How Our 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer in California Can Build Your Case: How Gathering Evidence in a Commercial Trucking Accident in California Can Help
While most victims of trucking accidents do not realize this, being involved in a commercial trucking accident is actually quite different from being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Not only are the statutory laws and federal regulations different for truck drivers and trucking companies, but even the mechanics of a truck and the evidence used to present a claim are vastly different. Thus, this is why victims of commercial trucking accidents must seek out an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer in California to handle their case—not a regular car accident lawyer.
The reason for this is that there are certain steps that need to be taken after a commercial trucking accident that are different from a motor vehicle accident. One of these steps is to collect key evidence that just does not exist in motor vehicle accidents because of the inherent differences between car and trucks. The evidence obtained in a commercial trucking accident is quite different from the evidence obtained in a motor vehicle accident, and it takes an experienced lawyer to know this.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced and dedicated team is committed to helping victims of catastrophic trucking wrecks and 18 wheeler crashes. We have a proven track record of success handling trucking accident causes throughout New Mexico and California, particularly right here in Inland Empire and San Bernardino Counties. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a truck crash, call us to schedule a FREE consultation to learn more about your rights to compensation.
Key Evidence for Truck Wrecks
ECM – Known as the electronic control module, or ECM, this functions as a black box for a truck. Every commercial truck has a black box that contains a great deal of information that can be incredibly helpful in the event of a commercial trucking accident. Black boxes contain information including if the brakes were applied, the direction that the truck was going, speed, what the driver was doing, if there were any mechanical errors, and related issues caused by a truck driver’s errors.
Inspection Reports – Obtaining the inspection report for a commercial truck involved in an accident is helpful to determine if any of the parts were recalled, not serviced, or if a proper inspection was not performed.
Driver’s Log Book – The log book shows the amount of hours worked consecutively, in a week and if breaks were taken. The FMCSA has guidelines regarding hours of service, and if the driver was in violation of these guidelines, it could be a factor that could have caused the accident.
Qualifications of the truck driver – Commercial truck drivers are supposed to undergo rigorous training as improper use of a commercial truck can lead to a catastrophic accident. Obtaining the driving records, information regarding the type of training the driver had, and work history are all helpful to determine if the driver was unqualified to operate a commercial truck.
Footage from Traffic Cameras – This is useful to determine if the driver did not yield, stop at a red light or stop sign, or was driving recklessly.
Photos of the scene of the accident – Photos may be helpful to show is there a tire marks on the road or any other piece of evidence that can indicate the commercial truck driver was driving recklessly.
Witness testimony – From other drivers or individuals who were watching nearby.
Why Hire an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Versus a Car Accident or Personal Injury Lawyer
Trucking accidents are just not like car accidents. Regular car accident lawyers and general personal injury lawyers who do not normally handle these types of cases are simply not going to know about this different evidence and how to present it in court. Hiring an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in California provides you with the best chance to gain the compensation you deserve. Car accident lawyers often are not aware of what pieces of evidence need to be obtained. If evidence is not gained in a timely manner, it can result in evidence being erased such as the black box data.
This can be the difference between you winning or losing your case. Commercial truck accident lawyers also are knowledgeable about the type of injuries victims often sustain, and are aware of the many damages victims are eligible for after being involved in a commercial trucking accident.
Call the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. for a Trucking Accident in California
If you were injured in a trucking accident occurring in Inland Empire County, San Bernardino County, or anywhere else throughout California, learn more about how we can help you and your family during a FREE consultation with our experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer in California. Our truck accident and personal injury law firm has been helping victims recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages for over 30 years.
Learn how our experienced team help can help you by dialing (505) 384-7865 to schedule your FREE consultation. We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. We also have a second trucking accident office in California, serving those in Inland Empire County and San Bernardino County, as well as those who have been catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed through California. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 384-7865 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
