Best Truck Accident Lawyers in New Haven, CT

FAQs

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

  (203) 946-6316 is the non-emergency contact number of the New Haven Police Department.

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

  Police reports can be requested from the New Haven Police Department Reports Request website. More information in obtaining a police report is available via (203) 946-6312.

• Who can be held liable for truck accidents in New Haven?

  Various parties can be held liable for truck accidents in New Haven, including the trucking company, truck driver, hiring manager, truck or truck part manufacturer, and/or a third-party driver. A truck driver may be held liable if they were operating the vehicle while being distracted by a device, driving while intoxicated, or failing to follow traffic laws and FMCSA hours of service regulations. The truck company may be negligent if it failed to ensure proper driver training, failed to inspect and maintain the vehicle, or allowed or encouraged truck overloading.

• What are the laws in New Haven that specifically apply to trucks?

  New Haven follows Connecticut state laws, and there are multiple laws governing the use of commercial trucks, including the prohibitions on the illegal use of limited access to highways, truck lane restrictions, and the Connecticut Truck Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax. Commercial trucks should also observe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

• How can a truck accident lawyer help victims in New Haven?

  Truck accident victims in New Haven who are recovering from an injury need assistance in navigating the legal system and dealing with insurance companies. Truck accident attorneys will be able to help prove liability and look into witness statements, police reports, and medical records to determine who is at fault and seek compensation from them. Lawyers can help maximize settlement offers by negotiating with the other parties; they handle communication between the victim, trucking companies, and insurance providers.

• How is fault determined in a New Haven truck crash?

  New Haven is under Connecticut laws as a “fault” or “tort” state where the damages to the victim are covered by the negligent driver's insurance company in the event of a truck accident. The responsibility for the accident may also fall on both drivers in a “shared fault” instance, and the driver with the higher liability percentage cannot file a claim. The police and insurance companies will identify the at-fault party.

• What types of compensation are available for New Haven truck accident cases?

  Truck accident victims in New Haven can obtain economic and non-economic compensation for their losses, serious injuries, or wrongful death. The settlement may cover medical expenses related to the crash, payment for prescription medications or medical devices, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, general out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• 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.