A truck accident is a traumatic experience that can create health problems and financial challenges that affect every aspect of your life. Commercial trucks are often much larger and heavier than traditional passenger vehicles, making them especially dangerous on Bridgeport’s narrow streets and busy highways like I-95 and I-91.
If you or someone you love suffered severe injuries in a truck crash, you could pursue damages through a personal injury claim. A Bridgeport truck accident attorney with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can guide you through the legal process, from your initial consultation through the final settlement or verdict.
You can find out more about our personal injury lawyers in Bridgeport by calling us today. We offer free initial consultations 24/7.
What To Know Before You File A Trucking Accident Claim In Bridgeport, CT
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence you may have many questions about what to do next. In this guide to truck accident claims in Bridgeport, Connecticut, we will answer our most frequently asked questions and tell you what you need to know about seeking justice after a semi-truck wreck.
Helping You Pursue a Fair Settlement After a Bridgeport Truck Accident
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we understand that a trucking accident is a life-altering event. Severe physical injuries can lead to high medical expenses, extreme emotional distress, and overall diminished quality of life. Our compassionate truck accident lawyers in Bridgeport are here to help you navigate the complexities of a truck injury claim so you can recover and return to your previous quality of life.
As you recover from your injuries, we can file a truck accident claim to pursue compensation for damages such as:
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost income
- Reduced income earning potential
- Vehicle damage repairs and replacements
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Physical pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages, if your loved one suffered fatal injuries
We understand the complex issues that can arise following a severe accident with a negligent truck driver. Our trucking accident lawyers are here to help you seek fair compensation from the at-fault parties. We can help you gather evidence to support claims for economic and non-economic damages, so you can hold the responsible party accountable.
Our Experienced Team of Lawyers Have a Proven Track Record of Settlements
At Trantolo & Trantolo, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of those who have been wrongfully harmed. Our team is committed to working relentlessly to secure the just compensation our clients are entitled to for the injuries and losses they have suffered. The following are some of the successful outcomes we’ve secured for our clients:
- $840,000 settlement: Our client suffered serious neck and lower back injuries after his car was struck in a t-bone accident by the driver of a utility truck who had run a stop sign.
- $834,000 settlement: Our client suffered a severe concussion and serious neck, back, and leg injuries after being struck head-on by a truck that was driving too fast for conditions.
- $500,000 settlement: Our client was a passenger in a car that was struck by a truck that was backing up, resulting in serious back and leg injuries that required surgery and physical therapy.
- $450,000 settlement: Our client suffered a series of strokes after being struck by a flatbed trailer that was backing across a roadway.
- $445,000 mediated settlement: Our client sustained significant neck, back, and shoulder injuries after they were struck by a truck that was making an improper lane change.
We make a solemn promise to each and every one of our clients: regardless of the circumstances that led to your personal injury, we will stand by your side and fight tirelessly on your behalf. You can count on us to be your unwavering allies in your pursuit of justice and fair compensation.
Our Bridgeport Truck Accident Lawyers Handle Every Aspect Of Your Injury Claim
When you sign a contract with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, you gain the benefit of eight decades of hands-on injury litigation experience. We know how the legal process works, as well as the strategies insurance carriers and trucking companies use to avoid liability.
Our legal team brings more than 85 years of knowledge and resources to every case. When you partner with us, we can:
Handle Legal Correspondence
Your lawyer and paralegal will assist with all correspondence, phone calls, and emails about your case. We field all the requests for information, documentation, and paperwork, so you can focus on your health.
Compile Documentation to Support Your Case
To support your claim, we may obtain any of the following types of evidence:
- Photos, dashcam, traffic cam, and CCTV footage of the accident
- Copies of your medical records and medical bills
- Estimates for property repairs and replacement
- Financial statements and pay stubs
- Truck driver hours, schedules, and logs
Take Witness Statements
We contact witnesses and experts for testimony to support your claim. Witness statements can provide critical details to help prove fault. Testimony from medical and economic experts can clarify the severity of your injuries and substantiate your financial losses.
Negotiate With the Liable Party and Insurance Companies
We aggressively advocate for fair compensation from the responsible party and their insurance company. Our team has extensive experience handling difficult insurers, and we will not settle for less than we think you deserve.
