Bristol, CT Truck Accident Lawyers

Connecticut is home to more than 8,000 trucking companies. Data shows that commercial trucks transport more than 62,000 tons of cargo every day across the state. While trucks are indispensable for transporting essential goods and commodities, they pose significant risks to other road users due to their enormous size and weight. In the event of an accident, the resulting injuries and property damage can be quite extensive. 

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Bristol, you need effective legal representation to protect your rights and get the settlement you deserve. At the Dodd Law Firm, we have years of experience in handling truck accident claims and we know how to hold trucking companies responsible for their negligence. We can help you get the settlement you need to get back on your feet and rebuild your life. 

Call us today at 203-272-1883 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Bristol, CT truck accident lawyers. 

Dangerous Highways in Bristol, CT

• Interstate 84 (I-84): This east-west interstate passes just north of Bristol – connecting it to Hartford to the east and Waterbury to the west. It is one of the busiest highways in Connecticut and is commonly used by truckers. 
• U.S. Route 6 (US 6): Also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highways, US 6 passes through Bristol from east to west. It is considered the most dangerous highway in Connecticut. 

Dangerous Intersections in Bristol, CT

The most dangerous intersections in Bristol include:

• Route 69 and Route 72
• North Main Street and Riverside Avenue
• Farmington Avenue and Stafford Avenue 
• Middle Street and Redstone Hill Road 

Can the Trucking Company in Bristol, CT Be Held Responsible for an Accident? 

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, the trucking company can be held directly or indirectly responsible for the accident caused by their driver. 

Direct Liability 

If the trucking company’s negligence was a contributing factor to the accident, it can be held directly liable for the resulting damages. Common examples of trucking company negligence include:

• Hiring unqualified drivers.
• Hiring drivers with a history of traffic violations.
• Failing to provide proper training to drivers.
• Forcing or encouraging drivers to drive without taking sufficient rest breaks.
• Failing to implement proper pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures.
• Failing to adequately supervise the drivers.
• Failing to implement a proper alcohol and drug testing policy for drivers. 

Indirect or Vicarious Liability 

Even in the absence of any negligence on the part of the trucking company, it can still be held vicariously liable for the accident if the driver was performing a job-related duty when the accident occurred. 

It is important to note that many trucking companies in Connecticut hire independent contractors so that they can deny liability in the event of an accident. Still, if there was an employment relationship between the truck driver and the trucking company, the company could be held vicariously liable for the driver’s actions.

If you are injured in an accident caused by an independent contractor, our Bristol, CT truck accident attorneys can thoroughly investigate your accident and find out if there was an employer-employee relationship between the at-fault driver and the company they work for. 

For example, if the company exerted excessive control over the driver’s actions, it can be considered a sign of an employment relationship, in which case the trucking company can be held liable for your injuries and other losses. 

Types of Evidence Our Bristol, CT Truck Accident Lawyers Can Use to Establish Fault and Liability in Your Claim 

• Police reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Pre-crash data from the truck’s black box – including vehicle speed and acceleration data, braking data, engine performance, and vehicle control inputs leading up to the accident
• Surveillance footage from traffic cameras or nearby business establishments 
• Dashcam footage 
• Accident reconstruction report
• Driver logs
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records
• Driver’s cell phone records
• Driver’s alcohol and drug test results
• Trucking company policies and training records
• Records related to the truck’s cargo
• Your medical records 

How Our Bristol, CT Truck Accident Attorneys Will Use the Negligence Law to Pursue Your Claim for Damages 

Connecticut follows a modified version of the comparative negligence law, under which you have the right to recover compensatory damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. The law includes two important provisions. These include:  

• Your recoverable compensation will be reduced depending on the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, your recoverable compensation will be reduced by 25%. 
• If you are found to be 51% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any amount of damages from the other party. 

Insurance companies often try to take advantage of Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence law by shifting blame onto truck accident victims, even if they were only partially responsible for the accident. By doing so, they might try to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay or deny liability altogether. 

This is one of the most important reasons why you should not talk, sign any document, or give a written statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company. They might trick you into admitting fault for the accident and use your own statements against you to reduce your compensation. 

Here is how our Bristol, CT truck accident lawyers can protect your rights and prevent you from being unfairly blamed for the accident.

Thorough Investigation 

We can get to the bottom of your case and find out how the accident occurred, what caused it, and who was at fault. We can seek the help of private investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and other experts if needed to determine fault and liability. 

Compelling Evidence 

We can gather a wide range of evidence – from eyewitness statements to the truck’s black box data – to prove that the accident was caused by the other party’s negligence or recklessness and that you cannot be blamed for it. 

Effective Arguments and Strategies 

Having handled a wide variety of truck accident claims, we know what kind of arguments insurance companies make and what kind of tactics they employ to reduce or outright deny liability. We can prepare effective arguments and strategies of our own to counter them and hold the at-fault party fully responsible for the accident. 

Types of Damages Our Bristol, CT Truck Accident Lawyers Can Recover for You 

• Medical Expenses: This includes reimbursement for past and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident – including but not limited to the cost of hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost Wages: This includes compensation for the income you lost as a result of not being able to work due to your injuries. This can include wages lost during recovery as well as future earnings if the injuries result in long-term disability or impairment.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the pain and emotional suffering you endured as a result of your injuries. The amount of compensation is determined based on the severity and duration of the pain and suffering.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident results in permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement, you can be compensated for the loss of quality of life, earning capacity, and overall well-being.
• Loss of Consortium: This includes compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support suffered by your spouse or family members as a result of the injuries you sustained in the accident.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Our Bristol, CT Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation

If you have been injured by a commercial truck, the skilled Bristol, CT truck accident lawyers at the Dodd Law Firm are ready to provide you with the legal assistance and guidance you need at this difficult time. We can identify all possible sources of compensation, build a compelling case, and fight hard to recover the damages you are owed. 

Call us today at 203-272-1883 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a top-rated Bristol, CT truck accident lawyer at our firm.