Investigating Trucking Companies After Accidents

A law firm you can trust to build a strong case

Truck accidents tend to lead to more complex cases than other types of motor vehicle accidents. That's because, in most cases, an entire company is at risk of being held liable for your injuries. Trucking companies have significant resources at hand to help them protect their bottom line, and they often send "rapid response" teams of investigators to an accident scene within 24 hours to start building their case.

That's why it's so important to have a truck accident lawyer from Lawter & Associates, PLLC on your side. We know what to do because we've been doing this work for more than 40 years. As your law firm, we'll launch our own investigation and get the evidence needed to fight for fair compensation for you. Here's what we'll review:

• Hours of Service (HOS) data: Commercial truck drivers are required by federal law to obey certain regulations regarding their hours of service. They cannot go over a certain number of hours and need to take regular rest breaks, and they are required to log their hours. However, the log is the trucking company's property, and they may destroy it in the aftermath of an accident - unless an attorney takes action on your behalf.
• "Black Box" data: In many commercial trucks, the "black box" holds important information such as navigational data, direction of travel and speed at the time of the accident. This information may help us show that the truck was breaking the speed limit, or it may say that the truck was moving when the trucker was ostensibly taking a break, showing that the hours of service may have been falsified.
• Hiring and Supervision Records: It's the trucking company's responsibility to make sure that its drivers are qualified for the job and safe to put behind the wheel of a commercial truck. However, many trucking companies do not meet that responsibility. An investigation of hiring and supervision records may show that the trucking company failed to conduct a background check or knowingly retained a driver with a history of unsafe driving.
• Truck Maintenance Records: Unfortunately, some trucking companies let their trucks fall into disrepair in the name of profits. Our review of maintenance records may show that the trucking company failed to repair issues that caused the truck to become unsafe, such as problems with the brakes or engine. Or we may find that a mechanic who worked on the truck was negligent and contributed to the accident.
• Witness Accounts: We'll move quickly to interview anyone who may have information relevant to your claim. That includes people who witnessed the crash itself, but it also may include someone who had contact with the driver prior to the accident - and may be able to testify that he or she appeared fatigued or intoxicated.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there may be additional avenues we need to explore. As a client of Lawter & Associates, PLLC, you'll get our undivided attention and unparalleled attention to detail. We know how to thoroughly investigate truck accidents and build winning cases, and we have the experience needed to use that information to get results for our clients. That's why we urge you to contact us right away.

Remember, the trucking company won't want to start their investigation. You shouldn't wait, either. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation.