Fast and heavy trucks, tractor trailers, and semi-trucks can cause serious motor vehicle accidents on Connecticut highways for many reasons. If you have been injured in a New London motor vehicle accident that was caused by a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the negligent driver and/or company. The personal injury truck accident lawyers at Polito & Harrington, LLC, regularly help truck accident victims by filing insurance claims or lawsuits on their behalf and handling every step of the legal process.
Trucks Are Large Vehicles
Trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, and semi-trucks weigh many tons and in the event of a crash smaller vehicles are no match for them. In addition to state laws, large trucks and tractor-trailers must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations. These regulations place restrictions on the following:
- Vehicle weight
- Load limits
- Oversized loads
- Trailer cargo
While these regulations help control the risks presented by large trucks, these vehicles are still much larger and heavier than other passenger vehicles on the road. A fully loaded 80,000-pound cargo truck can easily flatten a 3,000-pound car carrying several people.
Trucks Are Fast Vehicles
Drivers of large trucks and tractor-trailers have a tendency to switch travel lanes often and quickly maneuver themselves around smaller or slower vehicles, with the goal of arriving at their destinations faster. Truck drivers usually have a financial incentive to drive fast. However, under state law, they still have a duty to drive reasonably and safely under the circumstances. When they fail to do so, they may be deemed responsible for the accidents and personal injuries that result. Trucks driving too fast in adverse weather or road conditions regularly crash and cause serious injuries to other motorists.
Severe and Catastrophic Injuries Resulting from Connecticut Truck Accidents
Because of the vehicle size discrepancy and because truck accidents usually occur at high rates of speed, the resulting injuries can be severe and long-lasting. Some of the most common injuries sustained by injured plaintiffs in trucking accidents include traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding, permanent impairments (both physical and cognitive), paralysis, lifelong disability, and death.
If an accident victim dies as a result of injuries sustained in a truck accident, the deceased’s relatives may be able to open an estate and assert a wrongful death claim against the negligent truck driver and trucking company.
Contact a New London Truck Accident Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
Personal injuries sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence in a trucking accident can be serious and create potentially lifelong consequences. The compassionate personal injury lawyers at Polito & Harrington, LLC, may be able to negotiate with the trucking company’s insurer on your behalf and, if necessary, litigate your case through the Connecticut court system.
To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a New London personal injury truck accident lawyer, please call us at (860) 447-3300 or contact us online today.