Accident reconstruction is critical in many truck accident cases because it allows insurers, jurors, judges, and other decision-makers to better understand what happened and the role each party played. Lawyers representing victims often invest in accident reconstruction in commercial truck accident cases because it allows them to show fault and liability even when there are few eyewitnesses.
In accident reconstruction, the facts tell the story. Experts in this field look at all the evidence and use technology to recreate the accident scene. Then, they can work backward to determine what happened and how the incident, injuries, and other damages occurred.
Truck Accident Reconstruction Is Necessary When Other Evidence Is Lacking
Sometimes, you get lucky, and a nearby business captured the crash on a surveillance camera or a nearby vehicle had a dash cam. Most cases do not have this type of conclusive evidence to show what happened. Often, the only witnesses are the drivers or others with a poor vantage point to explain what happened. Accident reconstruction is critical when there are no videos or convincing eyewitness statements.
Knowing exactly what happened, within a reasonable margin of error, is important. An accident reconstruction expert can use their knowledge, skill, experience, and technology to give accurate estimations of:
- Which direction each vehicle was going
- How fast they were traveling
- What occurred to cause the accident
- Which driver caused the crash
- How damages and injuries occurred
- Other factors that contributed to the collision
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Understanding Truck Accident Reconstruction
Truck accident reconstruction uses accident scene surveys, police reports, witness statements, physical damage to each vehicle, and other evidence to understand what happened, who is at fault, and whether their actions were negligent. Accident reconstruction experts have to know engineering and physics and have a deep understanding of traffic accident mechanics. They employ several types of technology, including advanced computer programs.
Some of the actions they undertake during a reconstruction include:
- Inspecting each vehicle involved in the crash and the damage
- Surveying the crash scene
- Analyzing the police report, images, and video of the crash
- Reviewing records from similar collisions
- Looking at other records and evidence related to the crash
- Evaluating relevant medical records for victims
- Rendering 3D models of the crash from several angles
Other Evidence in a Truck Accident Case
While truck accident reconstruction often plays a critical role in proving fault and liability in these cases, there is usually additional evidence for an attorney and their team to gather and analyze, as well. Some of this is necessary for the reconstruction specialist to review, too. This includes:
- The accident report filed by police officers
- Any eyewitness statements
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Relevant medical records
- An accident scene survey
- Documentation of damages
Trucking Companies Often Hold a Lot of Key Evidence
One of the first things an attorney needs to do while investigating a truck crash is to send a spoliation letter to the trucking company to preserve any evidence they have. Trucking companies often hold much of the evidence necessary for victims to prove fault and liability in the case. This could include:
- The truck’s electronic control module (ECM)
- The driver’s electronic logging device (ELD)
- Any dashcam video available
- The driver’s post-accident drug and alcohol test results
- The driver’s training, employment, accident, and citation history
Truck Accident Victims Can Pursue and Recover Compensation
The goal of proving fault and liability is so that the victims can build an insurance claim or lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries. A truck accident lawyer can help. They will know the rules and how to manage a case like this. They can:
- Assess your options and explain how they recommend approaching the case
- Work on your case with no upfront fees
- Protect your right to sue
- Investigate what happened and gather the available evidence
- Call in truck accident reconstructionists and other experts
- Organize and analyze the evidence
- Identify the liable parties
- Document the damages and value your truck accident case
- File an insurance claim and negotiate for a fair settlement
Most of these cases settle without going to trial. However, your lawyer may need to sue in your case. There is a deadline you must meet to sue, so contact an attorney as soon as your injuries allow. For example, you generally have up to two years to sue under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
There could be exceptions to this timeline, though. Act as soon as possible to ensure your right to pursue fair compensation remains intact.
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Talk to a Team Member About Your Truck Accident Case for Free Today
At the Fitch Law Firm LLC, our attorneys handle commercial truck accidents for victims in Ohio. We serve areas including Columbus, Dayton, Marion, and Springfield. Our team provides free consultations. We will answer your questions, assess your accident, and explain how we would approach the case. This could include accident reconstruction. Contact us today to learn more.