Truck collisions often lead to serious injuries and property damage, and just as in a car accident, determining who is at fault is an important part of the claims process. Fortunately, your Columbus, OH truck accident lawyer can walk you through what comes next. At Brenner Law Offices, our team has won millions of dollars for our clients. Now, we’re ready to fight for you. Read on to learn more, and contact us today to see how a trucking accident lawyer from out team can make a difference.
Looking At The Truck Driver’s Actions
One of the first steps in determining fault is reviewing the behavior of the truck driver. Investigators look at whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or driving while tired. As your Columbus truck accident lawyer can explain, federal rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can work without rest, and logbooks or electronic tracking devices can show if those rules were followed.
Considering The Trucking Company’s Role
Trucking companies are expected to hire qualified drivers and train them properly. They must also keep trucks in good working condition through regular inspections and maintenance. If a company puts unsafe trucks on the road or pressures drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, they can be held accountable when accidents happen.
Reviewing Maintenance And Mechanical Issues
Sometimes, a mechanical failure plays a part in a truck wreck. If brakes, tires, or other important parts are not maintained, they can fail at a dangerous moment. Investigators often examine the truck to see if there were mechanical issues that contributed to the crash. In some cases, the company responsible for maintaining the truck or even the manufacturer of a defective part could be found liable.
Evaluating The Actions Of Other Drivers
Not all truck accidents are caused by the truck driver or trucking company. Other drivers on the road can also make mistakes that lead to crashes. For example, a passenger car may cut in front of a truck or stop suddenly, leaving the truck driver with little time to react. Your Columbus truck accident lawyer can help you determine the specifics.
Using Evidence To Build A Case
As with any personal injury claim, determining fault often requires gathering and reviewing a variety of evidence. This can include police reports, photos from the scene, witness statements, and data from the truck’s electronic logging device. Traffic cameras or dashcams may also provide valuable information about what happened. Sometimes, accident reconstruction specialists are brought in to recreate the events leading up to the crash.
Why Multiple Parties May Share Fault
Truck accidents are often more complex than other motor vehicle collisions because several parties can be involved. A truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, and even cargo loaders could all play a part in causing a crash. In these situations, fault may be divided among multiple parties, and each may have to cover a portion of the damages. This can make the process of filing a claim more challenging, which is why having guidance from a trusted big rig lawyer can make a difference.
Contact Us Today
At Brenner Law Offices, we’re ready to use our 25+ years of legal experience to help you through the aftermath of your truck accident. Contact us today, and see how a freight truck lawyer from our team can make all the difference.