busiest court dockets in Colorado, with civil trial dates often set 12 to 18 months out.
Many firms let cases sit in “administrative limbo,” waiting passively for hearing dates. We don’t. Our trial-tested team knows how to push your case forward, work with court schedules, and keep the pressure on. We’ve secured millions in verdicts and settlements across Colorado—including right here in Adams County—because we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That preparation gives us leverage at the negotiation table.
Deep Roots in the Thornton Community
We’re not a “Denver firm” with a billboard on I-25. We’re neighbors. We know the Friday night lights at Horizon High School and Thornton High School. We’ve walked the trails at Margaret Carpenter Park. We understand the mix of longtime residents in North Hill and growing families in Heritage Todd Creek.
When you work with us, you’re working with a firm that genuinely cares about this community—and fights relentlessly for the people who live here.
High-Risk Accident Zones in Thornton: Where We See the Most Crashes
Our accident reconstruction experts have analyzed crash patterns across Thornton. If your accident happened in one of these high-risk zones, local knowledge is critical for proving liability and securing full compensation.
1. The “Construction Gap” on 120th Avenue
Neighborhood: Northcross / Thorncreek
Intersections: 120th & Colorado Blvd / 120th & Washington St.
The stretch of 120th Avenue near the Target and Home Depot shopping complex has become one of the most dangerous corridors in Thornton. Construction zones create shifting lanes, sudden stops, and confused traffic patterns. Rear-end and sideswipe collisions are common here.
Why this matters for your case: Liability in construction zones often hinges on whether proper signage was posted and whether the other driver failed to adjust their speed. Colorado saw a 94% increase in construction zone fatalities in 2024. We investigate the scene, review construction permits, and hold negligent drivers accountable.
2. “Sun-Blindness” on 104th Avenue
Neighborhood: Thornton City Center
Intersection: Washington St. & 104th Ave.
Heading eastbound on 104th Avenue in the morning creates a dangerous glare that blinds drivers—especially near North Suburban Medical Center. This leads to multi-vehicle pileups when drivers can’t see stopped traffic ahead.
Why this matters for your case: Insurance companies often call sun glare an “Act of God” to deny claims. We know how to prove that a reasonable driver should have slowed down, used their visor, or increased following distance. We hold them accountable for rear-end collisions caused by their failure to drive safely for the conditions.
3. Black Ice on the Overpasses
Neighborhood: Hunters Glen / Signal Creek
Locations: Thornton Parkway & 128th Avenue overpasses
The bridges and overpasses on Thornton Parkway and 128th Avenue freeze long before the rest of the road. We see frequent multi-car pileups here during the winter months when black ice catches drivers off guard.
Why this matters for your case: We secure meteorological data, road maintenance logs, and accident reconstruction analysis to prove that conditions were unsafe and the other driver was traveling too fast for conditions. Colorado’s winter roads are unforgiving—and drivers have a duty to adjust.
4. The I-25 Express Lane Maze at 84th Avenue
Neighborhood: South Thornton
Location: I-25 Express Lane entrances/exits near 84th Ave.
The entrance and exit points for the I-25 Express Lanes near 84th Avenue confuse even experienced drivers. Illegal lane changes across the double white lines cause dangerous high-speed sideswipes.
Why this matters for your case: Crossing the double white line is a traffic violation under Colorado law. We treat this as “Negligence Per Se”—meaning the driver violated a safety statute designed to prevent exactly this type of accident. This significantly strengthens your case.
5. School Zone Chaos at 128th & Holly
Neighborhood: Eastlake
Intersection: 128th Ave. & Holly St.
The area around Horizon High School sees heavy traffic during morning and afternoon rush hours. T-bone accidents are common here, often involving inexperienced teen drivers mixing with commuter traffic.
Why this matters for your case: School zones carry heightened duties of care. We investigate whether speed limits were obeyed, whether stop signs were run, and whether distracted driving played a role.
Our Practice Areas in Thornton, CO
Car Accident Lawyers
Whether it’s a high-speed collision on I-25, a T-bone crash at 128th & Holly, or a fender-bender in the Denver Premium Outlets parking lot, we handle every type of car accident case. We fight for full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, property damage, and diminished vehicle value.
