If you were injured in a truck accident at little to no fault of your own, you should not wait to seek help from a personal injury attorney. Chances are you are entitled to significant legal compensation for your medical bills, damage to your vehicle, pain, suffering, and more. However, the legal road toward compensation can be complex, especially when fighting against large trucking companies and their insurers. Contact one of our Hartford truck accident lawyers today.
We have some of the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Hartford
At Jainchill & Beckert, our Hartford truck accident lawyers have the skill and experience needed to handle even the most complex personal injury cases and aggressive defendants. We are committed to helping injury victims throughout Connecticut secure the full compensation they deserve for accidents they did not cause. Contact us today to learn about your legal rights and options in a free case review. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hartford?
Truck accidents are some of the most catastrophic we see as injury lawyers. Because multiple factors may come together to cause one of these accidents, it is important to handle each one on a case-by-case basis.
Common causes of Hartford truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Following too closely
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Improper turning and merging
- Driver inexperience
- Improperly secured cargo
- Defective truck parts
- Poor maintenance
- Poor road conditions
- Inclement weather
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Hartford Truck Accidents?
Again, accidents involving large trucks are some of the most serious we handle, and they often result in some of the most severe and life-threatening injuries.
Injuries commonly sustained in truck accidents include things like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Seatbelt and airbag injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Dislocated, fractured, and broken bones
- “Road rash” and other burn injuries
- Amputating, scarring, and permanent disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What Do Statistics Show for Hartford Truck Accidents?
The streets in Hartford witness a significant number of semi-truck accidents each year. According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, nearly 300 medium/heavy trucks were involved in Hartford traffic collisions in one recent year. These large trucks were the fourth vehicle type in the most crashes, after passenger cars, SUVs, and pickups.
The high volume of truck traffic, combined with factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failures, and negligent driving, create a dangerous and sometimes deadly environment for Hartford motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. These incidents often lead to severe truck accident injuries, property damage, and fatalities.
Where Do Truck Accidents Frequently Happen in Hartford?
Certain roads in Hartford are more prone to traffic accidents than others. These collision hotspots include major highways and busy city streets, where the interaction between trucks and smaller vehicles can lead to serious wrecks. According to CT Insider, the most dangerous roads in Hartford include:
- I-84
- Main Street
- New Britain Avenue
- Albany Avenue
- Farmington Avenue
- Prospect Avenue
- Trout Brook-King Philip
- New Park Avenue
- Park-Sedgwick Road
- Boulevard
- Quaker Lane
Hartford also has several dangerous intersections, including:
- Asylum Avenue, Farmington Avenue, and Garden Street
- Albany Avenue and Market Street
- Farmington Avenue and Sigourney Street
- Sigourney Street and Asylum Avenue
- Homestead Avenue and Woodland Street
What Should I Do After a Hartford Truck Accident?
Just as there are essential steps to take immediately after a truck accident in Hartford, there are recommended actions for the days following the crash:
- Continue your medical care – Monitor your health and attend all follow-up appointments. Keep records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and expenses related to the collision.
- Talk to a lawyer – A lawyer will guide you through the legal process, helping to preserve evidence and protect your rights while pursuing compensation on your behalf.
- Avoid making a statement – Do not discuss details or fault with anyone from an insurance company, whether it is your insurer or the truck company’s. Your attorney can help you answer their questions so you do not inadvertently jeopardize your chances of collecting a settlement.
- Go off the grid – Don’t talk about the crash on social media or make public statements. Keep your discussions about the accident limited to your lawyer.
- Start a personal injury journal – Document your recovery process, including your pain levels, emotional state, and any limitations on your daily activities. This can be valuable evidence for your case.
How Do I Establish Liability in Hartford Truck Accident Cases?
Determining liability in truck accident cases involves conducting a thorough investigation. Multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers, could be at fault. An experienced Hartford truck accident attorney will collect and examine evidence to establish liability. Each case is unique, but your attorney may build a case and establish fault using:
Electronic Data from the Truck’s “Black Box”
The truck’s “black box” electronic data recorder (EDR) captures critical information about the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s actions before the collision. This device records speed, braking patterns, and engine performance.
Digital or Paper Log Books
Digital or paper logbooks contain records of the driver’s service hours, including driving and rest periods. These logs help determine if the driver complied with federal regulations regarding rest periods and driving hours, revealing whether driver fatigue played a role in the crash.
Police Reports
Police reports provide an official account of the collision, including details about the involved parties, witness statements, and the officer’s observations. These reports often contain initial fault assessments to support your claims.
Photos of the Crash Site
Photos of the crash site, including road debris, skid marks, and vehicle damage, capture the accident’s immediate aftermath. These visual records help illustrate the scene, demonstrating the severity of the collision and supporting claims about its cause and impact.
Eyewitness Statements
Eyewitness statements offer firsthand accounts of the crash from individuals who saw it happen. These statements can corroborate your version of events and provide additional perspectives on how the accident occurred, helping to establish fault. Contact our Hartford truck accident lawyer today.
Traffic or Surveillance Videos
If available, traffic or surveillance videos can provide real-time footage of the collision. These videos are invaluable for showing the exact sequence of events, the drivers’ behaviors, and conditions at the time of the crash.
Using the Evidence to Establish Liability in Your Hartford Truck Accident Claim
Once a truck accident attorney reviews the evidence, they can determine who is responsible for the crash. They may use the evidence they collected in their investigation to illustrate how the truck collision occurred.
This may include showing proof to demonstrate negligence from:
- The truck driver – Was the driver speeding, distracted, tired, or driving under the influence? Driver negligence is a leading factor in many truck wrecks.
