Truck Accident Attorney In West Haven, CT
Large commercial trucks are a common sight on the roads and highways around West Haven. They are a crucial part of our local and national commerce and economy, but because of their size and weight, when involved in an accident, they can cause horrendous amounts of damage and injury. Whether you’re driving along I-95 or Boston Post Road, if you are hit by an 18-wheeler, a West Haven truck accident lawyer is here to protect your rights.
Protect Yourself From Trucking Companies With Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
At Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, we know just how devastating a truck accident can be. Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars for past truck accident clients, and while these results can’t guarantee the outcome of your case specifically, we are here to put the same amount of dedication and legal service into your situation as we did those in the past. Trust us with your claim today.
What Causes Truck Accidents in West Haven?
In 2023, Connecticut experienced 34 fatal truck accidents. Across the United States, more than 168,000 truck accidents happen every year, 32% of which usually result in some kind of injury.
The number one most important aspect of any truck accident claim is determining what caused the accident. Once the cause is determined, your attorney can identify the liable party, or parties, and calculate the full and fair amount of damages you deserve.
In West Haven, the most common causes behind truck accidents include:
- Speeding. When a truck driver operates their vehicle above the posted speed limit, it can increase the risk of causing an accident. Drivers who are speeding will often be unable to slow down or react to hazards or other vehicles sharing the road.
- Fatigue. Truck drivers work long shifts. While there are regulations in place to avoid fatigue-related accidents, drivers may feel pressured to stick to certain delivery schedules, thereby increasing their chances of causing a serious and even deadly accident. An attorney from Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC can help investigate whether any hours-of-service violations are to blame for your injuries.
- Impairment. When a truck driver is operating their truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can heighten their overall chances of causing a serious accident. Impairment can also come from distraction. When a trucker does anything to take their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road, such as interacting with a cell phone or GPS, they are more likely to cause an accident.
- Inadequate maintenance. When a trucking company does not stay on top of the maintenance of its vehicles, trucks can suffer brake failures, steering issues, or tire blowouts, all of which can lead to serious accidents.
- Overloaded cargo. Across the United States, 65% of all fatal traffic accidents are due to overloaded trucks. Overloaded or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, which increases a vehicle’s likelihood of rolling over or causing other kinds of accidents.
At Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, we are here to review all evidence involved in your truck accident, pinpoint the exact cause behind the accident, and identify who should be held liable for the compensation you are owed.
Parties to Hold Liable for a West Haven Truck Accident
Truck accidents are typically much more complicated and multi-layered than your average passenger vehicle accident. This is because there are often several parties involved who may be held liable for your damages.
In West Haven, the parties most often held liable for trucking accidents include:
- The driver. When a driver operates their truck while distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, violates Connecticut traffic laws, or breaks FMCSA regulations, they can be directly liable for the accident occurring as a result.
- Trucking companies, A trucking company may be held liable in cases where the accident was directly caused by their negligence. This might include causes where unqualified drivers are hired, trucks are not properly maintained, or when the companies pressure drivers into unsafe driving behaviors.
- Truck manufacturers. The manufacturing companies of 18-wheelers may be held liable for any accident that has occurred due to defective or malfunctioning truck parts.
FAQs
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Connecticut Personal Injury Claims?
In Connecticut, you have a deadline of exactly two years from the date of your injury to file your claim. This deadline is legally known as a “statute of limitations,” and if you fail to file a claim within this time period, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose out on your chances of recovering compensation.
What Evidence Is Helpful in a Trucking Accident?
In a trucking accident, there are several forms of evidence that can prove helpful and benefit your case. These forms of evidence include a police accident report, photos of the accident scene and of your injuries, statements made by eyewitnesses, footage from nearby surveillance cameras, and hiring records from the trucking company.
What Are the Damages I Can Recover in a Truck Crash?
In a truck crash, the damages you may be able to recover will be based on the severity of your injuries and the direct cause of the accident itself. Possible damages can include all related medical costs, lost wages, lost employment benefits, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional and mental anguish, disability, and possible punitive damages.
What Injuries Can a Victim Suffer in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Victims in an 18-wheeler accident can suffer a variety of injuries ranging from moderate to catastrophic—and even fatal. At Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, we have helped clients seek damages for truck accident injuries like broken bones, burns and scarring, amputations and crush injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Serving West Haven Clients Today
If you have suffered injury in an 18-wheeler accident in West Haven, you need to hire a truck accident lawyer right away. At Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, we’re here to serve you. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation.
