In 2022, a staggering 73% of people injured in semi-truck crashes in the U.S. were passengers in smaller vehicles. These massive trucks can cause catastrophic damage, leaving victims not only with painful injuries but also with mounting medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of trying to piece their lives back together.

To make things even harder, trucking companies and their insurers often deny responsibility to avoid paying what’s fair. This can leave you feeling powerless and unsure of where to turn.

Having an Alabama truck accident lawyer by your side can provide the guidance and support you need to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to fighting for those impacted by negligence. Read on to find out how we help hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the resources you need to rebuild your life after a crash.

Strategies for Proving Trucking Company Liability

Understanding the cause of a semi-truck collision is essential for holding the responsible parties accountable. To build a strong claim, attorneys typically follow these steps to establish liability:

Gathering and Analyzing Evidence from the Crash Scene

Evidence from the crash scene is critical for determining what happened and identifying who is at fault. To establish liability, attorneys may gather and analyze the following evidence:

• Review photographs and videos of the scene, including vehicle damage and skid marks
• Analyze diagrams showing the positions of vehicles after the collision
• Assess weather and road conditions at the time of the crash
• Collect statements from eyewitnesses to understand what occurred
• Use law enforcement accident reports to gather factual details

Scrutinizing the Trucking Company’s Safety Records

Attorneys review the trucking company’s safety record to help identify patterns of negligence. This investigation typically involves:

• Reviewing federal and state inspection reports for past violations
• Analyzing hiring practices to identify untrained or reckless drivers
• Examining accident histories to establish any existing prior safety issues
• Checking for systemic issues, such as poor enforcement of safety policies

These records provide insight into whether company practices contributed to the crash.

Reviewing Vehicle Maintenance Logs

Under federal law, commercial vehicles must meet strict maintenance guidelines to ensure safe operation. Failure to address equipment issues can lead to accidents and liability for the trucking company.

Attorneys examine maintenance logs to assess the truck’s condition and identify negligence that may have contributed to the crash. Their analysis focuses on:

• Identifying overdue repairs or skipped inspections
• Reviewing maintenance schedules to ensure compliance with federal regulations
• Looking for unresolved mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes or worn tires
• Analyzing patterns of neglect that may indicate systemic problems

Analyzing Driver Logs

Driver logs provide crucial details about a trucker’s activities before a crash. Drivers must use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track hours of service and comply with federal regulations limiting driving hours and mandating rest breaks to help prevent fatigued driving. Attorneys examine:

• Hours-of-service records to identify possible fatigue
• Rest break entries to ensure compliance with regulations
• Delivery schedules for signs of unrealistic demands
• Comparing logs with GPS or delivery timestamps to detect falsification

This analysis helps establish whether driver behavior or fatigue contributed to the collision.

Interpreting Black Box Data

The truck’s black box, or event data recorder (EDR), provides crucial details about its operation. Attorneys may analyze the following data to obtain an objective understanding of the events leading up to the crash:

• Speed data to determine if the truck was traveling too fast
• Braking patterns to identify delayed or aggressive braking
• Steering inputs to detect erratic handling
• Engine diagnostics to uncover potential mechanical failures

Securing Expert Testimonies

Expert witnesses offer valuable insights to help establish the cause of a crash. Attorneys may work closely with these professionals to prove liability claims:

• Accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the crash
• Mechanical experts to assess vehicle damage and failures
• Compliance specialists to review adherence to trucking regulations
• Medical experts to explain the extent of injuries

How a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

When trucking companies and insurers deny liability, an experienced attorney can take action to hold them accountable. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we know the strategies insurance companies use to avoid fair compensation and work to protect your rights by:

• Investigating accident scene evidence, such as photos, videos, and witness statements, to find details insurers may overlook.
• Reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data to spot violations and prove negligence
• Disputing low settlement offers with clear evidence of your injuries, damages, and losses to achieve a fair amount
• Taking legal action when needed, ensuring trucking companies are held responsible for their actions in court

Work With The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Claim

If you’re dealing with a trucking company or insurer refusing to take responsibility, you need strong legal representation to help protect your rights. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our team has over 25 years of combined experience handling complex truck accident claims.

Don’t let the trucking company’s denial delay your recovery. Contact us today for a free case review. We’ll evaluate your situation, guide you on the best course of action, and help you pursue the recovery award you deserve.