- Trucking companies – An attorney can assess whether the trucking company enforced proper vehicle maintenance, followed safety regulations, and ensured that the driver had adequate training and rest.
- Vehicle manufacturers – Manufacturers must maintain safety and integrity standards when producing brakes, tires, and other vehicle systems.
- Cargo companies – Overloading or imbalanced cargo may lead to loss of control or mechanical breakdowns.
- Government agencies – Poor road conditions, including potholes, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper signage, can contribute to collisions.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Hiring a truck accident attorney in Hartford is highly advisable, even if the crash wasn’t your fault. Here’s why:
- Legal knowledge – Truck accident claims involve multiple parties and strict regulatory requirements. An attorney will be familiar with applicable regulations and understand the complex processes involved with investigating truck wrecks.
- Evidence collection – A lawyer can gather and preserve critical evidence that might be difficult to obtain on your own.
- Accurate valuation – Your attorney can objectively assess your losses from a physical, emotional, and financial perspective to ensure you seek the appropriate amount of compensation.
- Negotiation skills – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced Hartford truck accident lawyer can negotiate aggressively on your behalf to demand fair compensation.
- Legal representation – Many truck accident cases settle out of court, but having a skilled litigator may help you pursue a favorable outcome if your case goes to trial.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous than Other Auto Accidents?
There are a number of factors unique to truck accidents that make them especially dangerous.
Most of these commercial truck accident factors are related to their large size and include the following:
- Greater size and mass – Commercial trucks take up more space and are much heavier than most other vehicles. An 18-wheeler can weigh anywhere between 25,000 pounds when empty and 85,000 pounds when fully loaded. When these outsized vehicles are involved in an accident, smaller vehicles are at a huge disadvantage.
- More likely to tip over – Many 18-wheelers are upwards of 15 feet tall. Their extreme height relative to their narrowness makes them more likely to tip when truckers make sharp turns, slam on their brakes, or operate them in strong winds.
- More difficult to maneuver – Because large trucks are so big and heavy, they are generally harder to maneuver than other vehicles. Many truck accidents are caused when truck drivers cannot turn, slow down, or move over quickly enough to avoid a collision. Inexperienced drivers are another risk factor when it comes to these unwieldy vehicles.
- More wear and tear – Unrelated to their size, large commercial trucks undergo much more wear and tear than most other vehicles. Hauling heavy loads across the country can take a significant toll. When owners or operators fail to maintain their vehicles, mechanical failures can lead to devastating truck accidents.
Who Can Be Held At Fault for a Hartford Truck Accident?
Accidents involving large trucks are characterized by the high number of potential at-fault parties when compared to other accident types. For plaintiffs, this means there are more sources of compensation. However, it also means more complex litigation.
At-fault parties in truck accidents may include:
- The truck driver
- The company that owned the truck or hired the driver
- The team that loaded the truck
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part
- A negligent mechanic or maintenance crew
- Local governments responsible for road maintenance
What Kind of Evidence Can Help Establish Liability in a Truck Accident in Hartford?
Of course, injured plaintiffs will need evidence to successfully mount their claim against at-fault parties. The sooner you bring your case to a skilled attorney, the sooner they can get started compiling necessary evidence before it deteriorates or disappears.
Relevant evidence in truck accident legal cases may include things like:
- Medical records showing your injuries from the crash
- Medical bills and other proof of your crash-related financial losses
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Footage from nearby surveillance and traffic cameras
- The truck driver’s cell phone, GPS, and dispatch communication records
- Official crash report prepared by responding police officers
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) and toxicology test results
- Screening, hiring, and training records kept by the trucking company
- Truck inspection, maintenance, and repair records
- Data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD)
- The truck driver’s hours-of-service (HOS) logs
- Statements from eyewitnesses to the accident
- Testimony from doctors, traffic engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other reliable experts
What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
If you successfully establish liability in a truck accident lawsuit, the at-fault parties may be ordered to reimburse you for both the economic and noneconomic aspects of your injuries and losses. The Hartford truck accident lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert can help you pursue compensation for things like:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses you incur treating your injuries
- Medical travel costs and other incidental expenses
- Lost wages due to time away from work during your recovery
- Lost earning potential due to long-term crash injuries
- Subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and lowered quality of life
Is There a Time Limit for Filing My Truck Accident Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, injured plaintiffs normally have two years to file personal injury lawsuits against at-fault parties. This may seem like plenty of time. However, remember that the complex nature of truck accident lawsuits means that it can take months to build a solid claim.
Further, cases filed after the deadline passes are nearly always dismissed in court, which eliminates both your right to seek legal compensation and your leverage in out-of-court settlement talks with the at-fault party and their insurers. To avoid this, it is best to speak to an experienced attorney long before the deadline approaches. Contact one of our Hartford truck accident attorneys today.
What Real Clients Say About Jainchill & Beckert
“Great communication throughout my case. He was more than willing to fight my case for me; going above and beyond. I would highly recommend this law firm and would use them again in the future if needed.” -Cha Risma, Google
“You are treated like family the moment you walk through their doors. Their constant communication throughout this lengthy and complicated case put our minds at ease. We will truly miss them and will 100 percent use them again if the need should arise.” -Caroline Abate, Google
“Bill and Samantha did a great job advising me on my accident case. The communication was accurate, clear, and timely. A professional group that I would definitely use again. Thank you!” -Afred, Google
Contact a Hartford Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a truck accident at little to no fault of your own, do not wait to consult with a personal injury attorney. The skilled legal team at Jainchill & Beckert is ready to evaluate your case, make sure you understand your legal rights and options and start building the strongest claim possible on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Hartford truck accident attorney.
