Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that change victims’ lives forever. If you suffered injuries in a crash someone else caused, you need aggressive legal representation to hold every negligent party accountable. A New Britain truck accident lawyer from Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can help.
Our Connecticut truck accident law firm has over 55 years of combined experience helping individuals recover maximum compensation after sustaining injuries in tractor-trailer crashes and other accidents. We will fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation and nothing to lose.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in New Britain?
Commercial trucks involved in crashes resulting in injuries or death must report the accident to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the government agency that regulates trucks. In addition, Connecticut law requires all collisions to be reported within five days. However, you should call the police to the accident scene regardless of whether you feel hurt. This protects your health and any future personal injury claim you need to file.
After a truck accident, you should:
- Take photos of the vehicle damage, your injuries, and accident scene conditions.
- Collect the insurance information from every driver.
- Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Decline making a recorded statement to the insurance company until you have consulted a lawyer.
- Contact a New Britain truck accident attorney to review your legal options.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Severe Than Car Accidents?
Truck accidents tend to be much more destructive than car crashes due to the massive size and weight of commercial motor vehicles. Big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making the impact of any crash more violent. In addition, trucks need more time and distance to brake. This can cause problems in heavy traffic or when truckers are reckless or inattentive.
Other factors unique to truck accidents also relate to size and weight. The high clearance of tractor-trailers can lead to underride crashes if they are not fitted with the required rear guards. Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo could result in freight falling off the truck, leaving obstacles in the road or landing on nearby vehicles.
What Are Different Types of Truck Accidents?
There are many different types of truck crashes, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rollover crashes
- Underride collisions
- Override collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Blind spot crashes
What Are Causes of New Britain Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents occur for many of the same reasons auto accidents do, such as drunk driving or speeding.
Other causes are more specific to commercial truck accidents, such as:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Hours-of-service violations
- Negligent hiring practices by trucking companies
- Improper maintenance
- Improper loading
- Part or system malfunctions
A knowledgeable New Britain truck accident attorney will investigate the crash that injured you to ensure all parties are held accountable for their role in causing the wreck.
What Are Common Injuries From a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries such as:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Facial fractures and disfigurement
- Burns
Who Can Be Held Liable in a New Britain Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are often complex legal claims with multiple liable parties.
Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties could be held responsible for your truck crash injuries:
- The truck driver
- Trucking company
- Parts manufacturers
- Loading company
- Maintenance company
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
What is the “Black Box,” and How Can It Help My Case?
Most commercial trucks have an onboard event data recorder, or “black box,” to capture data like speed, brake application, following distance, and other operational factors. This objective data can prove crucial in determining the cause of the accident and which parties are at fault. Contact our New Britain truck accident lawyer today.
Do Truck Drivers Have Federal Regulations They Must Follow?
The trucking industry must adhere to extensive regulations from FMCSA and other agencies designed to reduce truck crashes and promote public safety. Regulations cover:
- Driver qualifications
- Driver training
- Supervision
- Truck maintenance
- Truck inspections
- Load limits
- Hours of service
- Recordkeeping
If violations of these regulations contributed to your crash injuries, your attorney will identify them and address them in your truck accident claim.
What Compensation Could I Receive in a Truck Accident Claim?
Compensation available in a New Britain truck accident claim can include money for the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut law gives accident victims a limited time to file a truck accident lawsuit. For personal injury claims, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action. Some exceptions may shorten or extend the deadline, so consulting a lawyer about the timeline for your circumstances is crucial. If you miss the filing deadline, you may be ineligible to seek compensation through the courts.
Are There Precautions I Can Take to Avoid a Truck Accident?
While trucks pose inherent hazards to passenger motorists, there are defensive driving precautions you can take to help avoid a collision:
- Maintain a safe following distance behind trucks. Trucks need much more time to slow down and stop.
- Avoid a truck’s blind spots. Never drive alongside a truck for an extended time.
- Avoid distractions and stay alert around tractor-trailers.
- Make sure to maintain your vehicle on schedule.
- Adjust your driving to suit weather and road conditions.
Even when you drive defensively, nothing can fully shield you from the negligent actions of another. That’s when you need help from an experienced truck accident attorney.
Contact a New Britain Truck Accident Lawyer
The dedicated New Britain truck accident attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC are passionate about fighting injured people. We will protect your rights throughout the legal process. Call us today or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Contact our New Britain personal injury attorney today.
