Connecticut Trucking Accident Lawyers

Accidents involving a tractor trailer or other large commercial motor vehicle can be catastrophic. If you have sustained injuries in a truck accident in Connecticut, you need to hire an experienced truck accident attorney immediately.

While you are recovering from your injuries, the trucking company is busy investigating the accident, talking to witnesses, getting experts to defend themselves, and preparing for the inevitable lawsuit. They have an unfair advantage and can get a head start on preparing their case. Hiring the right attorney to represent you is critical when dealing with these companies.

The attorneys at Stanger Stanfield Law are not your average accident lawyers. We have experience defending trucking companies and know how the investigate, defend, and most importantly value a truck crash.

We can use this experience to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. It’s bad enough that a careless trucking company caused your injuries.

It is essential to hire an attorney that knows how to handle this unique type of case. For immediate help, please contact us online or call our firm at (860) 561-0651 today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.

Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Clients in Connecticut

Truck accidents involving big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) can be devastating.

Occupants of smaller passenger vehicles frequently suffer debilitating and fatal injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the truck involved in the collision.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), trucks can weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle, making collisions between a truck and a passenger vehicle often deadly.

Large trucks also have a greater ground clearance than passenger vehicles, which means that passenger vehicles can easily underride trucks in an accident, resulting in devastating injuries in passenger vehicle occupants.

If you or someone you love suffered devastating injuries in a truck crash, you should speak with a trucking accident attorney as soon as possible.

At Stanger Stanfield Law, LLC, we serve clients throughout Connecticut. Please contact us today for assistance.

10 Reasons to Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Video Transcript: 

“Facing injuries from a serious truck accident? An injury attorney can help.

Here are the top ten reasons to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer.

1. The minute an accident happens, the trucking company is preparing their defense, gathering evidence, and protecting their own interests. You should too.
2. The trucking industry is highly regulated and an injured party needs an attorney with in-depth knowledge and an understanding of these regulations to fully maximize your case value.
3. Trucking companies are required to maintain certain records and documents that an experienced trucking attorney knows how to obtain.
4. A lawyer knows how to fully value your case.
5. Your attorney can obtain, read, and analyze the computer data recorded by a truck in order to recreate how an accident happened and/or could have been avoided.
6. They have access to expert witnesses that assist in proving your case.
7. Trucking companies get creative and try to hide their assets. A lawyer knows where to find those assets and insurance coverage in order to fully compensate an injured party.
8. A truck accident attorney knows which employees to question in order to get the information needed to fully develop your case.
9. An experienced trucking attorney knows which arguments to anticipate from the defendant, and how to properly prepare for them.
10. A skilled lawyer knows how to maximize your potential award.

Call Stanger Stanfield Law for help with your truck accident case today.”

So, Why Hire Stanger Stanfield Law as Your Truck Injury Accident Lawyers in Connecticut?

You may have noticed that many attorneys advertise that they handle trucking cases. The reason is simple. Oftentimes the accident is catastrophic, which means a big pay day for the attorney. However, it is critical to hire an attorney with experience handling these types of cases in order to maximize your potential compensation.

Stanger Stanfield Law’s Connecticut truck accident lawyers have what it takes to take on your case: 

• Our experienced attorneys have been going to battle for our clients since 1997; 
• We have an entire practice area dedicated to assisting clients with truck accident claims, so we know what it takes to navigate this area of the law; and
• While our Connecticut truck accident attorneys will be there with you at every step, you will always be in the driver’s seat with the ultimate decision-making authority on your case.

At Stanger Stanfield Law, we know just how complicated the legal process can be. That’s why we will do everything within our power to make this as seamless and stress-free for you as possible.

Getting the Facts About Large Truck Crashes

How often do large truck crashes happen? And are there certain risk factors that can help us to understand when and where collisions occur?

The following facts and figures come from IIHS and HLDI’s analysis of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data:

• More than 4,000 people died in large truck accidents in 2019;
• Truck occupants accounted for about 16% of these fatalities from trucking crashes;
• Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists accounted for around 15% of all fatalities in large truck collisions;
• Occupants of passenger vehicles accounted for approximately 67% of all truck accident deaths;
• Trucking accident fatalities are on the rise, with a 31% increase in crash deaths between 2009 and 2019;
• Truck occupant fatalities, specifically, have risen markedly since 2009, with a 51% increase in death rate;
• Tractor-trailers accounted for 74% of all deaths involved in trucking crashes in 2019;
• Single-unit trailers accounted for about 28% of all deaths involved in collisions;
• Smaller trucks and CMVs accounted for around 8% of all trucks involved in accidents;
• In 2019, 64% of all deadly truck accidents in which truck occupants were killed were multiple-vehicle crashes, with a collision between at least two large trucks;
• 12% of all passenger vehicle accident fatalities occurred in a collision with a large truck in 2019;
• 52% of trucking accident fatalities in 2019 occurred on major roads that were not interstates or freeways;
• 32% of deadly truck crashes happened on interstates and freeways;
• 15% of large truck collisions occurred on minor roads; and
• About 50% of all large truck fatal accidents happened during daylight hours between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Regardless of the circumstances that lead to your truck accident, the fact remains that the results can be severe.

