Bridgeport Truck Accident Lawyer

Bridgeport Truck Accident Attorney

There are few situations in your life that can be as terrifying or emotionally devastating as being in a truck accident. Commercial trucks are large, powerful, unpredictable machines that can cause untold catastrophic damage if the driver loses control of the vehicle on a busy highway. If you survive the accident, you may just be grateful for that alone. Additionally, you may want to seek legal action through a Bridgeport truck accident lawyer at Jacobs & Jacobs, LLC., who can guide you through the process. For broader legal assistance, a trusted personal injury lawyer in Bridgeport can provide comprehensive support for all aspects of your case.

A Truck Accident in Bridgeport

A truck accident can happen at any moment and cause different kinds of damage to you and your vehicle. There’s a good chance your vehicle will be totaled, and you may be left to deal with a number of severe injuries while also trying to control a personal injury case against the driver or the company that owned the truck. It can be overwhelming to handle so many different important things at once. That’s where a truck accident lawyer comes in handy.

A good truck accident lawyer can take charge of your case, allowing you to focus primarily on recovering from your injuries. Having someone in your corner who understands the complexities of the law and can devote their time to making sure you aren’t taken advantage of by insurance companies or trucking companies can make all the difference.

Statute of Limitations

Pursuing a legal claim against the negligent party that caused your accident, whoever they may be, is a heavy decision to make. You should consider all paths before you and decide on what you really want. If you do decide that legal action is the route for you, it is vital that you pay close attention to the statute of limitations for truck accident claims (which include personal injury claims) in Connecticut. Generally, you are given two years.

That means you have a total of two years to establish grounds for your claim, start building a strong case, gather your evidence, talk with a truck accident lawyer, and file a claim to collect damages. If you don’t file a claim before the two-year deadline has passed, your case is likely to be dismissed, and your chance to pursue legal action may result in forfeiture of damages you might have been able to collect.

Building a compelling truck accident case may be easier said than done, but it may also take longer. It is important that you get started sooner rather than later. If you suspect that your case might not be strong enough to stand up in court, you should consider going to an accident lawyer for an evaluation. They can look over your case and let you know what you need. You may have a stronger case than you think.

How to Handle Yourself After a Truck Accident

When conducting yourself after a truck accident, it is crucial to remember that the things you say and the actions you take are going to be reflected in the police report and will influence the validity of your accident claim when the time comes to file. It is vital to your case that you act with logic and make informed decisions during a time of crisis, which may not be easy. Here are some steps you can take after an accident that can help keep your accident claim protected:

• Stay Calm: A truck accident is likely to be one of the scariest events of your life. It’s okay to feel scared, overwhelmed, and confused. Still, it is important that you try your hardest to remain calm and don’t get overwhelmed with panic. Panicking isn’t going to help and is likely to just exacerbate things for you. Get yourself together, take a few deep breaths, and start planning your next move.
• Remain at the Scene: After being in an accident, you may feel the need to simply drive away and act like nothing ever happened. This is a terrible decision and could result in severe legal action against you. Connecticut state law requires all drivers involved in a bad accident to stay at the scene until police tell them they can go. Stay put, assist as needed, and don’t flee the scene of the accident.
• Check for Injuries: Truck accidents often result in serious injuries for all involved, particularly for the individuals who weren’t in the truck, such as pedestrians or drivers of other vehicles. You could be severely injured and be unaware of it due to shock. That’s why it’s so important to start checking yourself for injuries as soon as you can. Look for any bloody wounds, protrusions, bruises, sprains, and any possible broken bones.
• Call the Authorities: As soon as you are physically able to pick up your phone, call 911. You want to get medical attention and law enforcement to the scene quickly so they can take control of the situation and provide you with some much-needed peace of mind. Let the EMTs look you over and follow their medical advice, whatever it may be. Be honest to the police, but don’t admit any fault for the accident.
• Move Your Vehicle: One of the most important things you should do, which sometimes gets overlooked in post-accident situations, is move your car. If you haven’t already moved it, it is likely just sitting in the middle of the road waiting for someone to come along and hit it, causing another accident. If the police say it’s okay, you should move it to the shoulder. If your vehicle has been damaged too significantly or your injuries are too severe, don’t worry about it right now.
• Exchange Information: You and the truck driver are going to need to exchange the relevant information, including your contact information and insurance information. Get their full name, phone number, address, contact info for their trucking company and the company’s insurance carrier. Make sure you give them your information as well.
• Never Admit Fault: Throughout this exchange, it is vital to the success of your case that you never openly admit any fault for the accident, even if you are fully aware that it was your fault. Admitting fault can negatively impact your ability to seek compensation for the accident. Even an apology can be considered an admission of fault. Be civil, honest, and cooperative. However, you should not accept any part of the blame for the accident.
• Document the Scene: Once the police have gone through the scene, document evidence of the accident for your own records with photos, videos, and recorded notes. Make sure you take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage to your car, the damage to the truck, and the conditions of the road. Ask any nearby witnesses if they are willing to help you with a statement.
• See a Lawyer: When you are ready to file a claim, be sure to speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you develop everything correctly and figure out your next move.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Figuring out how much most truck accident settlements are is tricky for many reasons. Every truck accident case is unique, with each case having its own specific details that make its settlement different. When determining a settlement amount, various factors must be taken into consideration, such as the severity of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, the stance of the insurance company, and more.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Connecticut?

A: It is difficult to determine the average settlement for an 18-wheeler accident in Connecticut. Every case is different, with its own story behind it that is going to heavily influence the settlement amount. Generally, when it comes to accidents involving 18-wheelers and other big commercial vehicles, the trucking company may be willing to reach a settlement amount quickly in order to avoid a scandal.

Q: When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Connecticut?

A: After you have been involved in a truck accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as you are able to. The sooner you have legal representation, the easier it can be to combat insurance companies and trucking companies seeking to guilt or intimidate you into backing down. A lawyer can make sure you aren’t taken advantage of.

Q: How Are Settlement Amounts Determined?

A: The way that a settlement amount is determined depends on the details of the case and what kind of case it is. In the case of a truck accident settlement, your lawyer can debate with the trucking company’s legal team and insurance adjusters to reach an amount you feel is appropriate for what you’ve been through. This amount considers your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, your injuries, and your property damages.

Reach Out to Us Today

The legal team at Jacobs & Jacobs understands the kind of legal assistance you will need to fight for what you deserve after a truck accident. We can help you figure out a plan and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of. Contact us for a free consultation to speak with a team member about your case..