Glastonbury Truck Accident Lawyers

Any collision involving a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle has the potential to cause serious injuries and fatalities for occupants in the smaller passenger vehicle. Because of the catastrophic injuries that can result, truck drivers and trucking companies are held to a higher duty of care than other motorists on the road. When truck drivers or carriers fail to meet this higher standard of care, they can be held legally liable for any resulting injuries.

In 2010 alone, large truck accidents in Connecticut caused:

• 15 deaths
• 189 injuries

Most of the time, it is relatively easy to determine what caused a rear-end collision. Usually, in these types of trucking accidents, the driver of the rear vehicle is the negligent party as he or she is presumed to have been following the vehicle in front too closely.

When fault is not so clear, expert witnesses may be called in to recreate the accident and testify as to what transpired. They will be able to use skid mark and/or electronic data recorder information to paint a picture of how the accident happened.

Truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we understand the complexities involved in truck accident cases and are dedicated to advocating for victims in Glastonbury and surrounding areas. Our experienced legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Causes of Connecticut Truck Accidents

There are several causes of collisions involving large trucks:

• Distracted driving. The most common cause of all motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents, is driver distraction. Among the most common examples of distractions that affect truck drivers and passenger vehicle occupants include talking on a cell phone or using a handheld device, checking on the status of a load, and looking over at an accident along the side of the road.
• Drunk driving. Drunk driving continues to result in numerous accidents across the nation each day. Perfectly sober passenger vehicle occupants involved in truck accidents often sustain debilitating injuries because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
• Malfunctioning/defective trucking equipment. For the most part, these trucks have been well-maintained. However, because of the distance they are driven, occasionally something on one of these tractor-trailers will break down because of use of a defective part.
• Other potential causes of trucking accidents include inadequate driver training. In Connecticut, a truck driver is required to have a special license if carrying a sizable trailer. If the driver of a commercial truck does not know how to handle his or her rig, this can have fatal consequences for himself, the passenger vehicle operator and/or passengers, as well as for others on the road around him or her. Another factor that often comes into play in these motor vehicle cases is that truckers are frequently encouraged by their employer to drive over the maximum number of hours allowed by law without taking the necessary rest. And finally, because of the very schedules that are frequently imposed upon truckers, truckers are famous for speeding. Though auto-makers are beginning to install electronic devices, truckers currently know that these trailers can go very fast. If a driver is speeding in a truck, unlike most passenger car accidents, there is little a driver can do to control and stop his truck.
  • Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion and decreased alertness behind the wheel.
  • Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of training or experience can result in poor driving decisions, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Overloaded Trucks: Exceeding weight limits can affect a truck’s handling and increase stopping distances, making accidents more likely.

Even if a truck driver was teenagers or had been drinking, many cases today show that the driver can literally walk away because of how massive the vehicle with which he is operating is. It is crucial, thus, to retain an experienced attorney to protect your rights and those of your loved ones. Contact our firm today to learn your legal rights and options following a serious truck accident!