Semi-Trailer Truck Accident Investigation in Las Vegas

According to a Forbes report, commercial truck accidents in the United States have been notably frequent, with over half a million occurring in a recent year. This marks an increase from the previous year’s total.

Commercial trucks are massive in size and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. As a result, accidents with these behemoth vehicles often have devastating consequences. Truck accident victims may face extensive recovery periods and life-altering injuries. The key to recovering compensation for your injuries is to build a solid case from the beginning.

One of the most important aspects of your truck accident is the investigation, which is vital in determining liability. You might wonder, “What is involved in a Las Vegas truck accident investigation?” 

We will explain this component of your case, focusing on the Las Vegas truck accident and truck accident lawsuits below. We recognize the challenges these cases present and are committed to guiding you through every step. For more details, contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Las Vegas

Commercial trucking companies and drivers assume a great deal of responsibility. Because of the potential harm that can be caused by a truck accident, they are expected to act with great care to prevent collisions.

There are other parties, as well, who are responsible for trucks’ safety on the road, such as the cargo loading companies who secure the cargo and the maintenance companies who inspect and repair the trucks. However, not all parties take their responsibilities seriously. Oftentimes, it is their negligence that leads to a serious accident.

When determining liability for a truck accident, we may consider if any of the following common causes of truck accidents are to blame:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers may be pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines or drive too many hours because they get paid by the mile or the load. This may result in tired drivers behind the wheel who may fall asleep while driving or suffer from delayed reactions akin to impaired driving.

Speeding

Truck drivers may also speed to try to meet unrealistic deadlines. However, speeding can make it more difficult to handle a truck. For example, a speeding truck will require more distance and time to come to a complete stop once a hazard is recognized. If a collision occurs, the truck will strike with more force, potentially causing serious injuries.

Negligent Hiring

Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and investigating their backgrounds. They may be liable for negligent hiring if they do not meet these requirements.

Inadequate Training

Trucking companies are also expected to provide adequate training to their drivers so they can safely operate their vehicles. If they fail to deliver this, they may be liable if inadequate training contributed to the accident.

Driver Impairment

Truck drivers may drive under the influence of alcohol, street drugs, or prescription or non-prescription drugs, putting other motorists at risk.

Dangerous Handling

Some truck drivers take advantage of their larger vehicles and tailgate others, change lanes frequently without signaling, or engage in other aggressive driving behaviors.

Improper Loading

Some truck accidents are caused when cargo shifts during transport or hazardous materials spill from a truck. These accidents are usually the result of improper loading.

Failing to Check Blind Spots

Commercial trucks have several blind spots to the side of their truck, in front of them, and behind them. These blind spots often extend several feet. Truck drivers who do not check these blind spots may collide with another vehicle.

Improper Maintenance

Commercial trucks must be properly maintained to avoid vehicle malfunctions that can cause an accident.

Why Police Reports Are Not Always Enough

While a police report may contain helpful information to support your truck accident claim, more is needed. Police officers are not trained investigators. They may not know what caused the accident or why. Additionally, they are primarily concerned with determining whether a crime has been committed. This may result in a cursory investigation only, leaving critical evidence behind. In other situations, it may result in inaccurate findings.

It is important not to lull yourself into believing that the accident report will be the only thing you need to prove your claim. It is critical to collect and preserve evidence as soon as possible. Additionally, complex evidence rules may make using an accident or police report in court difficult.

What Goes into a Truck Accident Investigation?

A truck accident investigation may consist of many components, including the following:

Physical Investigation of the Accident Scene

The accident investigation begins with the physical inspection of the accident scene. This may involve the following:

• Talking to witnesses
• Taking pictures of the accident scene, skid marks, and property damage
• Looking for nearby cameras that may have captured the accident
• Looking for cargo that fell or spilled out

Accident Reconstruction

Accident reconstruction experts may be able to use objective evidence to reconstruct how the accident happened, including:

• Eyewitness statements
• Truck accident report forms
• Electronic data regarding the vehicles involved in the accident

• Skid marks
• Vehicle damage

Review of Digital Evidence

Various forms of digital evidence may be critical in determining the factors that contributed to the accident. Commercial trucks often contain a digital recorder similar to the black box found on commercial airplanes that can provide helpful information about the following:

• The performance of the vehicle’s engine
• Engine RPMs
• Speed
• Last application of braking

Additionally, GPS data can help identify where the truck was at different times. Electronic logs can show how long the driver was driving and whether they took necessary breaks.

