Accidents involving large trucks often cause catastrophic injuries to drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles, as well as to motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The dangers of box trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles exist in nearly every type of accident, but side-impact collisions are especially dangerous.
If you have been injured in a side-impact truck accident in Connecticut, the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait another day to get started on your claim for damages. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
As a category of accidents, side-impact collision is relatively broad. T-bone accidents and sideswipe collisions in Connecticut can occur between any type of vehicle, but when a large truck is involved, there is another extremely dangerous type of side-impact collision – underride accidents.
In this type of collision, a passenger vehicle strikes the side of a large truck and slides under the truck’s trailer. Underride accidents can also happen from behind the truck, but the additional open space and wider length of the side of a truck make it easier for them to occur on the side. These accidents are severe and devastating, often leading to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spine damage, and, in some cases, decapitation.
T-bone collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, making a “T” shape. The limited amount of space offered by the side of a vehicle between the driver or passenger and the colliding vehicle makes these accidents dangerous. This is especially true when a large commercial truck strikes the side of a passenger vehicle.
Drivers of large trucks have limited visibility on both sides of the trailer and directly in front of and behind the truck. These blind spots around a tractor-trailer are known as the No-Zones. Because of these blind spots, truck drivers often make lane-changing or other turning maneuvers without realizing a car is next to them. Sideswipe accidents can cause significant damage, including crushing smaller vehicles or forcing them off the road.
When sharing the road with large trucks like 18-wheelers, cement mixers, box trucks, and commercial buses, taking the following steps can help you avoid side-impact collisions in Connecticut:
Not all accidents can be avoided, no matter how vigilant you are on the roads. Truck drivers and trucking companies have responsibilities to other motorists and pedestrians, as well. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry on a federal level, and Connecticut state laws have additional rules for truckers to follow when driving within or through the state.
If you believe that a truck driver or trucking company is responsible for your side-impact truck accident in Connecticut, contact D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to discuss your options for pursuing compensation. Negligent and reckless truck drivers should be held accountable for the harm they cause, and we help our clients seek financial recovery after accidents caused by truckers and their employers.