Connecticut Truck Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, the State of Connecticut is no exception to these types of accident statistics. 

According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository’s Collision Analysis Safety Tables (CAST), there have been more than 300,000 motor vehicle crashes in Connecticut between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2021. 

Specifically, Medium/Heavy Trucks (>10,000 GVW) accounted for the fifth highest number of accidents in Connecticut by vehicle type. Between these dates, there were 15,479 accidents involving medium/heavy trucks in the state. 

Major Highways Where a Truck Accident in Connecticut Might Occur

CAST also provides a useful breakdown of the top roadways in Connecticut upon which accidents occur.

Below are the top 5 routes for crashes in Connecticut between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2021:

• Interstate 95 (15,654 crashes); 
• U.S. Route 1 (13,717 crashes);
• Interstate 84 (13,167 crashes);
• CT Route 15 (12,276 crashes); and 
• Interstate 91 (9,559 crashes).

Of course, you can never predict when or where a trucking accident might occur. Nevertheless, remain extra vigilant while driving on these Connecticut roadways in particular.

Causes of Major Trucking Collisions in Connecticut

Why do trucking accidents happen in Connecticut?

As with all motor vehicle crashes, there are many different reasons that a dangerous trucking collision can occur. And due to their sheer size, accidents with big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) can cause serious injury.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a large truck crash causation study, which determined that any of the following are commonly responsible for trucking accidents:

• Reckless driving, such as speeding, weaving in between vehicles on the interstate, tailgating, or other dangerous and aggressive behaviors;
• Distracted driving, such as talking on a cell phone, texting while driving, or even eating behind the wheel;
• Drowsy driving or fatigued driving, which often happens to truck drivers who have been on the road for many hours at a time;
• Intoxicated driving, which includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including certain prescription drugs;
• Improper loading of the truck;
• Failure to properly maintain the truck’s mechanical condition;
• Negligent mechanic work on the truck;
• Defective brakes or another defective motor vehicle part;
• Tire blowout; and
• Inclement weather.

While inclement weather can play a role in causing a truck crash, drivers also need to take precautions when it is snowing or the ground is icy, as well as when there are heavy rains.

Failure to drive based on the weather conditions can be negligent even if a driver is within the legal speed limit.

Who is Liable for a Truck Crash?

Many trucking companies have deep pockets. These companies not only have the money to hire a team of attorneys, but they also have the funds to pay injured victims.

It is important to hold the responsible party accountable in a debilitating trucking crash, and you may be able to file a claim against more than one party.

Examples of parties that may be liable for a serious truck collision include but are not limited to the following:

• Trucking company that employs the truck driver;
• Owner of the truck;
• Truck driver;
• Mechanic;
• Company responsible for loading the truck;
• Designer of a motor vehicle part;
• Manufacturer of a motor vehicle part; and/or
• Another motorist on the road.

Truck accident injury victims and their families should speak with a Connecticut trucking accident attorney as soon as possible about filing a claim for compensation.

At Stanger Stanfield Law, LLC, our skilled Connecticut trucking accident lawyers have years of experience filing claims against large trucking companies, and we want to make sure that these companies with deep pockets do not get the advantage over an injured motorist.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

What should you do after a truck accident happens in Connecticut?

Many trucking crash victims are incapacitated after a collision and cannot immediately document the scene of the crash or make decisions about medical care.

However, if you are able to do so, you should always take the following steps after a trucking crash:

1. Photograph the scene of the crash

Use your cell phone to take photos from many different angles and distances of the scene.

2. Gather witness information

You should take down the names and contact information for anyone involved in the collision, as well as any potential witnesses at the scene. The sooner your lawyer is able to speak with witnesses, the fresher the information will be if you need to present it to an insurance company or a jury.

3. Seek medical attention

If involved in a crash, you should go to the hospital immediately for an evaluation, even if you aren’t sure about the severity of your injuries. It is important for a doctor to assess your injuries and to provide documentation. It can take hours and sometimes days for signs of serious and life-threatening injuries to appear after a crash. As such, you should always seek immediate medical attention.

