How Do Truck Accident Investigations Work in Ohio?

How Truck Accidents Are Investigated

A truck accident investigation might reveal several factors, like the cause, who is at fault, or the extent of damages. It’s critical to determine these elements to secure the maximum compensation.

Determine Liability

Crashes involving large commercial vehicles are complicated because there could be several at-fault parties. Knowing who is responsible for a truck crash is essential to filing a claim or lawsuit. A thorough investigation can properly assign blame to the at-fault party, and using the right evidence is vital.

As the semi-truck operators directly involved in the collision, truckers are liable, but their employers could also be held accountable if they didn’t correctly check the driver’s credentials. There could also be third-party workers who improperly loaded the truck’s cargo.

Prove How the Crash Happened

In some cases, the cause of a crash is apparent, and evidence is icing on the cake of getting the payout you deserve. However, in cases where the crash’s cause is obscure or disputed by the driver, evidence can help paint a picture of events leading up to the crash.

For instance, if a truck was speeding, a device in the truck could show the vehicle was going above the speed limit at the time of the crash.

Police Reports

After a crash, police will record the scene. They’ll note the damage from the vehicle, the drivers, and the occupants involved. They may include witness accounts as well. Police reports can be requested.

In-Truck Cameras & Data Recorders

Electronic data recorders (EDRs) operate on the same concept as black box recorders in airplanes. Recorders can track different variables, like the vehicle’s speed or the position of the throttle. Cameras can record what was in front of the truck before the crash or what the driver was doing inside the cab.

Logbooks

Truckers must record their time on the road using logbooks. Some trucks have electronic versions of these records, but manual reports are still common. They can establish when a truck left a depot or how long a trucker was on the road.

Photos or Videos

After a crash, try to take any relevant photos or videos of the crash scene and yoru injuries. The aftermath, damage to vehicles, or injuries can prove there was a severe impact in a truck crash. This evidence is key to establishing that the collision caused the damages you need compensation.

Truck Driver’s Driving Records

A trucker’s driving or personnel record could show if they operated in a pattern that led to the crash or if they’ve been involved in any event before this.

Post-Accident Drug/Alcohol Test Results

Some truck drivers feel pressure to complete their routes, so they destress using alcohol. Other drivers take over-the-counter drugs to stay awake on long trips. In either circumstance, drivers aren’t permitted to use controlled substances while on the road. A test could prove the driver was under the influence and essentially negligent.

GPS Navigation Systems

Like an EDR, a GPS can prove a truck’s position at the time of the crash, showing the driver was negligent and present at the time of the crash.

Truck Maintenance Records

Drivers aren’t the only people who could be liable. If a truck wasn’t adequately serviced or a defective product caused the accident, you can use these records to show the company is liable for the crash.

Medical Records & Expenses

After a large motor vehicle crash, you’ll accrue costs that should be paid back. Medical records, prescriptions, treatments, and other medical documents can prove the crash caused you significant harm and that the responsible parties need to make you whole again.

If you’re working on your own, you might be able to access some of these records. However, much of the information belongs to the trucking company, and a truck accident lawyer makes accessing records much more manageable.

The Benefit of a Lawyer

Once the driver’s name or company is confirmed, our team can request reports, data, or records from them. These investigations can take time, but once the records are available, we won’t waste time working to make the case concrete. Then we can work on filing a claim.

At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we have considerable experience and know how to gather the evidence needed with a thorough investigation. We know the industry, how these cases move through the legal system, and most importantly, what makes for compelling evidence of what you endured.

• We Offer a Free, No Risk Consult & Assessment
• We’ll Investigate the Details of the Accident
• Our Lawyers Will Identify the Liable Parties
• We’ll File the Complaint or Insurance Claim
• We’ll Collect More Evidence During Discovery
• Our Attorneys Will File Motions & Prepare for Court
• We’ll Aggressively Negotiate for Max Compensation
• We’ll Bring Your Case to Trial If Necessary

Whether through an insurance claim or lawsuit, we will guide you through the process and fight for you at every stage.