Truck Accident Investigation

18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer

Rapid truck accident investigation is crucial to the success of a victim's claim. One of the most important steps a truck accident lawyer can take when handling your case is to quickly gather evidence and capture testimony before evidence disappears and memories fade.

Rescue workers approaching the scene of an accident involving a large truck such as a tractor-trailer or a big rig know to expect the worst. Sadly, they often find that occupants of the smaller vehicles in the collision have suffered catastrophic or fatal injuries. When emergency personnel respond to a truck accident, their immediate concerns are to provide necessary medical attention, to transport injured occupants of the vehicles, to secure the scene and to investigate the cause of the accident. Police officers begin their investigation at that time— taking photos, interviewing witnesses and checking the drivers for signs of drug or alcohol use.

Often the law enforcement officers called to the scene of a truck accident are not trained in accident reconstruction and do not have the proper tools to fully investigate and analyze the situation. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP work closely with knowledgeable experts to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash and determine causation. Our experts investigate and analyze numerous internal and external factors contributing to the cause of an 18-wheeler accident. This is absolutely crucial if we are to have the best opportunity of securing maximum compensation for a client's claim, as we will need to determine and prove the cause of the collision to hold the responsible party accountable. The following is a basic description of some of the key factors involved in a truck accident investigation:

Reviewing Trucking Company Records
Much of the information that exposes negligence is available from the trucking company. An employer's negligence in hiring truck drivers or in retaining an unqualified driver can be found in the driver's qualification file. The driver's logbook, on board computer data, and dispatch records often provide evidence of truck driver negligence. Our lawyers will also examine the trucking company records of maintenance and records of the driver's required safety and equipment checks performed before, during, and after each trip. Read more about reviewing trucking company records…

Electronic On-Board Recorder
If the truck involved in your accident was carrying an electric on-board recorder, the information from this device may be used to conduct a more thorough investigation and analysis of the collision. Read more about electronic on-board recorders…

Interviews & Depositions
We will interview witnesses, including the driver, law enforcement officers, and any other potential witnesses. It is important to get started on interviews and depositions as quickly as possible, before people begin to forget important details pertaining to the accident. Read more about interviews and depositions…

Time Limitations
Working quickly is crucial in a truck accident claim. The information kept in daily logs by truck drivers and trucking companies may not be available after six months. Other evidence and information pertaining to the case may be compromised if you wait too long to take action. Depending on the state, you may have a limited time in which you can take legal action, under your state's statute of limitations. Read more about time limitations…

Truck Accident Scene
Investigating the scene of the accident will be an important part of determining the cause of the collision. We may look at physical evidence, such as tire treads, obstructed traffic signs, road conditions and the layout of the road, as well as testimony by any witnesses who observed the collision as it occurred. Read more about investigating the scene of the accident…

Truck Examination
We will locate the vehicle and inspect it, frequently at the scene of the trucking accident. Our lawyers and accident experts look for evidence of failed brakes or other equipment, impact damage and other factors that may have contributed to the crash. Read more about examining the truck…

Additionally, we will inspect a complete driving record for the truck driver from every state where the driver has a commercial driver's license. We will obtain and inspect the accident report from law enforcement agencies and motor carrier inspection reports from public safety agencies.

Truck Accident Attorney: Building a Strong Case

At our firm, we have the resources, skill, and experience to build a strong case against the trucking company or other party responsible for your injuries. We understand how thorough our investigation must be in order to present a compelling case on a client's behalf and therefore make every effort to conduct a complete truck accident investigation.

Contact a truck accident attorney today to discuss the investigation of your accident.