4. Contact your insurance company

You will need to inform your insurance company that you were involved in a collision. Provide your insurance company with the facts, but do not offer any opinions about how the crash happened or who was at fault.

5. Seek help from a truck accident attorney

As soon as possible, you should seek help from a trucking accident attorney. Your lawyer will advocate for your right to compensation and can speak with the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf.

Types of Damages in a Trucking Accident Lawsuit

If you sustain injures from a trucking accident caused by another party’s harmful or careless actions, you may be able to receive two different types of compensatory damages:

• Economic damages: This is a form of compensatory damages that compensates a plaintiff for direct economic losses, including hospital bills, prescription medication costs, and lost wages.
• Non-economic damages: This is another form of compensatory damages that compensates a plaintiff for intangible losses, including, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the loss of enjoyment of life.

You also may be able to obtain punitive damages, which punish a defendant for especially harmful behavior.

At Stanger Stanfield Law, LLC, our truck accident attorneys are committed to seeking punitive damages when cases warrant it.

Statute of Limitations in Trucking Accident Claims in Connecticut and Massachusetts

You must file your truck accident claims within a certain period of time after the crash occurs, or else an injured plaintiff can lose his or her right to seek compensation.

This time window is known as the “statute of limitations.”

Depending upon whether your accident happened in Connecticut or Massachusetts, there are two different statutes of limitations to be aware of:

• Connecticut personal injury statute of limitations (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584): 2 years from the date of the accident.
• Massachusetts personal injury statute of limitations (MA Gen. L. Ch 106 § 2-318): 3 years from the date of the accident.

If you sustain injuries from an accident in Connecticut and are filing a claim in Connecticut, you have two years from the date of the crash to file your lawsuit.

If you were injured in Massachusetts and are filing a claim in Massachusetts, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.

An experienced trucking accident attorney can speak with you today about your options.

Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney Serving Clients in Connecticut

Were you injured in a truck accident? The trucking and insurance companies may try to protect their assets by low-balling your settlement.

At Stanger Stanfield Law, our experienced Connecticut trucking accident attorneys can help you with your case today. We will protect your best interests and even take your case to court if the settlement isn’t fair. While you focus on recovering, our team will take care of your case and secure your financial future. Reach out to our law firm for more information about how we serve injury victims in Connecticut.

Call (860) 561-0651 or submit an online form today to get started on your case.

Truck Accident FAQs

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Do After a Truck Accident? 

• The most important thing you can do is get the medical attention you need and hire an attorney as soon as possible. Avoid talking to anyone about how the accident occured or how you are feeling afterwards until you have hired an attorney. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer? 

• There is no out of pocket cost to you. We take these cases on a contingency fee meaning we don’t get paid until we recover money for you.

How Do You Build a Strong Case? 

• We have the unique experience of previously working for trucking companies. We know how trucking companies investigate, value and defend these cases. We use that experience and knowledge against them in order to maximize the value of your case.

Should I Accept the Other Insurance Company’s Offer? 

• You should not accept any offer until you have retained an attorney to represent you.

Will You Take My Case to Trial? 

• Yes. We pride ourselves on taking cases to trial if the responsible party refuses to make you a fair offer to resolve your case.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring Your Firm?

• Our past experience defending trucking companies. We use our knowledge of how trucking companies investigate, value, and defend cases against them in order to maximize the value of your case. 

Are There Differences Between a Car and Truck Accident Case?

• Many things. Most notably are the rules and regulations that apply to a truck that do not apply to a passenger vehicle. Many inexperienced attorneys are not familiar with these rules and regulations that may impose greater responsibility on the truck driver and increase the value of your case.

How Can an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Help Me? 

• An experienced trucking attorney can fully evaluate your case. It is important to hire a law firm such as ours who has the knowledge and experience with the special rules and regulations that apply to trucks. 

Who is Liable for a Truck Crash?

• Many entities may be liable for a crash. It may be the driver, the owner of the tractor, the owner of the trailer, the company how loaded the trailer, the company brokered the load between the shipper, the trucking company, and the receiver, or many other entities depending on the facts of the case. 

How Much is My Case Worth? 

• Case value depends on a number of factors. If you are injured by a tractor trailer it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to help you with your case. 

Why Are Truck Accidents More Serious? 

• Trucks are big and heavy, plain and simple. Thus, if you are hit by a truck the results are oftentimes catastrophic. 

What Are the Signs That I Should Hire a Lawyer? 

• Anytime you are injured by a tractor trailer you should contact an attorney.

What Should I Expect During My Free Consultation?

• Honest, straight forward advice about the representation you deserve, and that we will provide for you.