General Advice for Trucking Accident Victims

Big rig and trucking accidents can be one of the most complicated type of transportation litigation along with railroad accidents.  These cases are often complicated because analyzing the web of liability and insurance can take weeks or months for even the experienced trucking lawyer.  It is especially important to retain a good lawyer early because the cases often hinge on forensic evidence found at the scene of the accident, or on information recorded by the big rig truck, or based on evidence in the possession of the trucking company or its agents.  

Established trucking companies often send an investigator to the scene immediately to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and to be sure that the trucking company drivers “clam up” fast.  Moreover, roadway skid marks, debris, vehicle and tire damage, data systems on a truck, as well as the driver logs and bills of ladings and weight tickets may be critical items of evidence.  As days and weeks go by, this evidence becomes difficult or impossible to locate or recreate. 

Typically, a person injured in this type of accident needs an experienced lawyer because of the unique challenges.  Decision-making on the collection and analysis of evidence is often critical.  Understanding the web of state and federal regulations that apply to trucking companies is also unique, and each situation presents different analysis.

Also, it is important to locate forensic experts that are knowledgeable about big rig accidents and accident reconstruction.  Many times, locating the key experts to analyze evidence can be crucial, and it is invaluable that the experienced trucking attorney is retained in order to best assemble a team of experts for the various key issues.