How Do Attorneys Investigate Truck Accidents?
If you were involved in a Florida truck accident because of the negligence of another party, a qualified truck accident attorney can help you recover financial compensation from the negligent party. A skilled truck accident attorney can investigate your case, determine liability, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve through negotiations or in court. So how do attorneys investigate truck accidents? Read on to find out.
Why Are Truck Accident Investigations Necessary?
In a truck accident case, you must prove the defendant was negligent and that their negligence was a direct cause of your accident and injuries. Investigations are necessary to determine what the defendant did or failed to do that led to your accident.
How Do Attorneys Investigate Truck Accidents?
Like with any other personal injury case, investigating a truck accident means gathering evidence. Your attorney will need to find evidence and use it to show that the other party or parties caused your accident and injuries. The following are some of the types of evidence your attorney may go after;
- Driver log books – A driver log book records a truck driver’s work and rest hours. With a few exceptions, all truck drivers must maintain a daily logbook. Driver log books can be reviewed to determine the hours spent on and off duty and the total hours spent driving and on breaks.
- Inspection and maintenance records – Your attorney may look at the inspection and maintenance records to determine when the truck was last inspected and maintained. Commercial trucks must undergo several inspections throughout the year and regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate.
- The police report – The police report written after your accident can provide valuable information to your attorney.
- Post-crash inspections – Your attorney can use post-crash inspection reports to determine how the accident happened, how serious it was, and what actions the truck driver took before, during, and after the crash.
- Accident photos and videos – Your attorney will almost definitely go after any pictures and videos of the accident scene. Pictures and videos of the accident scene can provide your attorney with details the police may have missed during the preliminary investigation
- The truck Engine Control Module (ECM) – An ECM can provide an abundance of helpful information, such as how fast the driver was going and brake application.
- Witness statements – People who saw your accident happen can provide helpful information.
- Your medical records – Your medical records can help your attorney connect your injuries to the accident and prove the severity of your injuries.
Additionally, your attorney may consult with experts who can help in establishing liability. For example, your attorney may work with an accident reconstruction or highway engineer expert.
In a truck accident case, more than one party could be at fault. This makes truck accident cases more complex than other motor vehicle accident cases. Because of this, having a qualified truck accident attorney is crucial to ensuring all liable parties are identified, and you recover the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure all liable parties are held financially accountable for the damages caused.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been in a Florida truck accident, contact our Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm to get help with your compensation claim.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Orlando, Ocala, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Naples, Melbourne, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach areas.
