Truck accident investigation is often a complicated process as it can have multiple defendants, and evidence is not always easy to access or obtain. The liability of the truck accident can be on the trucking company, truck driver, cargo loading and management company, truck manufacturer, truck maintenance company, or other parties. A truck accident investigation is needed to establish what happened and who was at fault. Here are some of the key aspects of a truck accident investigation.
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Evidence from the Accident Scene
The evidence gathered from the accident scene plays a key role in a truck accident. Photos or videos from the accident can help determine how the accident happened and the severity of the damage. The photos and videos of the debris and vehicle damage could help establish liability for the accident. You may require the services of a St.Louis, Missouri personal injury lawyer to gather more evidence.
Along with photographic evidence, a physical examination of the accident site also helps. For example, skid marks on the road can determine how fast the truck was moving before the accident. In some cases, video surveillance footage from nearby cameras also provides proof of how the accident happened. The truck should also be inspected to check for failed equipment or other contributing factors.
Remember, discovering equipment malfunctions or other contributing factors can greatly enhance your stance when pursuing accident compensation. If you’re seeking deeper knowledge, you can read online blogs and learn more about how to deal with truck accidents and maximize your compensation.
Witnesses Statements and The Police Report
If there are witnesses to the accident, their statements or testimony could be crucial to the investigation. The witnesses can describe how the vehicles got into the accident. In some cases, the authorities note witness statements in their police report.
Truck Maintenance Records and Drivers Logs
One method of investigating a truck accident is to check the truck maintenance records and drivers’ logs. One of the major causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. If the truck drivers do not comply with hours of service (HOS) regulations, the driver or the trucking company can be held liable if the accident was caused by driver fatigue. In addition, the trucking company records help determine if the driver was qualified and whether the trucking company followed protocol in the hiring process.
Any negligence in truck maintenance can lead to a truck accident, so this aspect of the case is often vital to the accident investigation. The trucking company is responsible for ensuring its fleet meets the safety standards. They can achieve this through regular inspection and maintenance of their vehicles.
Event Data Recorder
In some cases, the event data recorder (EDR) is used to determine how the accident happened. The EDR is a truck “black box” that captures a variety of information, such as the truck’s speed, airbag deployment, operation hours, and the truck’s route. All this information can be extremely useful in a truck accident investigation.
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