Represent You in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Even a successful insurance claim does not always cover the full scope of severe or catastrophic injuries. Our skilled trial attorneys prepare to take your case to court from the beginning. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, we ensure that the insurance company takes your claim seriously.
Insurance companies sometimes try to draw out negotiations to push you past the legal filing deadline and force a lower settlement. By filing promptly, we can work to meet the statute of limitations in your case. CT Gen. Stat. § 52-584 generally gives you two years to file your case.
How Shared Fault Affects Truck Accident Claims In Connecticut
In Connecticut, the concept of shared fault, also known as comparative negligence, plays a significant role in determining the outcome of truck accident claims. Under this legal principle, the fault for an accident can be apportioned among multiple parties, including the injured party seeking compensation.
Here’s how shared fault can impact truck accident claims in Connecticut:
- Modified comparative negligence: Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that an injured party can still recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed 50%. If the injured party is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.
- Reduction of damages: If an injured party is found to be partially at fault for the truck accident, their recoverable damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 30% at fault, their recovery will be reduced by 30%, resulting in a final award of $70,000.
- Determining fault: To determine the allocation of fault in a truck accident case, various factors will be considered, such as compliance with traffic laws, vehicle maintenance, driver negligence, and road conditions. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction may be used to establish the degree of fault for each party involved.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Shared fault can complicate negotiations with insurance companies, as they may attempt to shift more blame onto the injured party to reduce their payout. It’s crucial to have strong evidence and experienced legal representation to counter these arguments and ensure a fair allocation of fault.
- Pursuing multiple parties: In some truck accident cases, multiple parties may share fault, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer. Under Connecticut law, an injured party can pursue compensation from each at-fault party based on their respective percentage of fault.
Understanding how shared fault affects truck accident claims in Connecticut is crucial for injured parties seeking fair compensation. By working with Bridgeport truck accident attorneys and presenting strong evidence, victims can navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and pursue the damages they deserve.
Let Your Bridgeport Truck Accident Lawyer Handle Insurance Communications On Your Behalf
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a semi-truck, it’s generally advisable not to speak with the trucking company’s insurance representatives without first consulting an experienced Bridgeport truck accident attorney. Here’s why:
- Protection of your rights: The trucking company’s insurance adjusters are not on your side. They may use tactics to get you to say something that can be used against you or to accept a low settlement offer. We can protect your rights and handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Valuation of your claim: Truck accident cases often involve severe injuries and substantial damages. An experienced attorney can help you assess the full value of your claim so you won’t accept an offer that is far less than what your case is worth.
- Investigation of the accident: Truck accident cases are complex and often require thorough investigation to determine liability. An attorney can work to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. This is especially important in cases where fault is disputed or multiple parties may be liable.
- Negotiation of a fair settlement: A Connecticut truck accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for all of your losses. We can also advise you on when to accept a settlement offer and when to pursue further legal action.
- Litigation support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights at trial. We can handle the complex legal procedures and present compelling arguments to a judge or jury.
Instead of speaking with the trucking company’s insurance representatives, your first step after seeking medical attention should be to contact a reputable truck accident attorney. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your interests, and work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Is It Safe To Share Connecticut’s Roads With Semi-Trucks?
Sharing the road with semi-trucks is a necessary part of driving in Connecticut. Highways such as I-95, I-84, and I-91, are major corridors for commercial trucking, which means that passenger vehicles must frequently navigate around semi-trucks.
Although the vast majority of truck drivers are well-trained professionals who operate their vehicles safely, the size and weight of semi-trucks can make accidents involving these vehicles particularly devastating. Connecticut has taken steps to keep unsafe trucks off our highways, but there are still far too many accidents involving trucks in Bridgeport. Here are just a few:
- On May 6, 2024, a fiery truck accident caused I-95 to shut down.
- On February 8, 2024, a motorcyclist was hospitalized after a collision with a truck in Bridgeport.
- On February 5, 2024, a Bridgeport mother and her two children were killed when they were rear-ended by a truck.
- On November 8, 2023, a tractor-trailer driver was badly hurt when he was thrown from his truck in a wreck on I-95.
- On November 7, 2023, a jackknifed tractor-trailer shut down the I-95 north in Bridgeport.
