Delivery trucks are such a necessity in this day and age. Transporting goods is a pivotal part of a process we rely on to receive everything from snacks to furniture. In Connecticut, there have been more truck accidents due to the rising demand for delivery trucks.
Truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road, and if they do not adhere to trucking rules and regulations, their negligence can lead to an accident. There are numerous reasons why delivery trucks crash, and if you get caught in harm’s way, you must take the appropriate safety measures to protect yourself. Learn about the causes of these accidents below to get started.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents in Connecticut
Truck drivers have a heavy weight on their shoulders. They must traverse unfamiliar territory while transporting crucial cargo from one location to another. These drivers spend long periods on the road, which can lead to careless mistakes causing accidents. Here are the most common causes of delivery truck accidents CT drivers should be aware of.
Driving While Fatigued
Truck drivers stay behind the wheel for prolonged periods. After eight consecutive hours of driving, truckers are required to take a 30-minute break. But if they do not adhere to these requirements, they could get drowsy and start dozing off while on the road. Taking this risk could lead to a delivery truck accident in CT.
Distracted Driving
Any non-driving activity a driver engages in that could cause them to become distracted while driving is referred to as distracted driving. Technology is the number one culprit behind this life-threatening action, causing a lot of accidents on the road due to its distraction factor.
Inexperience
Truck drivers are required to have specialized education and expertise in driving trucks. You can take legal action if a delivery driver causes an accident on the road due to inexperience. Without being properly trained, additional blame should be placed on the truck driving firm.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, including speeding, will result in truck accidents. Although truck drivers may occasionally be in a hurry, this should never cause them to ignore the rules of the road. If you encounter a trucker who speeds or drives with reckless abandon, then an accident is bound to occur, and you should take action.
Quick Stops
Truck drivers occasionally stop abruptly while driving. Sudden stops may be the result of locating an address or similar circumstances. This behavior may confound nearby drivers and result in a minor or serious accident.
Backing Up
Upon arriving at their destination, a truck driver may back up. But when driving in reverse, numerous blind spots can cause an accident with another vehicle, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian.
Truck Maintenance
To ensure the safety of both themselves and other road users, truck drivers must go through routine maintenance inspections. A blown tire, failed brakes, or other maintenance issues could occur if these requirements are not met. Any one of these significantly raises the risk of a traffic collision.
Improper Loads
A crucial rule that all truck drivers should adhere to is the load requirement. Too much cargo can cause the truck to tip over, the goods to become loose, or any other surefire way for an accident to happen.
After an Injury
After a delivery truck accident, CT drivers should follow these steps:
Call 9-1-1
Immediately calling 9-1-1 is the quickest way to notify the authorities of the accident and dispatch emergency medical assistance. Even if you think your injuries aren’t serious, you should still dial 9-1-1 because there may be more severe injuries than you realize.
Acquire Contact Information
After that, make sure to get the names and contact details of those involved, including eyewitnesses. You’ll need to gather names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to record the conversations with these individuals if they offer their permission.
Take Photos
It’s crucial that you take pictures of the accident to document it. Photo documentation can be extremely helpful in your case, demonstrating who was in the right and who was at fault by proving the damage your vehicle sustained.
Never Admit Fault
In your conversations with the involved individuals, law enforcement, and insurance adjusters never admit fault. Never mention your injuries to anyone or give them a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first.
Find an Attorney
If you find yourself in any of these predicaments, then you will need a truck accident attorney on your side to be fairly compensated. An experienced attorney will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Help with Your CT Delivery Truck Accident Claim
Some people will avoid pursuing a personal injury claim as they don’t want to get involved with the hassle and efforts involved. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we first work to ensure that your health and well-being are restored, and then get to work beginning the process of getting you reimbursed for your losses. We handle the communications and negotiations with insurance companies and build your case to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t be left on the hook for medical bills and expenses that are not your fault.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout Connecticut and the tri-state area with their truck accident and personal injury cases. We have decades of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. Our compassionate truck accident attorneys put client care and your needs first. Contact us immediately for a free legal review.