A truck-car crash can be a catastrophic event, and a legal team acting on behalf of a victim may engage the services of an accident reconstructionist.
These professionals will perform a scene investigation to gather evidence to help determine the cause of the crash.
About scene investigation
Investigators for a trucking firm will arrive at a crash scene soon after the accident, so investigators working on behalf of a victim must do the same. An accident reconstructionist will examine roadway evidence that includes:
- Skid and yaw marks
- Tire tracks
- Fluid stains such as engine oil, transmission fluid or blood
- Gouges in dirt or pavement
- Damage to objects such as guardrails and telephone poles
- Vehicle debris
- Broken glass from windshields
Their inspection will include the direction in which the vehicles were traveling and their final resting positions.
Scene mapping
Professionals may also perform scene mapping. They will take measurements using surveying equipment to prepare a diagram. This will show the position of roadway evidence and also indicate whether roadway defects might have contributed to the crash.
Determining fault
Injuries from a truck-car crash can be severe and treatment could last for months if not for a lifetime. Advocates for the injured victim of a truck-car crash will use the information that the reconstructionist provides to help determine fault for the accident. Truck-related crashes are complex because multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident and the resulting injuries. The truck driver, the trucking company, the company that maintains the vehicle and even the individuals responsible for loading the cargo may all share liability for the crash. A victim may expect to obtain compensation from all sources to cover current and future medical expenses and more.