Truck Accident Attorneys
Thornton serves as a major logistics corridor, with heavy truck traffic from the Amazon Fulfillment Center (DEN3) and distribution hubs along Washington Street. Semi-truck accidents aren’t just “big car accidents”—they involve federal regulations, electronic logging data, and corporate defendants. We move fast to preserve the “black box” data before trucking companies destroy it.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Colorado’s beautiful roads attract riders, but they also attract distracted drivers. If you were hit while riding through Thornton, we understand the unique dynamics of motorcycle crashes—and we know how to fight the bias that insurance companies have against riders.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability Attorneys
Thornton winters are brutal. Property owners in commercial areas like Larkridge Shopping Center and residential neighborhoods like North Creek Farms have a legal duty to mitigate ice and snow hazards within a reasonable time. If you slipped on an untreated sidewalk, a wet floor in a business, or an unsafe stairwell, we can help you hold the property owner accountable.
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is devastating. We handle wrongful death claims with compassion, dignity, and relentless advocacy. Colorado law allows certain family members to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship. We help families navigate this painful process while fighting for justice.
Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Uber and Lyft accidents involve complex insurance coverage issues. Depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, en route to a pickup, or carrying a passenger, different insurance policies apply. We sort through the confusion and pursue all available coverage.
Serving Thornton & Surrounding Adams County Communities
We proudly represent injured neighbors throughout:
- Signal Creek
- Hunters Glen
- Thorncreek
- North Creek Farms
- Heritage Todd Creek
- Bradburn
- Thornton City Center
- North Hill
- Lambertson Lakes
- Eastlake
- Larkridge
- Welby
Directions from Thornton to Our Denver Office:
We’re located in Denver, just a short drive south via I-25 or Washington Street. Free parking available. Virtual consultations are also offered for your convenience.
You’re Hurt. Confused. Scared. We Have Your Back.
You didn’t ask for this. You were just driving to work, walking across a parking lot, or heading home to your family. Now you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, insurance adjusters who don’t seem to care, and a legal system that feels overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
At Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, we stand up to insurance companies that try to minimize your pain. We fight for justice in the Adams County courts. And we do it with honesty, integrity, and genuine care—because it’s more than money. It’s about helping you put your life back together.
If you’ve been injured in Thornton—from Signal Creek to Bradburn, from Hunters Glen to Welby—don’t face the insurance giants alone. Let us handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing. Contact Us Today for a Free Case Consultation
No fees unless we win. Trial-tested. People-first.
Frequently Asked Questions (Thornton & Adams County)
I was treated at North Suburban Medical Center. Why am I getting bills from doctors I never met?
This is extremely common in Thornton. Emergency rooms often contract with third-party physician groups like US Acute Care Solutions. Even if the hospital is “in-network” with your insurance, the doctor might not be—leaving you with a surprise “balance bill.”
insurance, the doctor might not be—leaving you with a surprise “balance bill.”
We help sort through this confusion, negotiate with billing departments, and ensure your settlement covers all costs—not just the ones the insurance adjuster wants to acknowledge.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n), you generally have three years to file a lawsuit for motor vehicle accidents. For other personal injury claims (like slip and fall), you have two years under C.R.S. § 13-80-102.
But waiting is risky. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move. Traffic camera footage from intersections like Washington St. & 120th Ave. may be overwritten within weeks. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Colorado follows a “Modified Comparative Negligence” rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages—but your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, If your damages are $100,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you’d recover $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce their payout. We fight to minimize your liability and maximize your recovery.
Do I have to go to court in Thornton?
For personal injury lawsuits, no. Thornton has a municipal court for traffic tickets and city ordinance violations, but personal injury cases are filed in Adams County District Court at the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton (about 20 minutes north). Most cases settle before trial, but if yours goes to trial, it will be heard there.
How much does it cost to hire Cheney Galluzzi & Howard?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no surprise bills. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t owe us anything.
