Connecticut Truck Accident Lawyers

U.S. highways are the backbone of interstate freight transportation. Thousands of tractor-trailers travel millions of miles every year to bring products to consumers. Almost daily, the news reports an accident involving a tractor-trailer, usually involving other motorists. No one has a chance of being in a collision with a large truck. In addition to causing substantial property damage, the injuries sustained in a truck accident can range from catastrophic to deadly.

Nationwide, a person is seriously injured or killed every 16 minutes in a truck accident. When these accidents involve tractor-trailers, 98 percent of the fatalities occur in individuals in the passenger vehicle. In Connecticut, finding a reliable truck accident lawyer is crucial. Our Connecticut truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC will support you during this challenging time.

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen in Connecticut?

Most professional truck operators are excellent drivers. Some participate in continuing driver education throughout their careers because they realize their added obligations to safety when operating a 16-wheel tractor-trailer on our country’s highways and byways.

Unfortunately, there are exceptions to these men and women who are dedicated to safety on the road. Some drivers are not properly trained, and some are not even licensed correctly. Others drive improperly maintained vehicles, leading to equipment malfunctions and failures. Some drive fatigued, in violation of state laws, to make an extra buck. Sometimes, even good drivers working in poor conditions can result in serious injury or death.

Semi-truck drivers and the companies they work for have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. When some put profit before people, we are all in danger. Unsafe driving, oversized loads, and other negligent practices put the public and truck operators in serious danger.

What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include whiplash and other neck injuries, which can occur due to sudden jerking movements upon impact. Back injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord damage, are also prevalent and can lead to long-term pain and disability. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another serious concern, often caused by the force of the collision or objects striking the head during the accident. Additionally, fractures, lacerations, internal injuries, and psychological trauma are common in truck accidents.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Connecticut?

Here are some essential steps to take after a truck accident in Connecticut:

• Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights.
• Assess yourself and others for injuries; seek medical help if needed.
• Report the accident to law enforcement and request medical assistance.
• Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the truck driver and witnesses.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including damages and road conditions.
• Note the truck’s license plate number, company name, and driver’s information.
• Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the scene; stick to factual information.
• Inform your insurance company about the accident immediately.
• Consult with a truck accident lawyer to understand your rights and options for compensation.

Can I Receive Compensation for a Connecticut Truck Accident?

Compensation for a truck accident typically covers various aspects of the damages. This can include reimbursement for medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medication, therapy, and future medical needs related to the accident. Additionally, compensation often includes lost wages or income if the victim cannot work due to injuries. Property damage, including repairs or replacement of the vehicle involved in the accident, is also factored into compensation. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are non-economic damages that may also be compensated. In cases of extreme negligence or wrongful death, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

Connecticut’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident is generally two years from the accident date. This timeframe applies to the truck accident’s personal injury and property damage claims. It is important to note that if the claim is not filed within this two-year window, the court may dismiss the case, and you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

Who Is Responsible for Truck Accidents?

Determining liability in truck accidents can be complex and often involves multiple parties. The primary parties that may be held liable for a truck accident include:

• Truck driver: The truck driver can be held liable if their negligence or recklessness contributed to the accident. This may include actions such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws.
• Trucking company: The company that owns the truck and employs the driver may also share liability. This can occur if the company fails to properly train the driver, enforce safety regulations, conduct regular vehicle maintenance, or monitor driver hours to prevent fatigue.
• Third parties: Other entities or individuals, such as cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or manufacturers of defective truck parts, may also be liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.

Consulting with a skilled truck accident lawyer is crucial for identifying all liable parties.

Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

A complex truck accident case requires thorough investigation, expert witness opinions, and creative use of discovery procedures after the truck accident lawsuit is filed. Prompt investigation of the accident scene is important; swift action is what experienced truck accident law firms provide. The trucking company will have a team of investigators dispatched immediately.

You need investigators on your side from the very beginning. Our firm’s in-house team of investigators, which includes several former State Troopers, routinely visits accident scenes and takes photographs of physical evidence. Skid marks, yaw marks, accident debris, gouge marks, and oil, gas, and radiator fluid stains can disappear quickly after an accident. The sooner you engage a truck accident lawyer to represent you, the sooner we can act to obtain and preserve critical evidence.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC

If you have been injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you know how frightening the experience can be. The Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy LLC, with our extensive experience and deep understanding of truck accident cases, can guide you through the claim process. This allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries, knowing that your case is in the hands of professionals. We will handle all interactions with the trucking company and insurance companies.

Experience counts when you hire a truck accident attorney to handle your personal injury case. Truck drivers and their companies must comply with many federal and state laws and regulations that do not apply to ordinary motorists. These laws and regulations govern maintenance and inspection procedures, licensing and driver qualifications, hours of service, and much more.

Facing the dire results of a truck accident without legal representation can be frightening. Commercial truck accidents result in thousands of injuries and deaths on our nation’s roadways every year. Due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheeler tractor-trailers, there is no such thing as a minor truck accident. Motorists and passengers, as well as the drivers of the semi-trucks involved, are often catastrophically injured because of insufficient maintenance, poor training, or FMCSA violations.

Contact us today to learn how we can protect your interests when you are up against the money and power of a big trucking company. You can turn to our Connecticut truck accident lawyers for advice about your legal issues.

Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident? Contact Our Connecticut Truck Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Connecticut or need legal advice regarding your rights and options, do not hesitate to contact a truck accident lawyer today. Your time to file a claim is limited, so act now to protect your interests. Call 860-872-7741 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC. Located in Vernon, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut, we serve clients in Tolland County, New Haven County, and Hartford County.