Involved in a Truck Accident in Norwalk, CT? Injury? We Can Help

As of 2019, more than 3.5 million people were employed as truck drivers in the U.S. Trucks travel millions of miles every year and play a crucial role in delivering much-needed supplies and goods to consumers. However, the overall weight and sheer size of trucks can result in serious injury or even death. In Norwalk, our roads and highways are congested with trucks, including semi-trucks, commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers—so accidents involving these massive vehicles are not uncommon.

Most of the fatalities in truck accidents are passengers in vehicles due to the increased vulnerability of those traveling in smaller vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a total of 4,136 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 67% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.

If you and/or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Norwalk caused by the truck company, the truck driver, or another driver’s negligence, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lemberg Law are equipped to get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that truck accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in serious impacts on your health and finances; which is why you may need help as soon as possible.

Navigating insurance providers or truck companies that may be at fault for your injury can be a scary and frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. For 13 years, Lemberg Law has made legal representation a pain-free and easily accessible process. We have successfully recovered more than $50 million in damages for more than 25,000 clients across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.

You may be compensated for damages or losses associated with a truck accident, which can include but are not limited to:

• Medical expense reimbursements
• Diminished quality of live
• Home healthcare
• Payment of lost wages
• Compensation for future medical costs
• Payment for future earnings
• Damages for pain and suffering

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Whether the accident involved a semi-truck or an 18-wheeler, truck accidents can be far more devastating than a regular car accident and can result in serious injuries to the truck driver and other motorists. In many cases, victims in truck accidents have a combination of serious injuries. Common injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Injury to internal organs
• Burns
• Bruising
• Abrasions
• Death

Deaths in Crashes Involving Large Trucks (1975-2018)

Most Common Causes for Truck Accidents

Determining the cause of a truck accident is crucial, as it will define who is responsible for the damages you may receive. Whether you are the truck driver, the truck company, or another motorist, you may have a claim. Common causes of truck accidents include:

Breaks: Loaded tractor-trailers take 20-40% farther than cars to stop. This discrepancy increases with wet and slippery roads or with breaks that are not well maintained, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Truck driver fatigue: Fatigue is also a huge risk for accidents. According to the U.S. Census, almost half of truck drivers work more than 40 hours a week, compared to about a quarter of workers in all occupations who work more than 40 hours a week. The time of day also plays a role in crashes. About 50% of large truck crashes in 2018 occurred between the hours of 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Truck company: The fault can fall on behalf of the truck company. If the company neglects to train drivers or maintain their trucks, they could be responsible for your damages. A truck accident can occur because of a defective part or poor truck maintenance.

Truck driver: Truck drivers can engage in negligent behavior if they are speeding, ignoring traffic lights, texting, driving under the influence, or using electronic devices.

Poor weather conditions: A truck accident can also be caused by inclement weather conditions. Most trucks weigh 20-30 times heavier than passenger cars, and poor conditions may make it difficult for the driver to maneuver around dangerous situations. It is crucial that truck drivers receive proper training on how to operate the vehicle in a range of weather conditions.

Another driver or motor vehicle: Careless drivers, including cars and motorcycles on the road who engage in negligent behavior, can also be at fault—especially if they were distracted, such as by texting or on the phone, were under the influence, or failed to obey traffic regulations.

The Most Dangerous Routes and Roads in Connecticut

The number of accidents on routes and interstates in Connecticut decreased slightly from 113,759 in 2018 to 112,459 in 2019, but the most dangerous roads where the most crashes occur remain the same year after year. Popular interstates and routes that run through our state, such as I-95 and I-84, are very likely to contain a multitude of trucks and vehicles. Here are the nine most dangerous roads and interstates in Connecticut in the last three years:

2017-2020 Transit Crashes – Connecticut

1. I-95 – 19,940 crashes
2. I-84 – 18,611 crashes
3. Route 1 – 15,548 crashes
4. Route 15 – 14,737 crashes
5. I-91 – 11,374 crashes
6. Route 10 – 6,252 crashes
7. Route 8 – 5,617 crashes
8. Route 6 – 4,862 crashes
9. Route 44 – 4,532 crashes

FAQs about Truck Accidents:

What should I do if I am involved in a truck accident?

First and foremost, you should check to see if you or anyone else is seriously injured and call the police for help. You should get the information of everyone involved, including their full name, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, general descriptions of each vehicle, insurance information, and driver’s license information. Try to get as much information as possible to show that you are not liable for the accident, such as photographs of the scene and testimonies from witnesses.

Should I remain in the vehicle or get out after a truck accident?

In determining whether you should stay in your vehicle or exit, use your best judgement. Usually, you should exit your vehicle safely to avoid oncoming traffic after being in an accident. However, you should not do anything that risks your safety. If you are unable to exit the vehicle for any reason, perhaps because of weather conditions that may prohibit you to do so, utilize your blinkers and roadside flares to signal to other cars your location.

Is there anything I should not say after a truck accident?

You should not apologize to anyone or accept blame for the accident, as this can be misinterpreted by the insurance companies and used against you. You also do not have to give a statement to the other insurance company right away. It might be best to consult with a lawyer before even talking with your own insurance company or accepting any type of initial settlement.

Should I see a doctor after the truck accident, even if I do not think I’m seriously injured?

You should absolutely visit a doctor after being in any type of accident. While you may feel like the injuries are minor or not there, you could have injuries that may become serious if not treated. It’s better to take precautions when dealing with your health. Seeing a doctor will also create medical documents that can serve as evidence if you do decide to peruse legal action.

How much compensation am I entitled to for being injured in a truck accident?

No two claims are the same. How much you may receive in damages depends on a variety of factors, such as the sum cost of your injuries and repairs. The effects of an injury also vary from person to person. Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.

How much time to do I have to file a truck accident injury claim in Norwalk?

If you were hurt by a vehicle that is owned or operated by a district or government entity, in many states, there is only a brief period—sometimes less than 60 days—in which a claimant can sue a government body who may be responsible for an accident.

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim that is not against a government body, under Connecticut law, you must file a personal injury or property damage claim within two years of the date of the accident. If someone suffers a wrongful death, the two-year limit starts on the date of the victim’s death from their injuries.

You should reach out to an attorney sooner, rather than later, in order to have plenty of time to build a strong case. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the entire process, including state, local, and national transportation laws.