A rear-end crash with a fully loaded semi or big rig is much more dangerous than other crashes. These massive trucks, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, can crush a standard passenger car on impact. The people inside often suffer severe or fatal injuries, leaving families reeling from the consequences.
Rear-end collisions make up nearly 30% of all accidents on the road. When they happen with a large truck, it’s rarely an easy recovery. At Stanfield Bechtel Law, our rear-end truck accident attorneys serving Middletown know how scary this can feel—and we’re here to help.
Experience and Knowledge You Need
We have seen firsthand how personal injury accidents can upend a person’s life in seconds. Our team holds more than 40 years of combined experience in handling these matters. Our mission is to help those who have suffered an injury stand up for themselves.
Over the years, we’ve secured significant outcomes for people in situations like yours.
- $6.9 million for a trucking accident
- $450,000 for a personal injury case
- $375,000 for another personal injury
We share these numbers not as a promise of a certain outcome but as an example of what can happen when you have committed lawyers on your side.
When you turn to Stanfield Bechtel Law, you’ll find a team that knows how the legal process works here in Connecticut. We see it as our calling to break down each step in an easy-to-grasp way. We also bring a personal touch because we understand you are more than just a case number.
Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents
A rear-end truck collision can happen for many reasons. Below are some common factors that may contribute to these crashes:
- Driver fatigue. A truck driver often spends long hours on the road, making it hard to stay alert.
- Tailgating. Following too closely leaves little room to slow down or avoid a crash.
- Poor maintenance. Worn brakes or tires can cause a driver to lose control and ram into a smaller vehicle.
- Distractions. Cell phones, in-cab screens, or other tasks behind the wheel can delay reaction time.
- Weather and road conditions. Heavy rain, snow, or poorly marked construction zones can make stopping in time much harder.
- Drug or alcohol intoxication. Some truck drivers, unfortunately, use alcohol or drugs on the job, leading to poor judgment and slower reaction times.
While there are other reasons rear-end crashes occur, these stand out as the most frequent. Every situation is different, which is why it’s important to understand the unique details of your collision. Our Connecticut truck accident lawyer team will help you gather evidence to see how and why your wreck occurred.
Common Injuries
When a huge commercial truck strikes your vehicle from behind, the force can be enough to jolt you forward and injure multiple parts of your body. Some injuries are minor and heal with rest, but others may stay with you for life. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck strains: When your head is snapped back and forth, it can cause neck stiffness, headaches, and pain.
- Back and spinal injuries: Discs in the spine can slip or rupture. Nerve damage may also occur, leading to numbness or weakness in the limbs.
- Head injuries: Hitting your head on the steering wheel or dashboard can lead to concussions or brain injuries.
- Broken bones: Arms, wrists, or ribs often bear the brunt of a crash. A fracture can keep you away from work and daily activities for weeks or longer.
- Soft tissue damage: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons may be stretched or torn, causing pain and limited mobility.
Even injuries that seem small at first can evolve into lasting problems. This is one reason why you need to see a healthcare provider promptly, even if you feel okay. Medical records and treatment plans also become important pieces of evidence in your claim.
How Much Is Your Rear-End Truck Accident Worth?
Many people want to know the dollar figure of their case as soon as possible. There isn’t a quick answer because every situation is different. Things like medical bills, missed paychecks, how badly you’ve been hurt, and how the injury affects your day-to-day life will all factor into the equation.
If you suffered severe harm that requires surgery or long-term care, that will likely lead to a higher payout than a crash involving minor scrapes. Your Connecticut personal injury lawyer will look at medical documents, talk with doctors, and consider the long-term impact of your injuries. We also examine any property damage, like car repairs or total loss. This information helps form a full picture of what you’ve lost.
Another key piece involves emotional hardships and the toll the crash takes on your life. Serious pain or the inability to take part in daily tasks can matter just as much as the financial side. Our role is to speak with you, understand these struggles, and blend them into a strategy that reflects the real scope of what you’ve gone through.
Connecticut’s Comparative Fault Law
Some people worry about what happens if they share some blame for the wreck. Connecticut follows a comparative fault system. This means you can still ask for a payout even if you’re partly responsible, as long as someone else was also at fault. However, the amount you receive will be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
Our Connecticut truck accident lawyer team is prepared to talk through how it might apply to your case. We’ll aim to show how the truck driver’s actions led to the rear-end collision so you have a chance at a fair result.
Statute of Limitations
In Connecticut, you generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this window, you could lose the possibility of obtaining any compensation.
It’s wise to reach out to an attorney sooner rather than later. Talking to our lawyers early on gives us time to investigate, gather records, and speak with witnesses while the details are still fresh. It can also bring a sense of direction at a time when everything feels up in the air.
Reach Out to Our Connecticut Rear-End Truck Accident Attorneys
A rear-end truck accident can be devastating. The only thing you should be focusing on is your health and well-being. At Stanfield Bechtel Law, we’ll handle the paperwork, deal with insurers, and connect you with the right resources so you can get your life back together. Reach out today, and let’s discuss how we can help you get the care you deserve.