Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, and insurance carriers. Federal trucking regulations and commercial insurance policies add complexity that requires expert testimony. Due to the commercial trucking industry that has its own regulations on licensing, training, rest stops/sleeping, monitoring, post-accident blood tests, etc., these cases are much more expensive and intensive to prosecute for an injured party.

Liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a cargo loading company, or even the manufacturer of defective parts. If it is in a construction area, then there may be a construction company at fault. Additionally, there often is another truck or auto involved, placing their conduct in question.

Key evidence can include driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and trucking company safety records. Much of this evidence must be preserved quickly. An attorney will often send out what is called a ‘non-spoliation’ letter telling the company to secure all evidence so that it is not lost. Further, accident reconstruction experts are sent to the scene or vehicle by your attorney to begin the evaluation of evidence before repairs are made or weather ruins the scene.

Because commercial trucks are significantly larger than passenger vehicles, these accidents often result in severe injuries such as spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and internal injuries. Death is also more common, again due to impact from a truck as opposed to a car. Punitive damages are often a part of these claims.

As soon as possible. Trucking companies often begin their own investigations immediately after a crash. Early legal representation helps ensure important evidence is preserved. Weather can also affect the evidence needed for an accident reconstruction. For the reasons stated above, you should act quickly.