Filing a Claim After a Truck Crash in Connecticut: Step-by-Step FAQ
Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. Laws change and every case is different. Consult a Connecticut attorney for advice about your situation.
Detailed Answer
If a truck crashed into you in Connecticut and caused injuries, you will most likely pursue a personal injury claim against the truck driver and the trucking company or vehicle owner. Below are clear, practical steps and the legal timelines you should know so you can act promptly and protect your rights.
1. Get safe and get medical care
Immediately seek medical attention, even if you feel OK. Some injuries show up later. Medical records are key evidence for both your injury severity and causation.
2. Call the police and document the scene
Ask that an official crash report be completed. Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Your visible injuries
- Skid marks, debris, road signs, and intersection layout
- License plates and truck company markings
3. Collect driver and vehicle information
Get the truck drivers name, license number, insurance information, truck company name, phone number, DOT/MC number (often displayed on the truck), and contact information for witnesses.
4. Preserve evidence
Try to preserve the trucks electronic data recorder (EDR) and maintenance logs. If the truck is an interstate commercial vehicle, its logbooks, hours-of-service records, maintenance, and inspection records can be critical. Because these items can be changed or lost, consider taking steps quickly (and contact an attorney soon).
5. Report the crash to insurers
Notify your own insurer as required by your policy. The at-fault truck drivers employer will usually report the crash to its insurer and an insurer will open a claim. Give only basic facts; avoid detailed recorded statements until you know your legal position.
6. Know who you can pursue
You can usually bring a claim against the driver and the trucking company. If the driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment, the company may be vicariously liable. You may also have claims against vehicle owners, maintenance contractors, or cargo loaders if their negligence contributed.
7. Statute of limitations and important deadline
Under Connecticut law, the general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of injury. See Connecticut General Statutes 52-584: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_925.htm#Sec52-584. Missing this deadline usually prevents you from filing a lawsuit.
8. Filing an insurance claim vs. filing a lawsuit
Most cases start as an insurance claim against the at-fault insurer. Typical steps:
- File a claim with the truck companys insurer.
- The insurer investigates and may respond with settlement offers or denials.
- If the insurer does not resolve the claim fairly, you can file a civil lawsuit in Connecticut Superior Court (personal injury action).
Information and forms for filing civil actions are available from the Connecticut Judicial Branch: https://www.jud.ct.gov/.
9. If you file a lawsuit: basic civil process
A lawsuit typically involves:
- Filing a complaint and having defendants served.
- Discovery: written questions, document requests, and depositions of parties and witnesses.
- Expert testimony on medical issues, accident reconstruction, and damages.
- Settlement negotiations or mediation; if no settlement, trial.
Timeline can range from several months to years, depending on complexity and whether the case settles.
10. Types of compensation you can seek
Recoverable damages commonly include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In some rare cases involving intentional or egregious conduct, other remedies may be available. Discuss specifics with a lawyer.
11. Federal trucking rules may help your case
Commercial trucks that cross state lines must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Violations (hours-of-service, driver qualification, maintenance) can be strong evidence of negligence. Federal regulations are available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations.
12. When to contact an attorney
Contact an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney early if:
- Your injuries required medical treatment
- The accident involved a commercial truck
- Liability or damages are disputed
- Insurance offers do not cover your losses
An attorney can preserve evidence, handle formal discovery, coordinate experts, and explain settlement vs. trial options.
Helpful Hints
- Do not give a recorded detailed statement to the truck companys insurer without consulting an attorney.
- Keep an organized file: crash report, photos, medical records, bills, wage records, and correspondence.
- Write down your symptoms and how the injury affects daily life; this helps document non-economic damages.
- Take photos of injuries over time to show healing or ongoing problems.
- Ask doctors to be explicit about causation: tie medical treatment to the crash in their records.
- Preserve digital evidence: smartphone photos, dashcam video, and social media posts (avoid posting details about the crash online).
- Act quickly to preserve EDR data and trucking logs; these can be overwritten or lost.
- When choosing representation, ask about experience with trucking claims, fee structure (commonly contingency), and how costs are handled.
- Remember the two-year statute of limitations in most cases: CGS 52-584.
If you want help finding a Connecticut attorney experienced with truck crash claims, prepare your crash report, medical records, and photos before your first consultation to make the meeting productive.