Connecticut residents experience various kinds of road accidents. But a truck accident tends to be the most catastrophic, given the size and weight of a truck.
Because of the nature of a trucker’s job, they travel long distances. By being on the road for a long time, they become susceptible to fatigue, which is the main cause of truck accidents in the state. Apart from this factor, truck drivers exhibit various kinds of negligence while behind the wheel and cause accidents. If you are a victim of a negligent trucker, you may want to file a claim against them and other parties to be compensated for your injuries and losses. But because a truck accident can involve several parties, you may not be able to handle this alone. You need an experienced connecticut truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process involved in this case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Connecticut can occur because of the following reasons:
- Distracted driving. A trucker who takes their eyes off the road even for three seconds can already cause an accident. Thus, is important for those behind the wheel to focus on driving safely and what’s happening on the road.
- Drunk driving. A lot of truckers may drink alcohol in between stops even if the law prohibits them from doing so. They think that they can stay awake when they consume alcohol. Unfortunately, alcohol affects their cognitive ability and won’t keep them stay awake. When a driver takes too much alcohol, they become intoxicated, increasing their chances of causing a road accident. Victims of this driver can bring a negligence claim against them.
- Fatigue. Truck drivers operate their vehicles for long hours. Usually, they do not observe the number of service hours allowed by law. Fatigue then sets in and causes drowsy driving. Ultimately, this can lead to accidents.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Truck accident victims should take steps to make sure they get fair compensation for the injuries they suffered and other losses. If you are one of these victims, ensure you report the accident to the police, so a police report is made. Also, get treatment from a doctor immediately after the accident. Even if you seem unhurt, you still have to see a doctor since some injuries may not be obvious immediately. A thorough medical examination is important, so you can get prompt treatment and documentation of your injuries. In addition, hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible, so they can investigate the accident and collect evidence for you while it’s still available.