Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Connecticut: Things You Should Know
Commercial vehicles are subject to state and federal laws, including strict trucking regulations. Drivers may also follow company rules and licensing requirements that don’t apply to passenger cars. These factors make claims more complex and challenging to resolve. If you’ve been hurt in this type of crash, hiring a skilled Connecticut car accident lawyer from our firm can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
What Is a Commercial Vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle used to transport goods or passengers for business purposes. Many must follow federal safety standards in addition to Connecticut traffic laws. Understanding what is considered a commercial vehicle clarifies your legal rights if you are involved in an accident. Some examples of commercial vehicles include:
What Are Some Common Injuries Caused by Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Because of their size and weight, commercial vehicles can cause severe, life-altering injuries. These may require long-term medical care, affect your ability to work, and change your daily life.
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Loss of limb
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
- Loss of life
What Are Some Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Commercial vehicle accidents can occur for many reasons, often involving preventable driver errors or mechanical failures. These vehicles’ operational demands make them more vulnerable to certain hazards.
- Violated traffic laws (i.e., speeding)
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while fatigued or over the hours-of-service limits
- Improperly secured cargo
- Equipment or vehicle malfunctions
- Inadequate driver training
- Distracted driving
- Poor road or weather conditions
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident With a Commercial Vehicle in Connecticut
Your safety should be the priority. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further injury. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and seek prompt medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, an evaluation can protect your health and legal claim. The steps you take after a commercial car accident can significantly affect your case outcome. Once safe, follow key steps, such as calling the police, gathering evidence, exchanging information, and contacting a commercial vehicle accident lawyer, to preserve your rights and strengthen your case.
Call the Police and File a Police Report
Notifying the police ensures your accident is officially documented, which is critical for your insurance claim and legal case. Officers assess the scene and record statements from those involved and witnesses. A detailed police report provides an impartial record to support your claim against the commercial vehicle driver or company.
Gather Evidence of the Commercial Car Accident
Gathering evidence after a commercial car accident is essential to building a strong case. While waiting for the police, collect as much visual and physical evidence as possible, such as:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
- Commercial vehicle license plate and insurance details
- Driver’s name and contact information
- Name of the company that owns the commercial vehicle
- Witness statements and their contact information (name, phone, and email)
- Details of any nearby security cameras that may have recorded the incident
Exchange Information with the Commercial Company Vehicle Driver
Gathering accurate information from the driver and their employer is crucial in commercial vehicle accident cases. This helps your attorney assess employer liability, locate additional insurance coverage, and ensure your claim targets all responsible parties for maximum compensation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention After a Commercial Vehicle Collision
Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not appear right away. A prompt medical evaluation can identify hidden injuries and begin treatment. Medical records from right after the crash also strengthen your case by linking your injuries directly to the accident.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Contacting an experienced attorney quickly can make a major difference in your case. A skilled personal injury lawyer can preserve evidence, consult experts, and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. With KJSR, you can maximize your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.
How Do Connecticut Laws Apply to Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve a mix of state and federal regulations, company safety policies, and traffic laws. Knowing how these rules apply to a car accident with a commercial vehicle in Connecticut helps protect your rights.
These cases can become complex when multiple parties or insurers are involved. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will guide you through the laws, ensuring you fully understand your case and potential outcomes.
Who Is Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
In Connecticut, liability may rest with the commercial vehicle driver, the company that owns or operates it, or third parties responsible for maintenance or cargo loading. Driver negligence, company safety policies, and the vehicle’s condition all help determine fault. Identifying every liable party is essential to securing full compensation.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Claim After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. However, even if you believe the deadline has passed, you should still contact our team to confirm your timeline and explore your options. Reach out as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building a strong case.
What Is Connecticut’s Comparative Negligence Rule?
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if you are partly at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault is 50 percent or less. In commercial vehicle cases, strict rules on driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and safety compliance can also affect how fault is determined.
What Steps Should I Take When Filing an Insurance Claim for a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Connecticut?
Following the collision, contact your insurance company promptly to report the incident. However, it is best to consult an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney before agreeing to any settlement from any party. Speaking with skilled commercial vehicle accident lawyers is just as important as notifying your insurance. The dedicated advocates at KJSR are here to protect your best interests.
How to File an Insurance Claim After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
After notifying your insurer, follow their instructions while consulting an attorney. Keep detailed records of all accident-related costs and share them with your lawyer, including:
- Medical treatments and related expenses
- Vehicle repair estimates and invoices
- Lost income from missed work
- Transportation costs for medical care
- Other accident-related expenses
How to Deal with Insurance Company Claim Adjusters After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Insurers may try to settle quickly for less than your claim’s full value. Before accepting any offer, consult KJSR to understand your case’s worth. An experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer can communicate with adjusters, protect your rights, and negotiate for fair compensation.
How to Seek Compensation in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Seeking compensation after a commercial vehicle accident starts with understanding the full scope of your damages. Your attorney will evaluate financial and non-financial impacts and determine whether punitive damages may apply in cases of extreme negligence. In the most devastating situations, where the accident has taken the life of a loved one, a compassionate wrongful death attorney can guide you through a negligence claim and help you seek justice on their behalf.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses directly related to the accident. These can include:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Transportation expenses for medical care
- Costs of in-home assistance or modifications for disabilities
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses you experience after a commercial vehicle accident. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
What Are Punitive Damages and How Are They Awarded in a Car Accident Case?
Punitive damages punish extreme negligence or intentional misconduct and can deter future wrongdoing. They are not awarded in every case, but may apply when a commercial vehicle driver or company acts with reckless disregard for safety. Sometimes, a crash may also involve professional negligence, in which case our malpractice attorneys can provide skilled guidance.
In Connecticut, punitive damages in most tort cases are generally limited to the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney Like KJSR on Your Side After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Commercial vehicle accident cases often involve multiple parties, strict regulations, and aggressive insurers. Our lawyers draw on decades of experience handling these complex claims, using proven strategies to investigate, preserve evidence, and pursue full compensation. From the first consultation, we focus on protecting your rights and guiding you through each step of the legal process so you can concentrate on your recovery.
What Can You Expect From Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Your lawyer will be your advocate, guiding you through each stage of the legal process while protecting your rights. They will help you with:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Gathering and preserving evidence, including driver logs and maintenance records
- Identifying all liable parties
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
- Managing all legal details so you can focus on recovery
Why Hiring a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer From KJSR Is Essential
For decades, Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., has fought for commercial vehicle accident victims across Connecticut with skill, persistence, and compassion. Clients have shared how our guidance, attention to detail, and genuine care helped them through difficult times. Our team-focused approach ensures every case benefits from the combined insight of our entire firm, which is one of many reasons why so many people choose KJSR as their trusted advocates.
How to Maximize Your Compensation With a Personal Injury Claim at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C.
Working with an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney who understands the full scope of potential damages is essential to maximizing compensation after a commercial vehicle accident. Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, medical costs, and long-term impacts. Our attorneys have a long history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims, combining legal skill with a deep commitment to client care.
Contact Our Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. for a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, call 203-865-8430 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. Speak with an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney at KJSR to learn your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. With offices in New Haven, Norwalk, and West Hartford, we are ready to help wherever you are in Connecticut.
FAQs About Car Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we recover compensation.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Connecticut?
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in Connecticut.
What Is My Commercial Vehicle Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, related expenses, and how the accident impacts your life.
Can I Sue for Punitive Damages in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Punitive damages may be available if the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.
Why is it Important to Collect Evidence After a Commercial Vehicle Crash?
Strong evidence, such as photos and witness statements, helps prove fault and support your compensation claim.