Crashes that involve tractor-trailers are almost always complex both because many more parties might be legally responsible for causing the crash and because of all the laws and regulations that apply to the trucking industry. The good news is that this means that there is usually plenty of evidence you can use to prove your case.
Truck crashes can be caused by many of the same factors that cause car crashes, such as speeding, lack of familiarity with an area, distracted driving, and impaired driving. But there are some causes that are unique or at least more common in tractor-trailer accidents:
- jackknifing;
- improper loading of cargo and load-shifting;
- major equipment failure, such as braking system failures; and
- drowsy driving, especially on long-haul routes.
Certainly, truckers are personally responsible for some of these issues, but other people and companies may be implicated, as well. For example, companies that maintain or load trucks may have performed their jobs unsafely, or the trucker’s employer may have ignored a history of driving errors.
In a lawsuit over a trucking accident, your lawyer can obtain evidence about all of these causes. For example, prior traffic citations or accidents can be informative about the likelihood of driver error. Similarly, maintenance records can shed some light on the condition and repair of major systems, such as brakes.
The highly-regulated nature of the trucking industry also creates a significant amount of evidence that your attorney can obtain in a lawsuit. This evidence includes driver log books and drug tests.
Even evidence like toll and meal receipts and driver credit card statements can help paint a picture of the circumstances surrounding the accident. An experienced accident attorney will know what kind of evidence is available and how to get it.
The accident lawyers at Alexander Law Group, LLP have the skills and experience to assure that you receive the compensation you and your family deserve for any damages you have suffered in an accident of any kind. Delay can result in the permanent loss of personal injury rights. Don’t put it off. Contact us online or call now: 888.777.1776.
