New London Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
New London Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney
Commercial vehicles serve New London communities in many ways, but an accident can be life-threatening. Accident survivors are often left with catastrophic injuries, emotional pain, and lasting financial hardship that can be difficult to recover from. A New London commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you file a claim that pursues compensation for your damages.
Why Choose Suisman Shapiro?
For over 80 years, the New London personal injury attorneys at Suisman Shapiro have been seeking justice for accident victims in Connecticut. Our attorneys have the knowledge of commercial vehicle accident laws and dedication to negotiating with insurance companies to bring crash survivors the compensation they need. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, which is why we seek to answer your questions and manage the legal details so you can have peace of mind.
Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Connecticut
Commercial vehicles can be a great service or a significant danger. From food to construction materials, trucks carry about 72.7% of the United States’ freight by weight. However, the extreme size and weight of commercial trucks can become deadly in an accident. In 2024, large truck accidents led to 26 deaths and 569 injuries in Connecticut.
In New London, I-95, Route 85, and Colman Street all have a history of serious commercial vehicle accidents. While there is always a risk of an accident, certain factors or driver errors can increase the likelihood of a crash. Some of the leading reasons for these crashes include:
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Mechanical failures
- Adverse weather
Determining the At-Fault Party in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
Determining whose negligence led to a crash is essential to filing a claim. If you hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer, they can examine evidence and explain the commercial vehicle accident laws so you understand who is liable for your damages. Some possible at-fault parties include:
- Truck driver. Often, the truck driver is at fault for an accident. Speeding, driving while distracted, or failing to obey traffic laws are common ways a truck driver’s actions can lead to a crash.
- Commercial trucking company. Trucking companies must abide by federal safety rules. This includes standards such as properly maintaining vehicles, hiring qualified drivers, and following the hour and break guidelines. If the trucking firm failed to meet these requirements, it may be liable after a crash.
- Cargo loader. Cargo loading requires careful attention to avoid overweight cargo, weight shifts during transport, or poorly distributed cargo. If the party responsible for loading the cargo was negligent, the weight issues may mean they are at fault for a crash.
- Vehicle manufacturer. A vehicle manufacturer is responsible for producing safe vehicles. When a truck has a defective vehicle part, such as the braking or steering system, it can threaten the driver’s control and make it impossible to prevent a crash. If this is the case, the vehicle manufacturer can be liable for your damages.
- Government agency. Though this is rare, some cases involve filing a claim against a government agency, such as the Connecticut Department of Transportation. A government entity may be liable if poor road conditions lead to a crash, such as potholes or roads that were not plowed in a reasonable timeframe.
Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Crash
Filing a claim can support your recovery by making up for the damages you have suffered. A New London commercial vehicle accident lawyer can calculate a fair settlement based on your case and can negotiate for increased compensation to meet your needs. The three main types of damages in a commercial vehicle accident case are:
- Economic damages. These damages are the quantifiable financial losses you have suffered, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Non-economic damages. These damages are the intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, and a lowered quality of life.
- Punitive damages. These damages are available in certain cases to punish an at-fault driver who was extremely negligent.
FAQs
What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle in Connecticut?
Generally, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any vehicle being used for business purposes and is subject to strict state and federal regulations. In Connecticut, a CMV is used or designed to transport cargo and requires commercial registration. Furthermore, a truck of any size is a CMV if it is used for business purposes.
Is Connecticut a No-Fault State for Truck Accidents?
No, Connecticut is not a no-fault state for accidents. Connecticut is an at-fault state, meaning commercial vehicle accident laws allow victims to file a claim against an at-fault party rather than through their own insurance. At-fault claims can be complex, as they require establishing the at-fault party’s liability. A New London truck accident attorney can help you do this through careful evidence analysis and their knowledge of trucking laws.
Why Do Commercial Vehicles Need to Be Inspected After an Accident?
Commercial vehicles must be inspected after an accident to determine the cause of the crash and evaluate the vehicle for future use. An inspection can uncover failed equipment or safety regulation violations that can be used by your lawyer to establish fault for the accident. The results of an inspection can also be used to identify patterns among truck crashes or to determine if a vehicle is in a position to be repaired and be used by the trucking firm.
Why Should You Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer After a Crash?
A New London truck accident lawyer can guide you through each step of the claims process and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Their knowledge of commercial vehicle accident laws means you can feel confident your claim is filed accurately and within deadlines, such as the two-year statute of limitations. A lawyer can build a claim while you recover, including gathering evidence and communicating on your behalf with insurance companies.
Work With a New London Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
Filing a claim against commercial trucking companies or large insurance providers may feel intimidating. Commercial vehicle accident claims can be daunting, as they must be carefully built to reflect the unique circumstances of your accident and damages. Contact Suisman Shapiro today for a free initial case consultation to learn how we can craft a claim that pushes for a full recovery.
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