Did you suffer severe injuries in a truck accident due to no fault of your own? At Jainchill & Beckert, our Bristol truck accident lawyers know how to protect the rights of injury victims and help them seek the money they need to rebuild their lives.
Our Bristol truck accident law firm has the resources and extensive experience to recover maximum compensation and deliver unparalleled results for our clients. Just look at what some of our past clients have to say about our dedication to providing high-quality, responsive legal representation.
Ready to demand the justice and compensation you deserve? Then, contact our office and arrange a free case review to discuss your Bristol truck accident case.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Bristol?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates driver error remains the leading cause of most commercial truck accidents in the United States. Although long, lonely stretches of roadway can make driving tedious and tiring, truck drivers must stay vigilant and always pay attention to their surroundings to protect themselves. When they fail to do so, they put everyone on the road in danger.
Some of the most common truck driver errors that lead to Bristol truck accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving, such as texting while at the wheel
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue or drowsy driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Poor driver training
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to obey traffic laws
- Unsafe lane changes
- Aggressive driving behaviors
Other leading causes of accidents include mechanical defects, poor cargo loading practices, and inclement weather conditions.
What Types of Injuries Can Result from a Truck Accident?
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is almost 40 times what a passenger vehicle weighs. Given that size differential, it’s little surprise that 83 percent of those killed in large-truck collisions are pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. Survivors of these devastating accidents tend to suffer significant and life-altering physical injuries, some of which cause life-long disability or medical complications.
The injuries that can result from a Bristol truck collision can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Other neck and spine injuries
- Whiplash
- Amputations
- Dislocations
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Thermal burns
- Chemical burns
- Abrasions
- Contusions
- Lacerations
Not all truck accident injuries leave visible scars. Many accident victims suffer depression and anxiety due to the nature of their physical injuries and the trauma of being in a terrifying accident. Some people can also suffer post-traumatic stress disorder following a crash.
Who Can Be Held At Fault for My Bristol Truck Accident?
While the truck driver might be most directly at fault for an accident, they may not be the only liable party.
Other entities that can potentially be wholly or partially liable for causing a commercial truck accident in Bristol include:
- The trucking company
- The truck or parts manufacturer
- The cargo loading company
There may be additional third parties that are liable as well. It takes a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to establish who’s to blame and who can be held accountable. Our Bristol truck accident attorney is here to assist.
What Sorts of Evidence Can Be Used in My Bristol Truck Accident Case?
Solid evidence is the only way to prove who’s liable for a truck accident in Bristol and put a dollar value on the harm they’ve done.
Truck accident evidence could include the following:
- Police report
- Back box data
- Hours of service logs
- Dash camera video
- Cargo loading manifests
- Safety inspection reports
- Driver background
- Cellular phone data
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Expert witness testimony
The problem with gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability is that much of it is trucking company property and will not get handed over to an accident victim without some form of legal intervention.
An experienced and knowledgeable truck accident attorney serving the Bristol area can investigate the accident, identify valuable evidence, and draft letters of spoliation to prevent that evidence from being lost or destroyed.
What Steps Should You Take If You Have Been Involved in a Truck Accident?
There is no question that a truck accident can be an overwhelming and frightening event. However, keeping as level a head as possible is important, as your actions following a collision can affect your compensation claim later.
The following are some steps that can help you protect yourself and lay the groundwork for a strong truck accident injury claim:
- Contact authorities and report the accident.
- If possible, document the accident scene with photographs and videos.
- Exchange information with the driver and ask witnesses for a statement and their contact information.
- Seek prompt medical treatment for your injuries.
- Keep track of all medical expenses, repair bills, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Never post anything on social media until your case gets resolved.
Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, seek help from an experienced Bristol truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Ask for a free consultation, and be sure to bring whatever evidence you have with you to your meeting.
Can I Seek Compensation for My Injuries and Damages from the Bristol Truck Crash?
If someone else caused the truck accident that injured you, you can hold that party financially liable for the consequences by demanding money (also known as damages) for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Don’t make the mistake of pursuing your claim on your own, as trucking companies have deep pockets and experienced legal teams. Level the playing field by getting legal help of your own.
Does Connecticut Have a Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Connecticut law gives accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to compensation. By reaching out to a skilled attorney immediately, they can take the time to conduct a thorough investigation and file all necessary paperwork to protect your rights.
Contact a Bristol, CT, Truck Accident Lawyer
The Bristol, CT truck accident lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert have more than 55 years of combined legal experience to put to work on your behalf. We can evaluate your case, advise you on your options, and fight to protect your legal rights. Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation case review.
