A trucking accident and a “regular” car accident involve different challenges and different players. For example, in most cases, being in an accident with an 18-wheeler is going to result in much more serious injuries and more severe property damage than traditional car accidents.
The fact is, commercial trucks make up a huge part of the economy in the United States. Almost 70 percent of all the freight tonnage in the U.S. is moved with trucks, and the trucking industry is responsible for moving over nine billion tons of freight annually. Additionally, the trucking industry is responsible for millions of jobs, with the number steadily increasing year after year.
If you are ever involved in any type of accident, regardless of if it is a traditional passenger vehicle accident or a commercial truck accident, hiring a personal injury attorney is the best course of action. They can help to review the facts of your case and determine whether or not you have grounds to file a lawsuit. Learn more about the differences in these types of accidents here.
Different Types of Evidence Needed for a Trucking Accident
A car accident lawyer is used to gathering evidence after a crash occurs, which includes photos of the vehicles that were involved, witness statements, police reports, security camera footage and more. However, if a commercial truck is involved, then there is different evidence that has to be gathered. This evidence includes:
- Driver evidence: This includes the qualifications of the driver, training, hours of service, inspection record, alcohol and drug screening results.
- Vehicle evidence: This includes any downloads on the board systems, inspection history, maintenance documentation and GPS tracking system information.
- Cargo evidence: This will include things like bills of landing, delivery documents, dispatch instructions, trip envelopes and weight tickets.
Different Types of Liability
When a car accident occurs, the only people involved are the driver of the vehicle and, in some cases, the owner or employer of the vehicle/driver. However, during a commercial truck crash, there are more entities that may be involved, which makes the case more difficult.
The individuals that may be involved in a trucking accident include:
- The truck driver
- The truck’s owner
- The trucking company
- The person responsible for maintenance on the truck
- The manufacturer of certain components of the truck
The list of potential liable parties is vast. If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, then the best thing you can do is to contact a personal injury attorney to help you with your case. They can gather the necessary evidence and take the steps necessary to ensure the responsible party is held liable.
You should not try to handle the process alone. A qualified and experienced trucking accident attorney will be able to provide you with the services you need. Learn more about truck and car accidents by contacting the attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC by calling (703) 560-0700. Being informed and having quality legal representation will pay off in the long run and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Additional Reading:
Truck Accidents: Blind Spots Aren’t the Same as Passenger Vehicles
