Truck accidents can leave devastation in their wake. A truck accident can be the most life-altering event that anyone could experience. Truck accident victims often find themselves having to deal with injuries, medical bills, and an uncertain future.
An experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer specializing in navigating the intricacies of truck accident cases will utilize various successful legal strategies to secure justice and compensation for accident victims. Truck accidents differ significantly compared to car accidents. The costs of injuries and damages rise drastically in accidents involving trucks. Some of the ways how a truck accident lawyer can help you build a solid truck accident case include:
Comprehensive Investigation Of The Accident
Truck accident investigation rules and procedures differ significantly from those of car accidents. Trucking companies are governed by federal regulations such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Act. The FMCSA requires thorough background checks on all drivers, periodic evaluation of employees, regulation of hours driven in a day, and drug and alcohol testing.
Intentional violation of these safety regulations can make the trucking company liable for damages in a truck accident case. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows the FMCSA Act and other relevant laws inside and out and can guide accident victims during the insurance claim or litigation process. A specialized truck accident lawyer will build a robust case by compiling and analyzing evidence such as:
- Accident scene documentary evidence
- Eyewitness statements
- Evidence demonstrating damage to all vehicles involved,
- The Truck driver’s cell phone records
- The truck driver’s toxicology test results
- Police accident reports
- The truck driver’s criminal and traffic background, if any
- The trucking company’s history of violating safety rules
- Logbook and other company records
- Data from the electronic data recorder “Black Box”
- Vehicle inspection reports
Determining Liability
Demonstrating liability is crucial for prevailing in a truck accident claim. Liability links a truck accident victim’s injuries to the at-fault party’s negligent actions. Judges and Juries prefer evidence that can conclusively prove liability. Black box data is the evidence that could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The black box can track the truck’s speed and determine whether the trucker surpassed the speed limit. Records of the driver’s hours on the road could help determine whether fatigue or overwork was a critical factor in the collision. Truck black box data can identify mechanical malfunctions in the moments leading up to the accident and detect maintenance issues that were not adequately addressed.
Consult Experts From Various Fields
Very few personal injury lawyers specialize in handling truck accident cases.
Truck accidents involve complicated legal issues and require expert testimony to prove liability and damages. These experts offer specialized knowledge and insights into various aspects of the case to help the jury or judge make an informed decision.
The success of truck accident cases often hinges on the information and explanations provided by experts in several fields. Expert witnesses provide opinions based on their specialized knowledge, training, and experience, The most common types of expert witnesses used in Philadelphia truck accident cases include:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Trucking rules compliance/ safety experts
- Vocational guidance experts
- Economists
- Trucking driver training school experts
- Mechanics and automotive engineers
- Experts from various areas of medicine
- Life care planners
- Toxicology experts
Contact A Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer
The sheer size of commercial trucks increases the risk of an accident or pileup.
The odds of suffering devastating and fatal injuries are higher in a truck accident compared to a standard automobile accident. A Philadelphia truck accident lawyer can help victims navigate the complex aftermath of a trucking accident – from the initial consultation to the final settlement. Contact a truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia to schedule a free case assessment.