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If you were injured in an accident that involved a commercial vehicle, it is not uncommon to have to deal with physical and emotional pain. Additionally, there are usually a lot of logistics that go into these kinds of claims. A Hamden commercial vehicle accident lawyer can explain your rights and legal options. These types of accidents often involve serious injuries and complex claims.
Knowing Connecticut law is crucial to safeguarding your interests, regardless of whether your accident happened on Dixwell Avenue, Whitney Avenue, Route 10, or close to busy locations like Quinnipiac University or Sleeping Giant State Park.
Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. serves injury victims in Hamden and nearby areas of New Haven County. Our lawyers have decades of combined experience with all types of personal injury claims. We know what it takes to handle motor vehicle collision cases, commercial vehicle accidents, and other types of negligence claims. You can expect professional service whenever you contact our firm.
Navigating a personal injury claim is a lot to handle, and it’s even tougher when you’re up against major companies and their commercial insurers. Let us provide you with information, knowledgeable advice, and compassionate representation. We can walk you through the legal process step-by-step and advocate to protect your rights.
Commercial vehicle accidents have many possible causes. Some collisions are caused by driver error. However, companies have a responsibility to maintain vehicles and comply with safety regulations. Common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
Delivery companies often operate on tight schedules, which can cause drivers to rush to reach their destinations on time. Speeding and rushing can lead to disastrous consequences.
In Connecticut in 2024, there were 31 fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles. Out of 30,497 vehicle miles traveled, this equaled a crash rate of 0.1. These statistics are based on 100 million miles traveled. Due to their size, trucks and commercial vehicles have the potential to cause life-changing injuries to accident victims. These injuries may require extensive medical care, rehab, and time off from work. Common injuries associated with these crashes include:
Victims may endure financial hardships due to medical bills, lost income, costs of future care, and other losses. These hardships can continue to affect victims for years after an accident.
Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584 establishes a time limit for most injury claims. Under the statute of limitations, injured parties are typically required to file a claim within two years from the date of their injury. If a claim is not filed in time, it may be forever barred.
Connecticut General Statutes § 52-572h is another law that personal injury victims should be aware of. It involves comparative negligence. If you are partly to blame for an accident, you can still pursue compensation if your percentage of fault is not greater than that of any other party. If you are found to be partly responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Commercial vehicle accidents are usually more complicated than typical car crashes. While the driver is typically responsible if he or she caused the crash, other parties may bear responsibility as well. Some other parties that could be liable for a commercial vehicle accident include:
Determining liability requires extensive evidence. This can include eyewitness accounts, police reports, personal testimony, and photo and video evidence.
Insurance companies often contact accident victims soon after a crash occurs in Hamden. Although you have the right to hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer at any point, you should not provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without first consulting a Hamden commercial vehicle accident attorney. You should also consider hiring an attorney so you do not make any mistakes that harm your commercial vehicle accident claim.
Commercial vehicle crashes can result in greater consequences than typical auto accidents. You may be investigated by police officers, your employer, your insurance company, and possibly federal regulators. If you are found negligent in some way or caused the crash due to poor maintenance, you or your employer may be liable for damages. Victims may make a claim for compensation due to injuries and losses.
Large trucks and tractor-trailers are banned from several sections of Route 15, most notably, the Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway. Hamden, Connecticut legislation prohibits trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles on these parkways due to fixed bridge clearances, roadway design, and safety issues. Violators can be fined, and drivers can endanger others using the roadway.
The three-collision rule is actually not a legal rule at all, but a postulation used in accident reconstruction. The theory states that there are typically three collisions that occur during a crash. First is the vehicle hitting something, then the occupant hitting the vehicle, and finally the internal organs hitting the body itself.
Yes, generally speaking, commercial vehicle accidents are more serious than car crashes. Commercial vehicle accidents can be catastrophic for victims because commercial vehicles are much heavier than passenger vehicles. The greater force and weight can cause serious injury, severe property damage, and protracted recovery time when involved in an accident.
If you have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. can help you seek the compensation you need for recovery. Contact us today for a consultation.
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