When you are struck by an overloaded semi-truck, you have a right to seek compensation from those responsible. We know how intimidating it can be to deal with this alone, and we are here to offer help. Trantolo & Trantolo’s truck accident lawyers in Connecticut have been helping injury victims get justice and compensation since 1938. We know how to manage complex truck collision cases, from identifying the responsible parties to filing insurance claims and defending your case at trial.
Contact our office today to find out how our Connecticut overweight/overloaded truck accident attorneys can help with your claim. We offer free consultations and legal representation on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front for our help. We will recover costs and fees only when we win a settlement or verdict in your favor.
What Can an Overweight Truck Accident Attorney in Connecticut Do for Me?
The overweight trucking accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo know about state and federal laws governing commercial trucks and weight requirements. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims in Connecticut. We have the knowledge and skills to gather the necessary evidence, prove your case, and secure the best possible settlement value.
Determining Fault
Our lawyers will investigate the full extent of your accident and gather evidence, such as driver’s logs, delivery schedules, cargo manifests, and truck specifications.
Using this evidence, your attorneys build a compelling case to show how the truck’s excessive weight led to your accident and associated injuries and medical bills.
Proving Damages
Your damages case is built through a thorough analysis of your medical documentation. Every chart, imaging result, and treatment note is examined to show the severity of your injuries and how your treatment progressed over time. We help establish a clear timeline that captures the full course of your medical care, the duration and intensity of your treatment, and any surgeries or procedures that became necessary.
To fully understand how the crash changed your life, our team collaborates closely with your treating providers and independent specialists. These insights help demonstrate how your injuries limit your mobility, disrupt your daily routine, and interfere with your ability to work.
When expert statements, treatment records, provider assessments, and evidence of future medical needs come together, they create a detailed and compelling picture of your damages and the impact the injury has had on your life.
Filing a Claim
Once they identify those responsible, your team will submit a demand or file a claim with the appropriate insurance company. They will aggressively negotiate with the insurance adjuster for a fair settlement and file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible, if necessary.
The statute of limitations for such claims is usually two years, so time is of the essence. If you miss the legal filing deadline, you could lose compensation. Don’t risk it – reach out to Trantolo & Trantolo as soon as possible to get started.
What Is an Overweight or Overloaded Truck?
An overweight or overloaded truck is any commercial vehicle that exceeds legal and mechanical limitations for safe operation.
Legal Truck Weight Limits
Commercial trucks must meet legal weight limits for driving on local, state, and interstate roads and bridges. Such requirements differ depending on the state or municipality. The goal of these limitations is to prevent damage to the roadways and other infrastructure.
Federal regulations limit truck weights to 20,000 lbs. per axle, with a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 40 tons, or 80,000 pounds on U.S. Interstate Highways. This limit includes the full truck, trailer, and cargo. States may have different requirements, depending on the location.
In Connecticut, weight restrictions on commercial trucks are outlined under CT Gen. Stat. § 14-267a. Generally, commercial vehicles may not exceed 22,400 lbs. per axle, with a maximum GVW of 80,000. The state outlines specific weight limitations per axle, cargo type, and tire width, among other factors.
Mechanical Weight Limits for Semi-Trucks
Loaded semi-trucks are also subject to strict mechanical load limits to ensure safe operation. Exceeding the vehicle’s load limitations is both illegal and dangerous, even if the truck is within legal limits. When critical components like the tires, brakes, and suspension fail under too much pressure, it can lead to overrides, underrides, jackknifing, and rollover crashes, causing catastrophic injuries and fatal accidents.
You have a legal right to pursue compensation for an accident caused by an overloaded truck. Don’t fight solo. Trantolo & Trantolo can fight for your right to a fair settlement or award.
What Damages Can I Get After a Crash with an Overweight Truck in Connecticut?
As a victim of a trucking collision, you may sustain life-altering injuries that require long-term care and support. It’s unfair to expect you and your loved ones to pay for the careless or reckless actions of a trucking company.
Trantolo & Trantolo is focused on getting results, and we will not settle for less than you deserve. We work tirelessly to secure the full scope of your damages, including:
- Medical treatment and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Our truck accident attorneys have the resources and experience to get justice for your losses. While our previous results are not a guarantee of future successes, we have successfully recovered compensation for injury victims all over Connecticut, including those who were victims of commercial vehicle crashes.
When you are ready to seek justice, our team is here to fight for you.
Who Is Responsible for an Overloaded Truck Accident?
The trucking company is usually fully or partially liable for an overweight truck accident. It is their responsibility to ensure that loads transported by their drivers are within appropriate weight limits and properly secured. If another party’s involvement caused the vehicle to become overloaded, these parties could be liable for harm.
Generally, trucking companies carry millions of dollars in liability insurance. However, securing compensation through an insurance claim is complicated. Insurers rarely offer fair settlement terms upfront, so you benefit from partnering with a Connecticut personal injury lawyer familiar with such claims.
What Should I Do After an Accident With an Overloaded Semi-Truck?
If you were struck by an overweight commercial truck, you should call 911 from the scene and seek medical treatment. Then, take these steps to protect yourself legally:
- Attend all follow-ups and physical therapy appointments
- Document all correspondence and expenditures related to the accident
- Consult with an attorney as soon as possible
- Avoid claiming fault or discussing your medical history with insurers
If you are not sure what to say to the insurance company, speak with a truck accident lawyer first. During a free initial consultation, our team can explain your legal options and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Get Your Free Legal Consultation Today
The aftermath of a semi-truck collision is stressful and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face these challenges on your own. Our legal team is available to help you decide how to move forward. Contact Trantolo & Trantolo today for a free case review. Our Connecticut overloaded truck accident attorneys are ready to get to work for you today.
FAQs for Our Firm’s Connecticut Truck Crash Team
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Connecticut Overweight/Overloaded Truck Accident Attorney?
Our truck accident attorneys in Connecticut charge nothing upfront to help with your case. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we secure compensation on your behalf. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us anything.
How Long After an Overweight/Overloaded Truck Accident Can I Sue in Connecticut?
According to CT Gen. Stat. § 52-584, truck accident victims generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. While some circumstances could pause or extend the deadline, it is in your best interest to act as quickly as possible. Two years can pass very quickly, and you could lose your chance to take legal action and seek damages. The sooner you contact our firm, the sooner we can get to work and protect your claim.
How Much Is an Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accident Settlement?
A truck accident settlement will differ based on several circumstances, including your injury severity, damage costs, and lost income. The quality of evidence and extent of the other party’s liability can also affect your case outcome. Speak with Trantolo & Trantolo to learn which factors could affect your truck accident settlement value.
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