While box trucks are not as large as 18-wheelers and other large commercial delivery trucks, they are still much larger than regular cars. Therefore, they can cause a lot of damage to other motorists when accidents occur. Victims of a box truck accident may suffer from physical and emotional damage.
Truck accident victims often don’t know where to start. You’re left picking up the pieces of your life, struggling with the pain and the medical bills that come after an accident.
Fortunately, there is hope. A CT truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve from the delivery company operating the vehicle.
However, it’s essential to know how to find the right lawyer. Below is the most critical information you’ll need to know if you are recovering from a box truck accident and seeking compensation.
Types of Box Trucks
There are many types of box trucks on the roads of the United States. Other names for them include cube trucks and box vans. Typically, they have roll-up doors, and companies use them for delivering cargo and moving items in bulk.
Here are different types of box trucks you might see on the streets and highways around your home:
- Construction vehicles
- Mail delivery trucks (UPS, USPS, FedEx)
- Vendor trucks
- Food trucks
- Moving vans
- Garbage trucks
- Supermarket delivery trucks
Usually, large delivery companies own these vehicles. It’s important to realize that in many cases, these large companies are responsible in case anything happens. That’s because accidents often occur due to the negligence of these companies. However, that depends on the cause of the box truck accident CT.
Common Causes of Box Truck Accidents
Three parties can be responsible for box car accidents, depending on the cause:
- The driver
- The delivery company
- The manufacturer
Sometimes, the accident is entirely due to the driver’s negligence. For example, they may have been driving while drunk or texting while driving.
Often, however, the delivery company is at fault. They might not have ensured their drivers had the proper license or failed to conduct a proper inspection to ensure the truck was operating smoothly. To save on costs, they might have skipped tune-ups.
Many delivery companies pressure truck drivers to work on a tight schedule. As a result, they don’t get enough rest time and are often short on sleep. Delivery companies must provide enough break time to their drivers to keep the roads safe.
Whether the delivery company or the driver is responsible might also depend on whether the company hired the driver or the driver is an independent contractor.
Finally, the truck manufacturer might be responsible in some cases, as they might have used faulty parts to build the truck.
Typical Injuries During Box Truck Accidents
While box trucks aren’t as big as tractor trailers, they still have the potential to cause a lot of damage. The severity of the injuries will depend on factors such as the size of your vehicle (for example, if you’re a motorcyclist, the risk for injuries is much higher). Other factors can include the speed you were going at and the angle at which the truck hit you.
Here are some common injuries you might suffer in a truck accident:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Sprained ankle
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injury
Damages You Can Recover in a Box Truck Accident Claim
Despite what many people think, you can recover more than just your medical bills after a truck accident, and Connecticut law allows victims to seek two types of compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to compensation for financial loss. For example, you can recover any expenses due to medical bills. You can also recover lost wages due to your inability to return to work.
Non-Economic damages
Non-economic damages include compensation for non-tangible losses. After a truck accident, you might suffer PTSD, trauma, and emotional distress, and you may be eligible for compensation for the emotional pain as well.
Furthermore, depending on the case, punitive damages might be appropriate.
It’s important to hire a professional truck accident attorney who is experienced with such cases and can help you figure out what type of damages you can get compensation for.
An experienced attorney, like those of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, will collect evidence and fight the insurance and delivery companies to ensure you get the most compensation possible.
Injured? Talk to our CT Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Going against an insurance company or large delivery company after a box truck accident CT can be scary, but there’s no need to be alone. Let our CT truck accident attorneys handle the case for you, so you can recuperate from your injuries.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we have locations across Connecticut and the tri-state area. Our skilled, experienced team will negotiate with insurance companies and work to get you the maximum compensation after an accident. We work on contingency fees – you only pay if your claim is successful. Contact us today for a free consultation.