Manchester Truck Accident Attorneys

Types of trucks and the risks they pose in Manchester

Types of commercial vehicles most involved in trucking accidents are flatbed trucks, refrigerator trucks, and tractor-trailers (also known as big rigs or eighteen wheelers) involved in interstate commerce, weighing several tons and/or transporting hazardous materials.

These large vehicles are found on every major and minor roadway across Hartford county. Manchester, being a regional retail center, routinely entertains trucks on its roadways. Manchester’s most dangerous roadways over the last 4 years include:

• I-84 with 788 crashes
• Route 83 with 653 crashes
• Buckland Street with 394 crashes
• Route 6 with 384 crashes
• Route 30 with 380 crashes

Truck accidents have many contributing factors, including:

• Defective truck parts. Mechanical issues can be the unfortunate culprit that causes a fatal accident. A products liability issue, the number of truck accidents attributable to defective tires and brakes is 35% according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Loss of function of either of these parts on a multi-ton vehicle means almost certain death for anyone in their paths.
• Drowsy driving. Drivers who break the law by spending excessive hours on the road either to increase earnings, or due to pressure from carriers to make delivery deadlines, are increasing hazards for everyone on the road around them. While the trucking industry increases safety technology on trucks, it also seeks to increase the legal number of hours permitted behind the wheel, thereby negating any safety gains.
• Driver illness. Everyone gets sick at one point or another. Truck drivers are susceptible to getting sick more than their fair share due to compromised immune systems being the result of working long hours, being sleep deprived, sharing community showers and restrooms, inability to eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis, and sitting for long periods of time. Becoming ill leads to more distracted driving and a lower reaction time.
• Driving under the influence. Whether a driver is taking prescription stimulants to stay awake longer, or is drinking behind the wheel for recreational purposes, both lower a vehicle operator’s ability to timely react to ever changing traffic conditions. Failing to maintain control over your senses while operating a commercial truck may lead to a devastating end for both the driver, and others sharing the road.
• Faulty or improper maintenance. Both federal and Connecticut law requires that commercial trucks are regularly inspected and maintained. If any safety issues are discovered during routine maintenance, a truck should not go back into service until it’s properly repaired. Often, the cause of an accident can be traced back to the lack of a necessary repair.
• Improperly loaded cargo. When a truck is overloaded or loaded improperly, the trailer can shift during transport causing the trailer to become unbalanced. Overloaded trucks may more easily roll over or spill its cargo, causing highway chaos and car crashes.
• Reckless or careless driving. Everyone, including commercial truck drivers, are required to follow all Connecticut traffic laws. Speeding, disregarding stop signs or running red lights, and tailgating are all illegal – and avoidable – traffic violations. Drivers who fail to recognize the true dangers associated with operating these oversized trucks may be more prone to making illegal maneuvers that could cause serious crashes.