A truck accident lawyer can ensure you have access to this critical information by sending spoliation letters to the trucking company and other relevant parties instructing them not to destroy or otherwise dispose of this important evidence.

Review of Accident Reports

In addition to reviewing the police report, there may be other truck accident reports. The trucking company may require the driver to complete a truck driver accident request form any time there is a collision. Reviewing these reports and looking for inconsistencies can help uncover information about the factors that contributed to the accident.

Review of Employment Records

Employment records may highlight negligent hiring or inadequate training, so they should be thoroughly reviewed. Trucking companies must maintain a driver qualification file that contains information such as:

• Driving records for the driver
• Accident history for the driver and the truck
• The driver’s employment history
• Road test results
• Results of drug and alcohol testing
• Training certificates

• Annual reviews
• License
• Medical certification
• Service hour records
• Maintenance records for the truck
• Other personnel records

The criminal background check of the truck driver should also be reviewed.

What Evidence Should Be Collected?

An accident investigation should gather all relevant evidence that pertains to the collision, including:

• Electronically stored vehicle information
• Truck driver employment records
• Truck inspection reports
• Accident or police reports
• Alcohol and drug testing results
• Photographs or videos of the accident
• Medical records

• Employment records that demonstrate the victim’s lost earnings
• Records from the employer, such as training manuals, safety policies, and procedures
• Paper records that may indicate where the driver was or what they were doing, such as bills of lading, driving logs, fuel receipts, restaurant receipts, GPS data, cell phone data

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Assist in the Investigation

When a truck accident occurs, particularly involving commercial trucks like semi-trailers, the complexity of the investigation requires legal specialty. An attorney is essential in managing these complex cases, ensuring victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Here’s how a truck accident lawyer assists in the investigation:

• Immediate Response and Securing the Scene: Following a truck accident, acting quickly is vital. A truck accident lawyer can rapidly deploy an investigative team to the accident scene. This team works to preserve critical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle debris, and any other physical evidence that might indicate how the collision occurred.
• Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: The lawyer ensures all evidence is collected thoroughly. This includes taking photographs of the scene, interviewing witnesses, and securing surveillance footage from nearby cameras. They also focus on obtaining the truck’s black box data, which records vehicle speed, brake use, and other details leading up to the crash.
• Reviewing Documentation: A significant part of the investigation involves reviewing documents like the police report, truck driver’s logbooks, and maintenance records of the involved trucks. These documents can provide insights into whether any laws were broken, such as over-hours of service, which might indicate sleep deprivation or other driver negligence.
• Working with Experts: Truck accident lawyers often work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the accident happened. These experts can independently verify the dynamics of the crash, which is essential for understanding who is at fault.
• Liaising with Medical Professionals: To establish a claim for truck accident injuries, lawyers coordinate with medical professionals to document the injuries sustained and the expected recovery process. This medical evidence is crucial in seeking compensation for medical bills and other related expenses.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies involved can be daunting for truck accident victims. A truck accident lawyer represents the victim in negotiations with these companies, advocating for maximum compensation without the victim engaging in often stressful and complex discussions directly.
• Legal Strategy and Representation: Throughout the process, an accident lawyer develops a legal strategy tailored to the case’s specifics. They initially guide the victim through the legal field, offering a free consultation and detailed advice on proceeding with truck accident claims or even a lawsuit if necessary.

In places like Las Vegas, NV, where busy roads often see accidents involving large trucks, having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a truck accident case. They ensure that all facets of the investigation are handled professionally, from preserving evidence at the accident scene to achieving fair compensation for severe injuries and property damage.

Why Should a Lawyer Investigate a Commercial Truck Accident?

A lawyer should investigate a commercial truck accident because truck accident cases are complex. Shortly after a truck accident, the trucking company’s representatives will descend upon the accident scene and begin conducting their investigation to refute liability for the accident. A police investigation may be inadequate or inaccurate. Having your investigation ensures you can level the playing field and preserve critical information to establish your claim.

In addition, numerous parties may be liable in a truck accident case. You can count on each one to try to shift liability onto someone else. This makes it imperative that you conduct your accident investigation, which can help demonstrate liability and the factors that contributed to the accident.

How Can THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Help Me?

The truck accident attorneys from THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can launch an investigation immediately after you retain our services. We will help preserve compelling evidence that is critical to proving your claim. We will help you stand up against the trucking company by completing a full, independent investigation.

We will fight for maximum compensation for your claim. Learn more about how we can help by calling or contacting us online for your free case review.