We Protect the Rights of Commercial Truck Crash Victims
Commercial trucks are a common sight on the roads and highways of Connecticut. We often drive alongside these massive vehicles without giving it a second thought. That is, until a truck crash happens and your life is disrupted in an instant. About 415,000 commercial truck accidents happened in a single year in the U.S., and a truck accident can happen to you when you least expect it.
Often, the aftermath of a truck accident can be more distressing than the crash itself. These collisions often result in severe injuries to motorists, which can require extensive medical treatment and can cause many limitations in your life. In addition to dealing with your physical impairments and recovery, bills will start mounting and your household may experience financial difficulties due to the accident. It is important to realize that many truck accident victims have the right to take legal action to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
No truck accident case is simple, however, with the right law firm handling your case, it is possible to receive the full amount you deserve for your many losses. The legal team at Polito & Harrington regularly handles complex trucking accident cases and we can evaluate whether you have a claim.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Connecticut?
Often, a semi-truck comes out of nowhere to collide with your car, which can leave you wondering, what caused the truck driver to crash? There are many, many different potential causes of truck crashes and the following are only some examples:
Driver errors – Despite their training and commercial driver’s licenses, truck drivers can make mistakes just like any other driver on the road. They can become distracted, become overly fatigued, or misjudge a turn and lose control. Truck drivers may also make errors in judgment that can put others in danger, such as driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, aggressive driving, or violating traffic laws or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Trucking company errors – In some cases, the cause of a crash can be traced back to the trucking company that owns the truck. Not only may a trucking company be held strictly liable for the negligence of its drivers, but the company itself may engage in negligent hiring, negligent supervision or retention, inadequate inspection and maintenance of trucks, and more. In some cases, companies have been known to even encourage dangerous driver behaviors to increase deliveries and profits.
Truck defects – Sometimes, neither the truck driver nor the trucking company could have prevented the crash. If certain parts of a truck malfunction while it is in motion, a truck driver may lose control. Often, the malfunction occurs due to an inherent defect of the truck part, which can be the fault of the corporation that manufactured that part. In these cases, the manufacturer may be deemed responsible for the truck accident.
Cargo-loading errors – The primary function of large commercial trucks is to haul a wide variety of cargo from one place to another. There are specific requirements for loading and securing cargo based on the type of cargo in question. Livestock will have very different requirements from produce, for example. The team that loads the truck should be familiar with the necessary cargo-loading procedures. If they make an error, the cargo can come loose or fall off-balance and cause the driver to lose control.
As you can see, there are many possible causes of your truck accident and several different parties that may be held liable for your losses. Determining what – and who – caused a crash is critical to any legal claim and you need a law firm that has the resources to fully investigate a crash if needed to determine liability.
A Truck Accident Can Change Your Life
Some truck accident victims may struggle with the effects of their injuries for the rest of their lives. Even if your injuries do eventually heal, the accident can still significantly change your life for an extended period of time. Many truck accident injuries require the following:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization, surgery, or other ongoing treatment
- Time away from work as part of your recovery plan or due to injury-related impairments
- A possible change in jobs due to lasting impairments
- Altering your regular activities and enjoyment of life
The above can all result in a pile of costly medical bills, as well as lost income. Together, these can cause overwhelming financial stress.
Many injuries cause serious pain and suffering for victims in addition to financial losses. Because truck accidents can be such frightening events, some victims even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a phobia of driving, or anxiety disorders. The mental and emotional effects of a truck accident on your life should never be discounted.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injury-Related Losses
- Identifying any liable parties
- Determining the extent of your past and future losses
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Filing an insurance claim with the negligent party’s insurer
- Handling all communications with the insurance adjuster
- Reviewing every settlement offer to determine whether it is sufficient to cover your losses
- Negotiating a higher offer when needed
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party or parties if an insurance settlement is inadequate
- Engaging in settlement negotiations throughout the litigation process
- Representing you at trial when necessary
Consult with a Norwich Trucking Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If you are dealing with severe injuries from a truck accident, the last thing you want to do is think about the complexities of a legal claim. The truck accident law firm of Polito & Harrington is here to help clients like you. We understand every aspect of the legal process and regularly take on trucking companies and their insurers. Contact us online or call 860-447-3300 to learn more about your legal rights.