By understanding the unique challenges of operating around semi-trucks, motorists can help reduce the risk of serious accidents on Connecticut’s roads. However, when truck accidents do occur due to negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties, it is your right to pursue fair compensation
Advantages of Partnering With Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s Truck Accident Lawyers in Bridgeport
When choosing the law firm to represent your truck accident claim against negligent drivers, consider working with the award-winning personal injury attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC.
Benefits of working with our firm include:
We Are a Dedicated Team of Compassionate Injury Attorneys
Our team of passionate personal injury lawyers has established a reputation for success. For more than 85 years, we have fought for fair monetary compensation on behalf of truck accident injury victims and other personal injury clients. When you become a client of Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, you become part of the family, and we will defend you like we would our own family members.
Our Proven Track Record for Effective Personal Injury Litigation
Our case results speak for themselves. Since our founding in 1938, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has successfully pursued millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of accident victims. We pride ourselves on providing personalized, compassionate guidance while tirelessly pursuing the negligent parties.
We Offer Comprehensive Legal Assistance on a Contingency-Fee Basis
We know that financial stress is high after a truck crash, which is why we offer our legal services on a contingency-fee basis.
On a contingency-fee agreement, you do not pay upfront for our legal services. If we do not win, you pay nothing for our representation.
Let’s win your case TOGETHER
Determining Who Is Liable for Compensating You After a Bridgeport Truck Accident
Commercial vehicle accidents can be complex. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC leaves no stone unturned when discovering the responsible parties.
Our truck accident attorneys in Bridgeport can gather evidence to establish the fundamental cause of the truck crash. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
- Brake failure
- Dangerous conditions
Even attentive drivers can experience catastrophic accidents when another driver or entity is negligent. You should not have to pay for the consequences of someone else’s negligent actions.
Seeking Compensation When There Are Multiple At-Fault Parties
While the truck driver may be liable in a crash, there are often multiple at-fault parties. For example, if a truck hits you because its brakes failed, you could pursue compensation from the truck manufacturer, trucking company, or entity responsible for the truck’s maintenance and repairs, as well as the truck driver and their employer. If the collision involved multiple drivers, the case may involve several liable parties and insurance companies.
Rather than trying to handle the legal footwork alone, allow Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s award-winning personal injury attorneys to assist with your claim. We can sort through the evidence, discover who is responsible, and pursue justice and fair compensation on your behalf.
Steps To Take To Protect The Value Of Your Bridgeport Truck Case
If you or a loved one is in a truck accident, you can take these steps to protect your safety and legal rights:
Seek Medical Assistance
First, seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained in the truck collision. If emergency services do not transport you to the hospital by ambulance, visit an emergency room, urgent care facility, or primary care physician as soon as possible.
Prompt medical attention ensures you receive critical care while establishing crucial medical records you need for your truck accident claim.
Call Emergency Services
If you are able, call 911 from the location of the accident to report the crash. Unless your health requires it, avoid leaving the accident scene until authorities arrive. The responding police officer will usually take statements from the individuals involved in the truck crash.
They may also facilitate the exchange of contact and insurance information for involved parties and witnesses.
Document the Accident
Take photos and videos of the accident site, including your injuries, property damage, and the vehicles’ final resting spots.
If the responding officer does not facilitate an exchange of information, take down the other driver’s license number, license plate, contact information, insurance information, and trucking company details, if applicable.
Obtain names and contact information from witnesses, as well. Your attorney can contact witnesses later to take formal statements about the accident.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident, so they can begin working on the claims process. Remember that even though they are your insurance carrier, they benefit from paying as little as possible for claims.
Protect your right to a fair settlement by sticking to the facts of the accident. Avoid claiming fault or laying blame, and do not discuss your injuries. Always speak with your attorney before giving an official statement.
Consider Contacting a Bridgeport Truck Accident Lawyer
As soon as possible, consider reaching out to a Bridgeport truck accident attorney. A personal injury attorney who specializes in truck accident cases can help you understand your legal rights and advise you on how to proceed with your claim.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s skilled truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Compassionate Bridgeport Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC is committed to defending your legal rights after a truck collision due to another’s negligence. We aren’t afraid to stand up to trucking companies or their insurers to demand your fair compensation. Let us help you move forward with the support you need after a semi-truck collision.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, contact our Bridgeport personal injury law firm today. One of our team members will review your case and help you understand your legal options.