Trucking accidents in Bridgeport, Connecticut, can occur on the major interstate highways and less traveled rural roads. These collisions typically occur when truck drivers become distracted, speed, or violate other traffic laws. However, they may also happen when trucks are overloaded or when cargo is not properly secured to the truck bed.
If you suffered injuries in a Bridgeport truck collision, the knowledgeable legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers are ready to help. We can thoroughly evaluate your claim, go over your legal options with you, and pursue the fair compensation and justice you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Bridgeport truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why Choose Us?
Trucking accident claims can be difficult, if not impossible, to navigate on your own. To maximize your compensation, you need to have a qualified team of Bridgeport trucking accident attorneys in your corner. The legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers knows how to deal with insurance companies to maximize your claim. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients and are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights in court if necessary.
You can see our most recent client testimonials here. Let us maximize the compensation you recover for your injuries right away.
How Much Is a Bridgeport Truck Accident Case Worth?
If you are involved in a commercial trucking accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut, you may be entitled to compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries or damages.
Examples of Compensation:
- Medical Expenses – This compensation covers all the costs related to your treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need due to the accident. Injuries can result in significant medical bills, and severe injuries can require lifelong care.
- Lost income – If the accident prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you have lost, including future earnings if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage – Property damage compensation covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle or any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering – This compensation is more subjective and accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress the accident caused. It is often calculated based on the severity of the injuries and how they affect your quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium – If the accident affects your relationship with your spouse, then they may be able to recover compensation for loss of companionship or support.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the trucking company or driver acted with extreme negligence or recklessness, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Amounts of Compensation
The amount of compensation you can recover varies widely based on several factors. These factors include the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, and the effects on your life. In Connecticut, there is no cap on most of the compensation you can receive, meaning that if your case is strong, the damages can be substantial.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will carefully evaluate your case and determine its likely settlement or verdict value.
Where Do Truck Accidents Frequently Occur in Bridgeport?
Commercial trucking accidents in Bridgeport, Connecticut, tend to happen in specific areas where traffic is heavy, roads are tricky, or where many trucks pass through. Here are some of the most common locations in Bridgeport where these accidents occur:
- Interstate 95 (I-95) – One of the busiest highways in the entire Northeast, I-95 runs right through Bridgeport. It is a major route for commercial trucks traveling up and down the East Coast. This highway often has heavy traffic, especially during rush hours, which can lead to crashes. The frequent merging, sudden lane changes, and high speeds all increase the risk. Accidents on I-95 can be especially dangerous due to the size and speed of the vehicles involved.
- Route 8/25 Connector – The Route 8/25 Connector is another common spot for trucking accidents. This road links I-95 with the Merritt Parkway and other parts of Connecticut. It is a critical route for trucks making deliveries in the region. However, the sharp curves, on-ramps, and off-ramps can be difficult for large trucks to navigate, leading to accidents. The interchange between Route 8 and I-95 is particularly hazardous due to the high volume of vehicles and complex traffic patterns.
- Downtown Bridgeport – Truck crashes can also happen in downtown Bridgeport, where narrow streets and frequent stop-and-go traffic create challenges for truck drivers. Deliveries to local businesses can be difficult, and the congestion in this area makes it easier for collisions to happen, especially during busy times of the day.
- Merritt Parkway – The Merritt Parkway is known for its beautiful, tree-lined route, but it is not ideal for large trucks. The narrow lanes, low bridges, and sharp curves can be dangerous for commercial vehicles. Though trucks are not allowed on the Merritt Parkway, some still attempt to use it, leading to accidents.
Types of Bridgeport Trucking Accidents
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, commercial trucking accidents often occur because of negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. Negligence means that someone did not take the necessary care to avoid causing harm to others. Here are some common categories of trucking accidents in Bridgeport that result from different types of negligence:
- Driver Fatigue – One of the most common causes of truck crashes is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes exceeding the legal limit, which can lead to exhaustion. When a driver is tired, their reaction time slows down, and their ability to focus on the road diminishes. Fatigue can cause them to make mistakes, like drifting into another lane or failing to brake in time to avoid a collision.
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is another major cause of collisions. Truck drivers may become distracted with their phones, GPS devices, or even eating while driving. Any activity that takes their attention away from the road can lead to a serious accident. A truck driver who is not fully focused on driving is more likely to miss important signals, like a car braking suddenly in front of them, which can result in a rear-end collision.
