The results of a truck accident can be devastating, but determining why it happened and who’s to blame is not as simple as reviewing a police report. Trucking accidents often involve complex liability, multiple parties, and federal regulations that don’t apply to regular car crashes. Attorney investigates trucking accidents for liability to navigate these complexities and build a strong case. Here is why you need a truck accident investigation attorney on your side.
How an Attorney Investigates Trucking Accidents for Liability
Step 1: Evidence Preservation
Time is critical in trucking accidents. Meanwhile, trucking companies and their insurers may quickly build a defense while you are still recovering in a hospital bed. So, an experienced truck accident investigation attorney will send spoliation letters to demand that vital evidence be preserved.
This crucial information can include:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Dashcam footage
- Black box records
- Inspection reports
- Driver logbooks, emails, and certifications
- Truck maintenance records
Swift legal action ensures evidence is not deleted, lost, or altered. Contact Sullivan and Sullivan today for more information.
Step 2: Review
Law enforcement may conduct a basic review of the crash, but a truck accident investigation attorney will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to dig deeper. They may use skid mark analysis, point of impact studies, and witness testimony to recreate the scene. This information helps determine vehicle speeds, lane positions, driver reaction times, and mechanical conditions.
Step 3: Determining Liability
There is often more than one party liable in a trucking accident. When an attorney investigates trucking accidents for liability, they look at the truck driver, the trucking company, the maintenance contractor, the cargo loaders, and the manufacturer.
A qualified truck accident investigation attorney knows how to follow the paper trail and identify every single liable entity. This is crucial because commercial trucking policies usually include multiple layers of coverage, and more insurance means a better chance of full compensation.
Step 4: Regulatory Violations
The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other agencies, which oversee driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and additional regulations. Your attorney will scour Hours of Service (HOS) logs, drug and alcohol test records, inspection reports, training certifications, and company safety ratings to uncover regulatory violations.
Violations of FM CSA rules don’t support a negligence claim. Instead, they can prove systemic wrongdoing and can give your attorney leverage to pursue punitive damages in court. Schedule a consultation with Sullivan and Sullivan to learn more.
Step 5: Damage Analysis
Even when liability seems clear, the value of a truck accident case can depend on the true cost of the injuries. A seasoned truck accident investigation attorney will determine how the crash impacted your life physically, emotionally, and financially.
Your attorney may also gather testimony from family members and mental health professionals to build a compelling picture of your suffering. Get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Negotiation and Trial for Trucking Accidents
Your attorney will enter negotiations for maximum compensation once liability is established and the damages are calculated. They will compile expert witness reports, visible exhibits, and depositions, then create a compelling narrative that humanizes you I court.
Insurance companies know when an attorney means business, and that’s often what drives a higher settlement offer. Work with an experienced and aggressive legal team to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Conclusion
A truck accident can be one of the most traumatic and financially devastating events a person can experience. Choose a truck accident investigation attorney who can uncover every detail, build an ironclad case, and hold every responsible party accountable. Attorney investigates trucking accidents for liability to ensure no stone is left unturned in your pursuit of justice. Sullivan and Sullivan are here to help you get started.
