What Happens During a Truck Accident Investigation?
After a truck accident, you will incur high medical bills and likely will not be able to return to work right away. You can file a claim for compensation against the negligent party who caused your injuries but when doing so, you must prove your case. This involves an extensive investigation, during which evidence will be collected. Below, our San Antonio truck accident attorney explains what happens during these investigations.
Steps During a Truck Accident Investigation
There are many steps involved in a truck accident investigation. These are as follows:
- Documenting the site: One of the first steps in any truck accident investigation is documenting the site. You can do this while you are still there, or your lawyer can visit the scene to take pictures and videos of damage to the vehicles involved and structures nearby. Your lawyer will also collect the police report, dash camera videos, and body camera videos, which will also document the scene.
- Locating witnesses: Witness testimony carries a lot of weight in truck accident cases. Your lawyer can locate witnesses, including first responders, and ask them for their testimony.
- Investigating the trucker and trucking company: Your lawyer can subpoena the truck driver’s driving record, their logs, and their personnel file to determine if they have any previous violations. Your lawyer can also obtain the truck’s data recorder, which is often known as its black box.
- Investigating the truck: A lawyer can also examine the truck and its equipment to determine if it is defective or if the truck was loaded or secured properly.
- Consulting experts: Your lawyer will have a network of experts they will consult after any truck accident. These include accident reconstruction experts, medical providers, life care providers, and black box specialists when building your case.
When Do Truck Accident Investigations Occur?
An investigation will occur after every truck accident. Immediately after the crash, the truck driver will notify the trucking company who will send insurance adjusters and insurance company lawyers to the scene immediately. The adjusters will collect evidence they believe can prove that you were partly liable for the crash, to reduce the overall amount of damages they will pay. They may even hide evidence that can help your case. They may interview witnesses and try to sway or change their stories. The insurance adjuster may also visit you at your home or in the hospital, acting as though they care and are your friend and will offer to pay a quick settlement – hoping you release your legal claims forever in exchange for the quick payout before you know the full scope of your injuries and legal rights.
It is for the above reasons that it is so important to work with a San Antonio truck accident lawyer and to hire a lawyer soon after the crash. Right away, your lawyer will begin securing evidence to help your case. When you have legal representation, your lawyer takes over all communications with the insurance adjuster, so they no longer have the ability to try to take advantage of you while you are hurt, in pain, and overwhelmed.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Today
After any crash, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer at the Law Office of Israel Garcia knows the difficulties you are facing and is here to help. We can conduct a thorough investigation and collect evidence that is critical to your claim, so you obtain maximum compensation. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to request a consultation and to learn more.
Source:
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.550.htm
