Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Waterbury

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Waterbury, Connecticut?

  For non-emergency cases, you may contact the Waterbury Police Department at 203-574-6911.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Waterbury, Connecticut?

  To obtain accident reports, you may request them by clicking the BuyCrash link on Waterbury Police Department's website: https://www.wtbypd.org/. You may also call their records division at 203-574-6933.

• What are the reasons truck accidents happen in Waterbury?

  Truck accidents in Waterbury are often related to human errors. Some of the reasons for these incidents include:

  • Distracted or sleepy truck drivers
  • Texting while driving
  • Speeding
  • Illegal turns
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Following too closely
  • Breaking hours-of-service regulations
  • Incorrect braking techniques
  • Equipment breakdowns
  • Other federal law violations

• Are you eligible for compensation in Waterbury if you are partially at fault for the car accident?

  Waterbury follows Connecticut's comparative fault rule. This implies that if the jury concludes that you were partially to blame for the accident, you may have a portion of your compensation reduced. For example, if your compensation was decided to be $100,000 but you were 20% at blame, you would receive $80,000. These figures are speculative and may not reflect actual case outcomes.

• How are commercial truck accident injuries different from other vehicle collisions in Waterbury?

  Accidents in Waterbury involving ordinary passenger automobiles frequently result in minor injuries such as sprains and contusions. On the other hand, truck accident victims frequently require immediate medical attention followed by intense physical therapy to recover from their injuries completely. Truck accident victims usually sustain injuries such as severe lacerations, internal bleeding and organ damage, brain injuries, head and neck injuries, and broken bones.

• How much time do you have when filing for a truck accident claim in Waterbury?

  According to Connecticut's General Statutes 52-284, injury victims in Waterbury have a two-year statute of limitations to file a truck accident case. The period begins the same day the incident took place. It is always better to file a claim immediately while all the facts and evidence are fresh.

• How do truck accident claims in Waterbury work?

  Filing a claim in Waterbury begins the minute a truck accident occurs. Even before the lawsuit begins, all parties engage in discovery, where the legal counsel gathers evidence. At this point, the defendant's and plaintiff's attorneys may share information concerning the truck accident. The -proof of fault, economic and non-economic damages, the monetary figure of losses, and a solid argument to prove that the negligent party should be financially responsible must be represented in court for the victim's case to be successful.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.