Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles traveling across Connecticut’s roads are welcome; they indicate bustling commercial activity and economic development in and around town. Unfortunately, the downside to these vehicles is all too obvious: truck drivers are human and can sometimes cause accidents. Worse, due to the difference in size between an average commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, these accidents frequently lead to major injuries. Often, the driver or passengers in the smaller vehicle bear the brunt of those injuries.
You deserve fair compensation for your losses when you are involved in a collision with a commercial truck. A local South Windsor truck accident lawyer may be able to help you accomplish both of these things with a personal injury claim. Reach out to our firm to begin reviewing your situation with a dedicated advocate.
Commercial trucks are subject to strict federal and state regulations. In some scenarios, an individual hurt in a wreck may be able to prove a truck driver was at fault due to their failure to comply with these regulations. For example, the state of Connecticut has passed laws limiting the size of commercial vehicles allowed on roadways. The General Statues of Connecticut § 14-262 stipulates any vehicle with a trailer cannot exceed a width of 102 inches, including the vehicle’s load. Similarly, state laws prohibit the height of any vehicle, including the vehicle’s load, from exceeding 13 and a half feet.
The federal government has a variety of regulations applicable to commercial drivers in Connecticut as well. For example, 49 CFR § 395.3 provides that a truck driver may not operate a vehicle without first being off-duty for at least 10 hours, nor may they operate a vehicle for more than 14 consecutive hours without taking another break of at least 10 hours. These regulations exist to prevent fatigued driving and set appropriate rest periods for long-haul truckers.
An attorney in South Windsor with expertise in how trucking regulations relate to accidents could help someone harmed in an accident determine who was at fault—even if it was not apparent at the scene.
Due to the greater number of potentially liable parties, trucking accidents are more complicated than a crash between two passenger vehicles. A lawyer who specializes in handling trucking collisions could help identify the appropriate person or entity from which to seek compensation. This could include:
With so many possibilities, identifying and seeking compensation from the correct individual is vital for a case to be successful. Partner with a dedicated South Windsor truck accident attorney to determine which approach to take.
When you have been hurt in a crash caused by a commercial truck, you deserve to receive fair compensation for your injuries. Beyond that, holding the trucking company responsible is a service to your local community and ensures everyone drives safer.
A local South Windsor truck accident lawyer could help you achieve those goals. The personal injury experts at Berman & Russo are here to support your recovery in any way we can. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we may be able to assist with your case.