Commercial truck wrecks are some of the most catastrophic types of motor vehicle accidents that can occur. The size of the involved big rigs alone makes them absolutely formidable on the roadways and has the potential to cause debilitating injuries or even death. Truck accident survivors may have the right to full compensation for their damages and suffering if someone else is ultimately found responsible for causing the collision.
However, fault may not always be clear. Get clarity and extensively explore your legal options when you connect with a respected Willimantic truck accident lawyer at Aeton Law. A top-rated Willimantic personal injury attorney with our firm can investigate, establish blame, quantify damages, and help you demand the compensation that is rightfully yours when you contact our office to request a 100% free consultation.
Proving Negligence Makes a Successful Truck Accident Claim
The only way truck accident victims can recover compensation after a car accident is by proving someone else is ultimately at fault. Connecticut follows fault insurance laws, so liable parties are held strictly liable for the victim’s damages after an accident of any kind. Your truck accident attorney in Willimantic, CT will need to conduct an intensive investigation into your collision so we can accurately establish blame.
Violations of FMCSA Regulations
One of the top reasons for commercial truck accidents is violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The FMCSA is responsible for the oversight of state and federal trucking laws. Often, tractor-trailer accidents occur when trucking companies, truck drivers, and other third parties violate these rules.
Many trucking companies force truckers to work beyond the allowed hours of service regulations, which prohibit truck drivers from working beyond a certain number of hours and days in a row. When the truck companies do this, truck drivers often become exhausted and overworked, increasing the risk of drowsy driving accidents.
Truck companies are also often sued for overloaded truck accidents. FMCSA regulations have strict weight limits on commercial trucks for a reason. Your truck accident lawyer will closely examine the trucking company for liability to ensure they are held accountable if they share responsibility for your injuries.
Reckless Operation of a Big Rig
A considerable number of truck accidents are caused by negligent operation. Despite the fact that truck drivers are held to a higher standard when licensed with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), far too many fail to take this duty of care as seriously as they should. Some examples of negligence in truck accidents could include:
- Failure to conduct safety inspections
- Driving over the speed limit
- Drowsy driving
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Making unlawful turns or failing to use a turn signal
- Refusing to stop at stop signs and traffic lights
- Distracted driving
- Operating a big rig under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Improperly Secured Cargo Loads
Many truck accidents occur when big rigs rollover or jackknife due to improperly secured cargo loads. When cargo loaders overload trucks, fail to ensure cargo is strapped down or use defective equipment to secure loads that become loose, they can be held accountable for victim’s damages. The trucking companies that employ cargo loaders can also be sued, particularly if they failed to do their due diligence before hiring negligent or irresponsible workers.
The Evidence in Willimantic Truck Accident Claims Must Be Influential
The burden of proof needed to secure a verdict in your favor is not beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof in civil claims is actually less strict, and liability must be proven based on a preponderance of the evidence. This is just the technical way of saying that the jury will only find the defendant liable if the evidence is clear and convincing; some examples of which might include:
- Truck driver employment records
- Trucking company safety inspection logs
- Truck driver DUI test results
- Truck driver driving history
- Reports created by accident reconstructionists
- Local crash data and police reports
- Bystander and witness statements
- Photos of your injuries
- Copies of medical records
- Video footage from the collision
- Date from the truck’s black box
You can rely on your truck accident lawyer in Willimantic, CT, with Aeton Law to closely investigate and secure the evidence needed to prove negligence and liability. Do not be alarmed if we discover multiple parties share blame. Your case may be more complicated, but your chances of recovering total financial compensation are also much greater.
You Can Demand Maximum Compensation from the At-Fault Party
You have the right to receive total compensation for your damages. The losses you are entitled to are called compensatory damages and are comprised of special and general damages, with special damages being financial and general damages accounting for every other loss. Some examples could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of household services
- Reputational damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income and employee benefits
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Medical expenses and equipment
- Continued healthcare treatment
- Inconvenience and fear
- Indignity and embarrassment
- Permanent disability
- Auto repair or replacement expenses
Your truck accident attorney will also consider whether you could be awarded exemplary damages. Also called punitive damages, these are not an entitlement but a way of ensuring liable parties are sufficiently punished for gross negligence or intentional harm. Never expect punitive damages to be awarded, however, as they are only issued in rare instances.
Connect with Willimantic’s Most Highly-Sought Truck Accident Law Firm for Help Today
When the impact of your commercial truck wreck has shaken up your world and perhaps left you with permanent disability, those responsible for causing the collision should be held accountable. Connecticut tort laws give you the right to demand compensation when someone else’s negligence causes extreme financial loss, physical injury, or emotional distress. With help from a dedicated Willimantic truck accident attorney at Aeton Law, you can assert your right to maximum compensation.
Have our legal team put our decades of litigation experience to work for you and your family. Request a free, no-obligation consultation today. You can reach us through our convenient contact form or by phone to get started on your case as soon as today.