Truck accidents often result in severe injuries or even fatalities, leaving victims and their families devastated. However, seeking compensation for medical bills, lost pay, and other losses is a daunting task to tackle without legal assistance. An experienced Glastonbury truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue money from the liable party.
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we focus on helping people harmed by the negligent actions of others. Our truck accident lawyers help you pursue the money you need for expenses you didn’t expect. Contact Jainchill & Beckert, LLC for a free consultation about your Glastonbury truck accident case.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Much More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?
A commercial truck weighs as much as 80,000 pounds. Cars and smaller vehicles get the worst of it in a collision with a massive truck.
There are several reasons why truck accidents are more dangerous than car accidents, including:
- Force of impact – Trucks exert more force during a collision due to their greater mass. The car absorbs a significant amount of that force, leading to a higher risk of injury to its occupants.
- Crushing power – Due to their weight and structure, trucks can easily crush smaller vehicles in an accident.
- Greater height – Trucks, particularly 18-wheelers, are much higher off the ground than a typical car. Underride accidents can occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck, often resulting in fatal outcomes.
- Prolonged impact – A huge truck’s momentum can keep it moving forward even after the initial collision, continuing to apply force to the car.
- Increased fire risk – Trucks often carry larger amounts of fuel than typical passenger vehicles, increasing the risk of fuel spillage and subsequent fire or explosion.
What Causes Most Glastonbury Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers are trained and skilled professionals tasked with transporting goods safely and punctually. However, lapses in judgment, inadequate support, or oversight can sometimes result in hazardous situations.
Common reasons for truck accidents in Glastonbury include:
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Cargo-related accidents
- Reckless driving
- Mechanical failure
What Injuries Occur Most Often in Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents stand out as some of the most catastrophic incidents on Glastonbury roadways.
The tremendous force of a commercial truck impact often leads to severe and sometimes life-altering injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, cognitive dysfunction, sensory processing issues, and emotional disturbances.
- Spinal cord injuries – According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), motor vehicle accidents are a top cause of spinal cord injuries. Victims might face partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones – While common in many accidents, broken bones can be especially severe in truck collisions. Given the force involved, bones might shatter rather than break, leading to longer recovery periods and mobility issues.
- Internal bleeding – Truck accidents may cause internal bleeding and lead to organ damage. These injuries need immediate medical care.
- Severe burns – Truck accidents have a higher risk of fire from fuel or a chemical spill from the truck’s cargo. Few people survive extensive third-degree burns – and those who do endure scarring, infections, and long-term physical and psychological trauma.
Do Truck Drivers Have Federal Regulations They Are Supposed to Follow?
Several federal agencies have oversight roles when it comes to trucking and transportation regulations.
These government organizations help protect truck drivers, motorists, pedestrians, and others who share the road:
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – The DOT has considerable regulatory influence overseeing all transportation in the U.S., including trucking.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – The FMCSA is the primary federal agency that regulates and provides oversight for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) across the United States. It is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – The NHTSA is also a DOT agency that focuses on ensuring the safety of motor vehicles and road users.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Glastonbury Truck Collision?
In Connecticut, multiple parties could be potentially accountable for a truck accident. The specific circumstances of the accident will determine who might be liable. A skilled Glastonbury truck accident attorney can identify all at-fault parties.
People who can be held accountable for truck accidents include:
- The trucking company
- The truck driver
- The truck owner
- Cargo loaders or shippers
- Manufacturers
- Maintenance and repair companies
How Do You Prove Who Is At Fault for the Truck Accident?
Proving fault in a truck accident requires a diligent investigation and gathering of evidence.
Having a commercial truck accident attorney by your side is helpful when compiling and reviewing proof such as:
- Police reports
- Digital onboard data
- Traffic surveillance videos
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert testimony
Contact our Glastonbury truck accident lawyer today.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could seek compensation to help pay for past, present, and future losses. An attorney can assess the value of your claim by considering all your accident-related losses.
Losses after a truck accident could include:
- Medical care and treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
How Long Might It Take for a Truck Crash Lawsuit to Settle?
The time it takes to settle a truck crash lawsuit can vary, depending on the case’s complexity. However, insurance companies may offer an inadequate settlement because they know that most people need money quickly. A skilled truck accident lawyer in Glastonbury will help you understand the expected timeline and whether the offered amount is adequate.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Connecticut?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, allows two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. That might sound like plenty of time. But waiting too long jeopardizes your chance to exercise your legal rights.
Contact a Glastonbury Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a truck accident in Glastonbury, seek guidance from a qualified truck accident lawyer. Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can help you through the physical, emotional, and financial burdens you’ll encounter after a truck accident. We’ll stand up to insurance companies to help you demand the money for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering you deserve. Contact Jainchill & Beckert, LLC for a free consultation today.