- Speeding – Speeding is a form of negligence that can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially when large trucks are involved. Truck drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions have less control over their vehicles, which can make it harder to stop in time or navigate sharp turns, thereby increasing the likelihood of an accident. Speeding also makes the impact of a collision more severe, often resulting in more significant injuries.
- Improper Maintenance – Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are in good working condition. If a company neglects to perform regular maintenance, critical parts of the truck, like the brakes or tires, can fail. This negligence can lead to accidents, especially if a truck loses control on a busy road. Failing to maintain a truck properly is a form of negligence that can have devastating consequences.
- Overloading the Truck – Another common cause of truck accidents is when trucks are overloaded or improperly loaded. When a truck carries too much weight or is loaded unevenly, it becomes difficult to control, especially during turns or sudden stops. This negligence can lead to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Common Injuries that Victims May Suffer in a Bridgeport Trucking Accident
In a Bridgeport, Connecticut, truck crash, victims often sustain serious injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. These injuries can be life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries and the types of medical treatment that accident victims may need:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe injuries that can result from a trucking accident. A TBI can occur when a victim’s head strikes a hard surface during the collision or from the violent jolt of the impact. Symptoms can range from concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Treatment often includes emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, followed by extensive rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries are also common in truck collisions and can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries occur when a sudden blow or being twisted in the crash damages the spinal cord. Victims may require surgery to stabilize the spine, followed by long-term rehabilitation to regain as much function as possible. Some may need assistive devices like wheelchairs and may require ongoing medical care for complications such as infections or blood clots.
- Broken Bones – The force of a truck crash can easily lead to broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Treatment typically involves setting the bone, sometimes requiring surgery to insert pins, plates, or screws to hold the bone in place. Recovery includes physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, and in more severe cases, multiple surgeries may be needed.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs, can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgery. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Victims may need intensive care, blood transfusions, and long-term monitoring to ensure recovery.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries – Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains, are common in trucking collisions. These injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can cause significant pain and limited mobility. Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes chiropractic care or massage therapy to help restore movement and reduce pain.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Bridgeport Truck Accident
Fighting an insurance company in a trucking accident claim or lawsuit in Bridgeport, Connecticut, can be challenging. However, at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, there are several strategies we can use to strengthen your case and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation:
- Gather Evidence – We will collect and organize all relevant evidence related to the crash, including police reports, medical records, photographs of the scene, witness statements, and any other documentation that can support your claim. Detailed evidence is crucial for proving liability and the extent of your injuries.
- Consult Experts – We can enlist the help of experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts. These experts can provide detailed analysis and testimony that can help clarify how the accident happened, the severity of your injuries, and the long-term financial effects.
- Negotiate with the Insurance Company – Insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest amount possible. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. We will counter any low offers and present evidence to justify the compensation you deserve.
- File a Lawsuit if Necessary – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Filing a lawsuit can push the insurance company to negotiate more seriously. In court, we will present your case, including all evidence and expert testimonies, to show why you deserve compensation.
- Advocate for Your Rights – Throughout the process, we will advocate for your rights and keep you informed about every step of the claim or lawsuit. We will ensure that your interests are protected and that you understand your options and the potential outcomes.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in Bridgeport
Following a trucking accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut, it is crucial to take several important steps to protect your health and strengthen your claim:
- Retain Important Documentation – Keep all documentation related to the accident and your treatment. This documentation includes police reports, medical records, bills, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Detailed records will support your claim and show the effect of the accident on your life.
- Follow Your Medical Regimen – Adhere to your healthcare provider’s advice regarding treatments, medications, and follow-up appointments. This not only aids your recovery but also demonstrates that you are taking the accident seriously and managing your injuries appropriately.
- Consult a Knowledgeable Attorney – Speak with one of our skilled Bridgeport trucking accident attorneys who has experience with similar cases. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can navigate the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected. We will use our knowledge and experience to build a strong case for compensation.
Talk to an Experienced Bridgeport Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our legal team can handle every step of the process for you, from aggressively negotiating with insurance company representatives to litigating your truck accident case to a swift resolution in the state court system.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Bridgeport trucking accident lawyer, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.