Connecticut Truck Accident Attorneys

Connecticut Truck Accident Attorneys

Did you know that Connecticut annually experiences more accidents involving tractor-trailers than accidents involving alcohol? Even though Connecticut requires all commercially licensed drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing, the nature of the truck driving industry lends itself to accidents that differ from traditional motor vehicle collisions.

Connecticut Trucking Regulations

CT closely regulates trucks, especially those holding potentially dangerous cargo. If you are involved in a truck, semi-truck, or eighteen-wheeler accident with a vehicle hauling hazardous materials, there are a plethora of Connecticut regulations that, if not adhered to, may be considered negligence on behalf of the truck driver, trucking company, or corporation. These regulations are not applicable to traditional passenger vehicles, as specific commercial permits are required to haul hazardous freight. A hazardous material’s driver must:

• maintain detailed shipping papers;
• ensure the proper placement of hazardous materials placards;
• check the tires every 100 miles or 2 hours;
• monitor the freight to ensure it is secure and leak free, and
• never leave the truck unattended on public roads, parked within five feet of private property, or parked within 300 feet of a bridge or any place where people work or gather.

Causes of Connecticut Truck Accidents

Although it may seem excessive, one of the primary reasons Connecticut requires certain truck drivers to check their tires every 100 miles or 2 hours is to avoid a common type of truck accident know as tire “blowout.” Tire blowout occurs when one or more of a truck’s tires literally explode, which may send a careening eighteen-wheeler your way. Tire blowouts can be caused by a number of factors, including poor maintenance and improper tire pressure. However, they often occur suddenly, and it may be impossible to avoid an accident.

Steps to Take After a Truck Crash

Especially after an unexpected tire blowout, it may be difficult to remain calm at the scene of the accident. However, in order to protect your rights, it is essential you take the following steps:

• Get yourself to a safe location and call 911 as soon as possible;
• Gather the name of the truck driver, the trucking company, and/or the corporate vehicle involved in the accident;
• Gather any necessary insurance information, including policy numbers and contact information;
• Identify and gather the contact information for any potential witnesses to the accident, and
• Provide your name and insurance information to the other driver and police, but do not provide your address or personal contact information.

Be sure to Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney to Discuss the Details of your Case

With such stringent Connecticut truck, semi-truck, and tractor-trailer tire regulations, if you have been involved in a truck related accident, do not settle for a traditional personal injury attorney. For example, if a truck driver failed to check his tires after three hours on the road, driver negligence may be assumed in a blowout accident. If you do not contact a qualified truck accident lawyer, you may be sacrificing essential aspects of your case.