Danbury Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck drivers play a crucial role in the American economy, ensuring that communities have access to food, finished goods, and raw materials. So many industries rely on truck drivers that the economy truly cannot run without them. While the majority of long-distance hauls go smoothly, a small percentage end in tragedy when a truck rolls over, collides with another car, or runs off the road. If you’re involved in a Danbury truck accident, you could accrue tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt, vehicle damage, and other expenses before you even leave the hospital. That’s why it’s important to fight for compensation.

We’re here to help. At The Dodd Law Firm, we know that a truck accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Let us help you pursue the compensation you’re owed—call us at 475-275-8649 to get started.

How Truck Accidents Happen

Truck accidents are caused by a wide range of factors. Understanding how these factors work together can help you avoid collisions and protect yourself when driving near tractor-trailers. Driver fatigue is a contributing factor in many Danbury truck collisions. Truck drivers are under enormous pressure to finish trips in record time, even if that means driving beyond the point of exhaustion. Drivers may also choose to do this on their own if their job is at stake. Long hours spent driving can make fatigue significantly worse, increasing the likelihood of a drowsy driving crash. This is one of the reasons that there are strict FMCSA regulations regarding truck drivers’ hours of service.

A number of truck accidents are the result of inexperienced drivers. Truck driving is very different than driving a standard passenger vehicle, and drivers should get extensive practice with a trainer before hitting the road on their own. Some companies have been caught putting drivers on the road alone before they’re ready, which leads to disaster when the new driver encounters an unexpected obstacle or situation.

Vehicle and cargo issues are a factor in many collisions. Trucks are under much more strain than standard passenger vehicles, thanks to their size, the amount of miles they put on, and the loads they carry. Without proper inspections and maintenance, it’s easy for unresolved issues to cause preventable collisions. Similarly, cargo loading is an essential component of trucking safety. Cargo that is unbalanced or improperly stacked can shift, causing a driver to lose control. An overloaded truck is much more difficult to steer and keep under control.

Factors That Make Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Other Collisions

The majority of crashes between standard passenger vehicles result in only property damage or property damage and minor injuries. On the other hand, a substantial amount of truck accidents result in serious or fatal injuries—not to mention the hundreds of thousands of dollars of property damage they cause. What makes truck accidents in Danbury so much more dangerous?

There is a major size and weight disparity between tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer could weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is dozens of times heavier than a passenger vehicle. When collisions happen, the occupants of the smaller vehicle bear the brunt of the force.

Because trucks are so large, they take much longer to come to a complete stop than smaller vehicles. This is an issue when roads are slippery, an unexpected obstacle is on the road, or someone cuts off a tractor-trailer and brakes. Not only is a truck unlikely to come to a complete stop, a driver may panic and try to get out of the way. This often results in a jackknife collision, which can be incredibly dangerous.

Another potential issue is a truck’s cargo. If a truck is carrying heavy cargo or hazardous chemicals, the cargo itself can become dangerous in a crash. Should the cargo be released, it can hit other vehicles on the road or block the road entirely. Hazardous chemicals can be toxic to nearby drivers or even seep into groundwater, causing health problems.

Who’s Liable?

There are a number of potentially liable parties in a truck accident claim. In many cases, the company is ultimately liable for the crash. This includes most crashes where the truck driver is at fault. Assuming that the truck driver is employed by a trucking company, the company is then liable for the actions of their employee. In situations where the truck driver is an owner-operator or contractor, they could be liable and you may have to seek compensation from their insurance provider.

Other potentially liable parties include cargo loaders, the owner of the cargo, and the municipality’s responsibility for maintaining the roads. These situations are less common, but still a possibility—that’s why it’s important to work with a Danbury truck accident attorney.

How The Dodd Law Firm Can Help You Pursue Compensation

The team at The Dodd Law Firm can help you seek justice after a truck accident leaves your future up in the air. Our team has negotiated with every major insurance company to help our clients get a fair shot at full compensation. We’ve seen firsthand how trucking companies and their insurance providers try to deny victims the settlement they deserve. We also know what it takes to hold these companies accountable and force them to do what is right.

You have a lot on your plate after an accident—we can help you navigate the legal side of it. While you focus on your physical and mental recovery, we can investigate the crash, gather necessary evidence, and begin negotiating on your behalf. Should your case go to court, we are ready to advocate for you there.

Reach Out Today to Explore Your Legal Options

Don’t wait any longer to find out if you’re entitled to compensation after a truck collision. Reach out to The Dodd Law Firm to figure out your next step. Just call us at 475-275-8649 or reach out online to schedule a consultation and discuss your case in greater detail.