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What Information is Necessary for a Truck Accident Investigation?

Truck accident investigation information.

Truck accidents are among the most serious types of accidents on the roads. Large commercial trucks may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them many times heavier than a standard passenger car. It is no surprise that truck accidents result in severe and life-threatening injuries. If you were hurt in a truck accident, it is essential to get legal assistance from a reputable Houston truck accident attorney. At our law firm, we understand truck crashes and know how to gather evidence and negotiate your claim to get you the maximum settlement.

Truck Accident Investigation

Truck accidents are extremely complex and require tenacious investigation. There are many parts to a truck accident investigation. Your attorney will take charge of gathering and reviewing information about the incident, such as:

Police Report: The police report of the accident is just a starting point to review the crash. The report provides information that the police gathered at the scene. Your attorney will find the contact information of the other driver, the insurance company, and witnesses.

Eyewitness Depositions: Eyewitnesses provide statements to the police at the time of the crash. Your attorney will review the statements and may need to get further details. Witnesses may be needed to provide oral or written statements and they may need to appear in court.

Electronic Data: Commercial trucks generally must have data recorders on board. An accident expert will review the information to learn the speed of the truck at the time of the crash, whether the driver applied the brakes and other useful data. It is essential to gain access to the electronic log as soon as possible after the accident.

Driver Log: The driver keeps track of his work through a log, which is typically in electronic format. The log indicates how long the driver was on the road and other details. The driver must have followed regulations that require him or her to take breaks and to stop driving at the end of a shift. The failure to comply may show that the driver was fatigued at the time of the incident.

Cell Phone Records: Texting while driving is against the law. Your attorney can get cell phone records of the driver with a subpoena. The records will show whether the driver was talking or texting at the time the crash happened.

Vehicle Maintenance Records: Trucking companies must maintain trucks according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements. When a truck is not properly maintained, a mechanical malfunction could cause or contribute to a crash. The trucking company keeps these records and a subpoena may be necessary to obtain them.

Shipment Records: Trucks carry a significant amount of cargo. The load must be properly secured. When a truck makes a sudden movement, the load can shift unexpectedly and cause the vehicle to get out of control. In addition, the shipment records show the pickup and destination of the cargo.

Call the Truck Wreck Lawyer

We have a team of highly skilled professionals that are ready to handle all aspects of your case. A thorough investigation will usually uncover important information that is vital to your case. Contact our 18-wheeler attorneys for an initial consultation- at 281-893-0760!

 

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About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.