Finding Fault in Truck Accidents

We know how to determine fault following a truck accident.

Truck Accident Attorneys Explain How 18-Wheeler Crashes Are Investigated:

In the wake of a truck accident, victims are tasked with working against trucking companies and their insurance carriers. The trucking industry is significant, and the companies that insure truck drivers will not hesitate to take full advantage if they recognize an opportunity to discredit you and your case. This could mean, for example, taking a statement from you while you are in your hospital bed on heavy medication or attempting to hide the fact that the trucker involved in your wreck was driving while fatigued due to hours of service rule violations.

For years, the truck accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC, have helped truck crash victims in Texas hold negligent truckers and trucking companies accountable for their pain and suffering.

Founding partner Mike Love owned a trucking business earlier in his career. His trucking company was based in Angelina County and specialized in hauling heavy loads. During his time in the trucking industry, Mike kept his company from employing dangerous practices to make a profit. However, Mike did witness how others within the trucking industry crossed the line to turn a profit. Therefore, Mike can succeed where other trucking attorneys have failed because he knows precisely where the smoking guns are hidden regarding truck accidents.

What happens after a truck crash?

Immediately after a truck accident, the trucking company and its insurer will have representatives on the scene. Their job is to gather evidence to help them argue that the trucker was not at fault for the wreck and begin building a case against truck accident victims to limit the compensation they could receive due to the crash. In some cases, trucking and insurance company representatives will begin discrediting truck accident victims while victims are still recuperating in the hospital.

Proving fault following a truck accident:

Time is of the essence to prove fault after a truck accident. In many cases, there can be several variables that could have led to the crash, including:

• Failing to drive appropriately for bad weather or road conditions

• Driver fatigue

• Defective tires or brakes

• Driver intoxication

• Distracted driving

• Speeding around sharp curves, leading to truck rollovers

• Poorly maintained vehicle and lack of proper inspections

• Making an improper wide right turn

• Improperly trained or unlicensed truck drivers

The best way to prove fault following a truck accident is to begin investigating the incident as soon as possible. Gathering and preserving evidence before it is lost, concealed, or destroyed is crucial. Examples of truck accident evidence include:

• Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Black Box, which stores data from the truck’s computer

• Truck driver logbooks, which could prove hours of service rule violations led to driver fatigue

• Defective brakes or tires

• Skid marks at the accident scene

• Cell phone records for usage record and texting while driving evidence

• Blood alcohol level and drug tests at the time of the incident if intoxication is suspected

• 18-wheeler inspection and maintenance records

• Driver employment and accident history

We are experienced truck accident attorneys fighting for injury victims and families in Texas.

As soon as you retain our law firm, we will begin examining the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, speaking to the insurance companies on your behalf, and preserving evidence for your case. This includes retrieving the black box from the truck’s computer, driver’s log, maintenance records, and other crucial information. In addition, we have access to technical experts and accident reconstruction specialists who can help prove your case.

To learn more about how our Texas truck accident attorneys can help if you or someone you love was the victim of a wreck, visit our FAQ page. If you would like to discuss your situation with us, contact us online or call us directly to set up a free consultation with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer.