18-wheeler truck accidents can be devastating, causing severe injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to gather all the necessary evidence to establish liability and support a claim for compensation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of investigating an 18-wheeler truck accident and the types of evidence that should be gathered.
Why Investigate an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
An investigation following an 18-wheeler truck accident is critical for several reasons. First, it helps to identify the cause of the accident, which is crucial in determining liability. This is important because liability is a necessary element in any personal injury claim. Without proper investigation, it can be difficult to establish who is at fault for the accident and therefore, who is responsible for paying compensation to the injured party.
Second, an investigation can also uncover any safety violations that may have contributed to the accident. For example, if the driver of the 18-wheeler truck was operating the vehicle while fatigued, or if the trucking company failed to properly maintain the truck, these violations can be used to support a claim for compensation.
Finally, an investigation can also help to gather important evidence such as driver logs, vehicle data, and eyewitness statements. This evidence can be used to reconstruct the accident and provide a clear picture of what happened.
Types of Evidence to Gather
In order to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation, it’s important to gather all the necessary evidence. Here are a few types of evidence that should be gathered:
- Driver logs: These logs provide important information such as the driver’s hours of service, rest periods, and any previous violations. This information can be used to establish liability if the driver was operating the vehicle while fatigued or in violation of federal regulations.
- Vehicle data: Modern 18-wheeler trucks are equipped with event data recorders (EDR) which can provide important information such as speed, braking, and steering. This information can be used to reconstruct the accident and establish liability.
- Eyewitness statements: Eyewitnesses can provide valuable information about what they saw leading up to the accident and can help to establish liability.
- Police Report: The police report contains the initial information about the accident, the parties involved, and the statement of the parties and eyewitnesses.
It’s important to note that evidence can be lost or destroyed if not gathered promptly, so it’s crucial to conduct an investigation as soon as possible following an 18-wheeler truck accident.
How to Conduct an Investigation
Conducting an investigation following an 18-wheeler truck accident can be complex and time-consuming. It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience handling 18-wheeler truck accidents. An attorney can help to identify all the necessary evidence and ensure that it’s gathered promptly. They can also help to reconstruct the accident and identify any safety violations that may have contributed to the accident.
An investigation following an 18-wheeler truck accident is critical to gather all the necessary evidence to establish liability and support a claim for compensation. Gathering evidence such as driver logs, vehicle data, and eyewitness statements, along with consulting an attorney can help to ensure that an investigation is thorough and prompt. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Note: This is an informational article and not legal advice. It is always recommended to consult an attorney
How The Lopez Law Group Can Help
If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident case in Texas, it is important that you speak with our experienced 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers in Weslaco, TX, to determine who is at fault. The Lopez Law Group can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to support your legal claim. Hire an experienced 18-wheeler truck accident attorney and get the justice you deserve. You may view our FAQs for any general questions about our legal process. You can contact us at 956- 420-0781 today for a free consultation.
