Establishing fault in a truck accident is usually more involved than the average passenger vehicle crash. That is because there are more variables involved, like trucking companies and trucking industry regulations. The complex aftermath includes sourcing evidence, reviewing laws, and understanding how different parties may have contributed to the incident.

What Evidence Is Used to Determine Fault?

Evidence plays a leading role in determining who is responsible for a truck accident:

• Investigators often review the police report, which provides a summary of the events leading up to the collision, any traffic violations, and observations made at the scene.
• Eyewitness statements can offer valuable insights into how the crash occurred.
• Physical evidence, such as damage to the vehicles, skid marks, and debris patterns, is analyzed to reconstruct the accident.
• Photographs and video footage from nearby cameras or dashcams can provide additional perspectives on the moments before and during the collision.
• Truck-specific evidence, such as data from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or black box, reveals information about the truck’s speed, braking, and hours of service compliance.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident may extend to multiple parties:

• Truck drivers are often investigated for negligent behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued.
• Employers may also share responsibility if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver or if they encouraged unsafe practices to meet delivery deadlines.
• The trucking company could be liable if poor maintenance contributed to the accident, like failing to repair brakes or tires.
• Manufacturers of truck components may be at fault if a defective part caused the crash.
• Cargo loaders may also bear responsibility if improperly secured cargo shifts, leading to loss of control.

Each party’s role must be carefully examined to establish accountability.

How Do Trucking Regulations Affect Fault Determination?

Commercial trucking is governed by federal and state regulations designed to promote safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules regarding driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Violations of these regulations can indicate negligence. For example, exceeding allowable driving hours may result in driver fatigue, while failure to inspect and maintain a truck may lead to mechanical failures. Documentation, like maintenance records and logbooks, is often analyzed to identify lapses.

How Is Fault Investigated After a Truck Accident?

Investigating a fault in a truck accident involves collaboration between law enforcement, insurance companies, and legal representatives. Accident reconstruction specialists might also be engaged to recreate the events leading to the collision using evidence from the scene. These professionals consider vehicle speed, weather conditions, and traffic patterns to understand the circumstances of the crash.

Interviews with expert witnesses in trucking safety may provide additional context. Investigators also examine employment records, drug and alcohol test results, and the truck’s maintenance history. A thorough analysis helps identify the factors that led to the accident and determines responsibility.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents often involve more severe consequences due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. The presence of multiple parties, such as drivers, employers, and manufacturers, can make it challenging to determine who is liable. Additionally, trucking companies typically carry substantial insurance policies, which may lead to more extensive investigations and disputes.

The regulations governing commercial trucks are also more extensive than those for passenger vehicles. Compliance with these rules must be reviewed as part of the fault determination process. Finally, evidence unique to commercial vehicles, like black box data, must be obtained and analyzed.

Turn to the Fayetteville Truck Accident Lawyers at Osborne Law Firm for Trusted Legal Guidance

Determining liability in truck accidents requires an in-depth review of evidence, regulations, and the roles of various parties. If you have questions about a truck accident case, contact the respected Fayetteville truck accident lawyers at Osborne Law Firm today. Call 479-521-7727 or submit our online form for a free consultation. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.