What Does a Georgia Truck Accident Investigation Involve?

 

When a large commercial truck gets into a crash, it can be hard to determine what caused the accident and who’s responsible. Truck accidents are complicated and often require a thorough investigation. In times like these, hiring a legal expert, especially one experienced in trucking accidents, is always recommended.

Trucking companies and their insurance providers are always looking to protect their interests, which means they will do anything and everything to minimize or deny liabilities for crashes, even when they are at fault.

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes after a big truck accident in Georgia? Well, there are many steps lawyers take to investigate what happened. Let's take a closer look.

 

Preserving Evidence

 

Preserving evidence is one of the most important parts of a truck accident investigation. The evidence could include photographs from the crash site, interviews with eyewitnesses, footage from dashcams or security cameras, vehicle damage reports, a police report, and even records from the trucking company. A good lawyer will try to act quickly to access the crash site to examine the wrecked truck and ensure all this evidence stays safe and sound.

 

Checking Driver's History

 

Trucking companies must keep driver qualification files (DQF) on their drivers to comply with regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These files may include the driver’s job application, driver’s license, and a record of any past traffic violations or collisions. Determining whether the driver of a commercial truck involved in an accident was properly trained or qualified is valuable information for lawyers. This information could help your case.

 

Reviewing Trucking Company Records

 

When an accident involves a truck, an experienced lawyer may look at the trucking company’s records, including their policies and procedures. For example, hiring records can provide crucial insights into a company's hiring practices, revealing whether they have a history of employing drivers who are not fit for the job or if they neglected to conduct proper background checks. These records can be valuable evidence to assess a company's safety commitment.

 

Examining the Black Box

 

Trucks have something similar to an airplane's black box called an Electronic Control Module (ECM). This device records crucial information like speed, braking, and acceleration. These details can be critical in proving whether the truck driver contributed to or caused the crash.  Recorders can help lawyers understand the truck's behavior before and during the accident.

 

Looking at Medical Records and Injuries

 

Understanding the injuries sustained by everyone involved is crucial. Lawyers can study medical reports to determine the extent of injuries and how they might affect the victims in the long run.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident caused by driver negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Andrew Lynch for a free consultation today. Our team of legal professionals is experienced with handling truck accident cases and is ready to answer all your questions and help you understand your options.

 
 

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