In 2024, more than 523,000 traffic accidents were reported involving large trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Compared to other car accidents, crashes involving trucks are more complex. It involved several other parties to prove liability, and victims must show proof of the incident to protect their rights and receive fair compensation. And here is where truck accident lawyers step in.
But what does a truck accident lawyer do? Lawyers gather and study evidence like police reports, witness statements, black box data, and even maintenance records to uncover the truth.
Let’s look at how truck accident lawyers investigate truck crash evidence.
Table of Contents
Analyzing the Accident Scene
The first place you need to look at is the accident scene. Assess the environment for potential hazards. There may be leaking fuel or broken glass that could further injure. You can help ensure the safety of everyone.
Take a little time to clear your head and figure out what is important. Look at the position of the vehicles involved; they can indicate a lot about the accident. Observe how the roads have been placed, the traffic signs, and the weather. All those things greatly influence the scene. Talk to the witnesses. They might provide you with some intriguing points.
Do not forget that all your observations lay the foundation for a much better understanding of the incident and help you connect with others who may have been given similar experiences and find a way to resolve it together.
Gathering and Reviewing Evidence
Truck accident lawyer Joshua L. Rubenstein states that the evidence you should collect after a crash with a commercial truck starts with photos and videos. Get images of the vehicles and any marks or debris. Ask for names and contact info from witnesses. Please obtain the truck’s license plate and any identifying numbers on the trailer or cab. Ask for a copy of the crash report.
Remember to gather data from the truck’s black box. This may hold crucial details about the accident. Gather records for maintenance, driver logs, and past incident records pertaining to that truck.
See what nearby businesses have regarding surveillance footage that may have recorded the crash. This evidence adds strength to your case and gives out a compelling story that resonates with every participant in the whole process.
Interviewing Witnesses and Involved Parties
Collecting evidence is not enough; interviewing witnesses and individuals involved will give you valuable inputs about what happened in the accident. Truck accident lawyers mostly inquire from such people for their personal accounts that sometimes have vital details missing from the report.
For instance, a witness can clarify what happened during the crash, and a driver’s statement, as it includes significant factors like speed or the nature of the weather conditions, can also be helpful.
A comfortable atmosphere in such interviews makes open discussions possible. Hence, building a good rapport between the two parties makes the witnesses feel that they are valued and acceptable, which leads to better, more thorough, and honest responses.
Such interviews can apply considerable muscle to a case; thus, it brings everybody’s voice into the quest for justice or accountability in the matter. Every story matters, and yours gives nuances to the accident story.
Examining Vehicle Maintenance Records
Vehicle maintenance history is yet another aspect in understanding the circumstances around the truck accident. These kinds of investigations unlock key information regarding the state of the truck before the crash. All maintenance schedules, repairs, and any other reported incidents will determine if the vehicle was properly taken care of or not.
For example, if the vehicle was not properly maintained, this could be cited as a probable cause for any accident occurrence, such as brake failure or tire blowout. You would also want to check federal compliance, as federal violations are indications of possible negligence.
This will help you get a solid foundation with this record-reading process and help ensure accountability for all tricky parties. Not only will it help you understand the truth, but it will also advocate for justice within the community to promote safer roads for everyone.
Collaborating With Accident Reconstruction Experts
After collaborating with accident reconstruction experts when investigating a truck accident, you might figure out how the crash happened. They scientifically analyze evidence, vehicle dynamics, and the crash scene to recreate the event. You will get better insights into whether they attributed the crash to driver error, mechanical failure, or environmental conditions.
Their expertise builds a stronger case, making sure that you have all the evidence to back up your claims. Findings can also greatly influence how insurers negotiate such cases.
Most importantly, this kind of cooperation makes people feel like they have the power to seek justice, backed up by strong scientific evidence.
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