Why truck accident investigations can take longer than regular car crashes

Some reasons why truck accident investigations take longer are that more parties are involved, commercial vehicles are highly regulated, electronic data must be analyzed, and accident reconstruction is more complex. Truck attorneys always warn truck accident victims of the longer time period to get their injury claim. 

You might have noticed that certain automobile accident investigations take longer than others. There is a very good reason for this.

While many passenger automobile accidents can be investigated very quickly and easily, when it comes to truck accidents, due to the size of the vehicles, the potential for serious injuries, and the number of parties involved, they can take much longer to complete. 

If you are involved in a truck accident investigation and wish to get your injury claim fast, knowing the reasons for the delay will help you deal with the situation with much less stress. 

More Parties May Be Involved

A typical car accident usually involves one or two drivers and their insurance companies. Commercial truck accidents, however, may involve several additional parties. Depending on the circumstances, investigators may need to examine the actions of the:

• Truck driver
• Vehicle owner
• Trucking company
• Maintenance provider
• Cargo loading company
• Equipment manufacturers
• Other businesses connected to the operation of the truck

Determining each party's potential role requires careful review of available evidence.

Commercial Vehicles Are Highly Regulated

The trucking industry operates under numerous federal and state safety regulations. Investigators may review:

• Driver qualification files
• Hours-of-service records
• Inspection reports
• Maintenance logs
• Commercial driver's license requirements
• Company safety policies

These records help determine whether the truck and driver were operating in compliance with applicable regulations at the time of the collision. Reviewing this documentation often takes considerable time.

Electronic Data Must Be Analyzed

Many commercial trucks contain electronic systems that record valuable operational information. The following may all provide information about vehicle speed, braking, steering, driving hours, and other operational data:

• Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
• Engine control modules (sometimes referred to as "black boxes")
• GPS systems
• Onboard cameras
• Fleet management software

Specialists may be needed to properly preserve, download, and interpret this electronic evidence.

Accident Reconstruction Can Be More Complex

Truck accidents often involve significant vehicle damage and longer stopping distances. Accident reconstruction experts may analyze the following data to better understand how the collision occurred:

• Skid marks
• Roadway conditions
• Vehicle positions
• Impact angles
• Cargo movement
• Braking performance
• Visibility
• Other physical evidence

Because commercial trucks differ substantially from passenger vehicles in size and operation, these analyses may require additional technical expertise. Hire Triumph Law Group truck attorneys to help you get the best financial compensation after your truck accident. 

Truck Accident Investigations Are More Complicated

In general, truck accident investigations are much more complicated than those for regular car accidents and therefore take longer to complete. Knowing this information, you can relax and stay patient while the proceedings take place. 

Truck attorneys are highly experienced in this arena and can guide you effectively.

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