Complex Truck Accident Investigations

Monday, April 19, 2021

Complex Truck Accident Investigations

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Truck crash claims involve more complicated areas of law. They may necessitate an extensive investigation to determine and establish negligence in the accident. Taking on commercial trucking companies is easier with the help of a Chicago truck accident attorney.

If you sustain injuries in any kind of motor vehicle accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced accident lawyer to discuss a possible legal claim. While any car accident claim can have rare circumstances and complications, those involving large commercial trucks are arguably the most challenging type of personal injury case for many different reasons. 

Parties involved in large commercial truck accidents often sustain the most devastating injuries, and losses can be overwhelming and extend well into the future. If this happens, you should never be afraid to hold negligent parties accountable for their damages. You always want to seek the assistance of a Chicago truck accident lawyer who has experience handling this type of case.

Truck Accidents Involve Multiple Parties

Often, a commercial truck accident involves more than just the driver. Your Chicago truck accident lawyer must determine all of the potential at-fault parties to adequately seek full compensation. Depending on who owns the truck, what caused the accident, and other specifics, the following parties could be liable for your injuries:

1. The truck driver
2. The trucking company
3. The cargo loading company
4. The truck or its parts’ manufacturer
5. A municipality
6. Another driver

When multiple parties, some closely intertwined, such as a truck driver and the trucking company, could be liable for an accident, the claim is more complex. It is important to identify all liable parties, as companies might have higher insurance limits than individual drivers, which gives you a better chance to recover full compensation for catastrophic injuries.

Truck Drivers Must Abide by Federal Standards

Not only do truck drivers have to follow the same rules of the road that other drivers do, but they are also beholden to federal safety regulations and standards specifically for commercial truck drivers. These additional regulations are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They include rules about:

1. The use of cell phones while driving
2. Rest periods and hours of service
3. Truck inspections and maintenance
4. Logging driving hours and maintenance

When drivers don’t abide by these regulations, the chances of an accident increases. Showing that they didn’t follow FMCSA regulations can help prove negligence. A Chicago truck accident attorney is well-versed in these regulations and can determine if the driver followed the standards or not. 

Determining the Cause 

Determining the cause of commercial truck accidents can also make investigating these accidents more complex. For example, carrying large loads of different materials or substances and the way they are loaded in the truck can lead to an accident. A Chicago truck accident lawyer can enlist the help of accident reconstructionists to help determine the cause.

Let an Experienced Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Be Your Advocate

Accidents caused by large commercial trucks are usually more complicated than accidents between two passenger vehicles. No matter how complex your claim might be, an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney from Malman Law is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Receive a free case review with one of our skilled truck accident attorneys today. Call (312) 629-0099 or use our online contact form.