When a massive 80,000-pound commercial truck is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. Due to the size and weight of the average commercial truck compared to a passenger vehicle, more often than not, the occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in the accident suffer the most devastating, often fatal, injuries. While the expenses of these injuries can pile up quickly, a successful truck accident claim can help you receive financial compensation.
To reach the outcome of a successful claim, you must prove that negligence was a factor. This will require a thorough investigation into the details of the accident. Truck accident investigations can be complicated, so it is recommended that you contact an experienced lawyer.
There are several steps involved in the truck accident investigation process, including the following:
- Collect evidence: This process should begin as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Assuming you can do so, use your camera on your phone to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the weather conditions, the crash site, your injuries, and any skid marks or debris on the road. You should also exchange information with the truck driver, including their name and contact information, the name and phone number of the truck company, and their driver’s license and license plate numbers. If witnesses saw the accident occur, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information.
- Get a copy of the police report: Anytime an accident involving a commercial vehicle, police must come to the scene and complete a report. Ensure you obtain a copy of the report, which may include valuable information about the accident and who may be at fault.
- Request the black box data: All commercial trucks are equipped with a “black box” that records information, like how fast the truck driver was driving at the time of the accident.
- Review the truck company’s history: This will determine whether the trucking company was cited for any prior safety violations and establish a pattern of negligent behavior.
- Consult with experts: Several experts may strengthen your case, including truck accident reconstruction experts, black box specialists, toxicologists, and medical providers.
- Examine the truck: Some truck companies may hide information that will prove that they were negligent. Your truck accident lawyer can ensure that a physical examination of the truck takes place.
- Collect medical records: Part of the process involves proving that the accident occurred and that negligence was involved. However, you must also prove that you suffered a severe injury from the accident. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, reports, and treatment recommendations.
How Important Is Black Box Data?
The black box data is one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a truck accident investigation. Also known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR), this device records vital information that can be obtained by investigators after the accident, including vehicle speed, whether the truck driver was wearing a seat belt, tire pressure, cruise control status, gear position, accelerator pedal percentage, brake switch status, engine throttle position, and traction control button.
What Factors Are Considered in a Truck Accident Investigation?
Several parties may conduct a truck accident investigation, including your truck accident lawyer, an accident reconstructionist, the insurance company, or the trucking company. Remember that the trucking and insurance companies will try to find ways to avoid liability. Therefore, it is essential that you have a lawyer.
Truck accident investigators will look at the following factors:
- Driver impairment: If a truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, a blood test can confirm this at the scene of the accident.
- Evidence of driver error: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver error is the cause of most truck accidents. Video footage often captures things like distracted driving, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and other unsafe driving behaviors. Witnesses who saw the accident may also confirm that a truck driver caused the accident.
- Violations of trucking regulations: There are a number of regulations that truck drivers are required to follow. One of the most important is hours of service. Drowsy driving continues to be a severe problem in the trucking industry and can cause devastating accidents.
- Mechanical issues: An investigator can also determine whether there were any mechanical defects, including defective brakes, underinflated tires, steering issues, or other preventable mechanical issues that could have caused the accident.
Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Survivors of Truck Accidents
If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, contact our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office at your earliest convenience. We can thoroughly investigate the details, help determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and pursue compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.