Accidents involving larger commercial trucks typically require more investigation than traditional car accidents between personal vehicles. These are larger vehicles, and the scene is much more complex. In many cases, liability is not completely clear, and it may be necessary to use an accident reconstruction expert in order to determine what happened. Here, we want to discuss why accident reconstruction is so important for many truck accident cases.
Why Truck Accident Reconstruction May be Necessary
The aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be chaotic. Ultimately, a truck accident needs to be thoroughly investigated so that any injury or property damage victim can recover compensation for their losses. If liability falls to the truck driver or trucking company, then the victim should be able to recover compensation from these entities or individuals.
Often, the evidence gathered at the scene of the truck crash and in the days and weeks to follow is enough to prove the liability of the parties involved. This evidence can include photographs taken at the scene of the crash, surveillance footage from nearby cameras, the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), the driver’s electronic logging device (ELD), statements from eyewitnesses, the police report, and more.
However, there are times when the evidence does not clearly show liability. In these cases, it may be necessary to bring in a truck accident reconstruction expert.
What Happens During a Reconstruction?
Truck accident reconstruction expert Hughes used a range of sophisticated methodologies to determine what elements played a part in the accident and the seriousness of the accident. Some of the key elements to reconstructing a truck accident include the following:
- Conducting a thorough inspection of the vehicles involved in the accident
- Analyzing the crash site and vehicle images
- Physically visiting the crash scene to take measurements
- Reviewing the collision reports, witness statements, crash test reports, published studies of similar crashes, and other documents
- Evaluating medical records to determine the consistency of injuries with the other available evidence
- Using sophisticated computer software to render 3D models that can be shown to insurance carriers or personal injury juries
An accident reconstruction expert may need to testify in front of a personal injury jury to discuss what they have discovered during the course of their investigation.
Securing Compensation After a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by the negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. Ultimately, truck crash victims should be able to recover compensation for:
- All medical expenses caused by the crash
- Lost income if a disability prevents work
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage expenses
- Physical pain and suffering damages
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Loss of quality of life damages
An accident reconstruction expert may be able to provide the evidence needed for a crash victim to recover the compensation necessary to make a recovery. However, the process of accident reconstruction will not happen overnight. These investigations can take time, and we strongly encourage truck crash victims to work with a skilled Irvine truck accident attorney who can help them through this entire process.
