Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterford, CT

Many common causes of truck accidents in Waterford can lead to preventable wrecks and injuries. From driver fatigue or impairment to excess speed or other risk factors, a skilled lawyer is imperative to the claim process.

If a truck driver’s negligence has caused injury to you or a loved one, an experienced truck accident attorney at Polito & Harrington LLC is available to help.

What Is Truck Driver Negligence?

Many Waterford truck accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver, including the following common examples.

Fatigued Driving

Truck drivers can become dangerously drowsy after driving for long hours. In response, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implemented hours of service regulations. Exhaustion behind the wheel comes with its own forms of impairment that can lead to fatal accidents.

Excess Speed

Speed that exceeds the posted speed limit or is too fast for conditions often causes deadly accidents. When truck drivers speed, they are far more likely to cause fatal crashes.

Not only does driving too fast reduce the amount of time truck drivers have to react—it also increases their stopping distances. This is especially concerning because trucks already require much longer stopping distances than passenger cars do.

Impaired Driving

No one driving an 80,000-pound truck should be impaired by alcohol or drugs, and the government has strict guidelines for truck drivers. Alcohol can have many dangerous effects, including the following:

  • Diminished physical coordination
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Challenges associated with decision-making
  • Vision disturbances
  • Increased impulsivity
  • Bad judgment

Risk Factors Experienced by Truck Drivers

In addition to requiring much longer stopping distances, truckers experience large blind spots all the way around their trucks. This means they must take all necessary precautions before changing lanes or leaving the road. Failing to do so is a common cause of truck accidents.

Truck drivers are also more susceptible to the dangers associated with bad weather. And because their trucks are hinged and have a higher profile, they are at greater risk of rolling over. Finally, drivers who pull trailers, including commercial truck drivers, risk jackknifing and putting everyone in their path at risk of an accident..

Trucking Company Liability

Some Waterford trucking companies cut safety corners in their efforts to increase profits, and in these cases, the accidents caused are directly attributable to their negligence.

The companies that employ truckers bear a significant amount of responsibility when it comes to safety, including the following:

  • Hiring qualified truck drivers
  • Implementing practices that adhere to federal safety standards
  • Keeping their trucks in safe working order
  • Requiring regular maintenance and safety checks
  • Conducting proper drug and alcohol testing on drivers

Fault for the accident can lie with the trucking company, the truck driver, or usually both. Regardless, you will likely file your claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider.

Building a Strong Truck Accident Claim

To move beyond the injuries you sustain in a truck accident, you will need to bring a strong truck accident claim. While your claim will be uniquely your own, the following steps can benefit anyone in your difficult situation:

  • Seek immediate medical attention even if you do not think you were seriously injured in the accident
  • Reach out for the professional legal representation of a skilled truck accident lawyer from the start—the sooner, the better
  • Carefully follow your medical team’s guidance
  • Keep in mind that the insurance company is driven by profits, which means it will twist your words to its own benefit whenever possible
  • Leave all insurance communications and negotiations to your truck accident lawyer

With knowledge of all the common causes of these crashes, your Waterford attorney could help guide you through the necessary steps to bring a strong truck accident claim.

Contact Our Waterford Attorney To Discuss the Common Causes of Truck Wrecks

The common causes of truck accidents in Waterford play an important role in the legal process. If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured in a truck accident, our attorneys at Polito & Harrington LLC appreciate the challenges you face and could explore all your options. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today.

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