Connecticut Truck Accident Laws [Updated]

Commercial truck accidents may be less common than passenger vehicle accidents, but they are often far more destructive. Connecticut’s truck accident laws provide various legal avenues to recover compensation if you or a loved one has been hurt in such an accident, but it will be important for you to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer at your first opportunity if you believe another party is responsible for causing the accident.

Connecticut Truck Accident Laws

In Connecticut, all vehicle accidents involving multiple vehicles are resolved based on fault. Whoever caused the accident is responsible for the resulting damages, and various forms of evidence could come into play in the aftermath of such an accident. The National Safety Council reported that there were 114,552 large trucks involved in crashes resulting in injuries in 2023, and most of the victims were occupants of other, smaller vehicles.

The Connecticut Crash Data Repository recorded a total of 1,915 accidents in 2024 that involved vehicles regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), meaning large trucks and buses. While these accidents can happen for the same reasons that typical passenger vehicle accidents happen, they are often more damaging and can raise more difficult questions of liability. Recent Connecticut truck accident statistics highlight the severity of these crashes and the unique risks they pose to motorists.

It’s possible for a truck accident to happen because of the truck driver’s negligence or because of the actions of a driver of another vehicle. It could also be that the truck driver’s employer is vicariously liable for the accident due to failure to follow industry regulations. For example, trucking companies must enforce hours-of-service rules to ensure their drivers get adequate rest between shifts, which reduces the risk of fatigued driving accidents.

If you can prove that another party is responsible for causing your recent commercial truck accident, it’s possible to claim compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you suffered. However, you will need to hire a truck accident lawyer to maximize your chance of success with the case. Bartlett & Grippe can help you file an insurance claim or a personal injury suit, and we can also provide wrongful death counsel if a loved one has died in a truck accident.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for a Truck Accident

Large trucks can easily cause fatal injuries in a collision, and if you have lost a family member in such an accident, you need to hire a truck accident lawyer with a proven record of successfully handling wrongful death cases. Bartlett & Grippe can provide compassionate and results-driven legal counsel if you are faced with this difficult situation, and you can rely on our team to fight on your behalf through every step of your legal proceedings.

Ultimately, the laws pertaining to most other vehicle accidents in Connecticut also apply to truck accidents, but there are various complications that might arise due to the severity of the damages these accidents often cause and the role an employer might play when it comes to their employee’s actions. Reach out to Bartlett & Grippe at your first opportunity to learn how we can help you resolve your truck accident case in Connecticut.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Liability for a Truck Accident in Connecticut?

You can prove liability for a truck accident in Connecticut using various forms of evidence. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence such as police reports, cell phone records, vehicle GPS data, trucking company documentation, and eyewitness testimony to help you prove liability for your accident. It’s possible for fault to fall to one party or for multiple parties to share liability.

What Is a Truck Accident Case Worth in Connecticut?

The value of a truck accident case in Connecticut depends on the severity of your injuries. You may have grounds to claim compensation for vehicle repair costs, medical bills, lost wages, and lost earning capacity if you suffer a serious injury and will not be able to work while you recover. You may also claim compensation for your pain and suffering. Hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as you can after the accident so they can accurately calculate your damages.

Are There Penalties for Causing a Truck Accident in Connecticut?

There could be penalties for causing a truck accident in Connecticut, depending on how it was caused. The at-fault driver faces civil liability for the damages they caused to others, but they could also face criminal charges if they broke the law in causing the accident. For example, if the at-fault truck driver was intoxicated, they could not only face prosecution and liability for the victim’s damages but could also lose their commercial driver’s license.

Is Connecticut a No-Fault State for Vehicle Accidents?

No, Connecticut is not a no-fault state for vehicle accidents. The fault rule applies to all accidents involving more than one vehicle, meaning whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. The aftermath of a truck accident can be confusing, and you may have little recollection of whether you were hurt, so it’s important to hire a Connecticut truck accident attorney you can trust to gather evidence on your behalf.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a truck accident lawyer to have a better chance of success with your recovery efforts. Your attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove the exact cause of the accident, assess the full scope of your claimable damages, and determine the most efficient path to securing the compensation you need to recover. You are more likely to reach a positive outcome when you have legal counsel you can trust on your side.

The aftermath of any commercial truck accident in Connecticut can be traumatic and stressful, but with the right Connecticut truck accident attorney on your side, you can have some peace of mind in a very difficult time. The team at Bartlett & Grippe is ready to provide the compassionate legal counsel you need after your truck accident, so contact us today and schedule your consultation with our team to learn how we can assist you with your case.