18-wheeler accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Unlike regular passenger vehicles, 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. When one of these behemoths collides with a smaller passenger car, the injuries are often severe or fatal. That’s why it’s critical to conduct a thorough investigation after an 18-wheeler accident. The investigation can uncover key evidence to help injury victims recover full and fair compensation.
Karns & Karns Truck Accident Attorneys have extensive experience investigating 18-wheeler crashes. We know what to look for and how to build a strong case for maximum results.
Securing the Scene
The first priority after an 18-wheeler accident is securing the scene. Our team will head to the crash site as soon as possible. We want to observe the vehicles involved and road conditions while the scene is still intact.
Photographs and video are taken to thoroughly document:
- All vehicle damage from every angle, including specific points of impact
- Length and location of skid marks showing evasive actions
- Debris fields mapped out showing the spread of vehicle parts
- Road hazards like construction zones, pavement defects, lack of signage
- Weather conditions such as rain, fog, or sun glare
- Visibility at time of crash taking into account terrain, buildings, trees
- Roadway alignment including curves, slopes, merging lanes
- Guardrails, barriers, and other safety features present or absent
Additionally, our team will:
- Obtain police reports with officer observations and witness statements
- Take precise measurements of vehicle locations and debris fields
- Draw diagrams mapping out the accident scene
- Note the presence or lack of traffic safety controls like signals
- Document the line of sight for all drivers prior to the crash
Thoroughly securing the accident scene from all angles provides critical evidence before vehicles are moved. Our extensive documentation preserves fragile but vital information.
Inspecting the 18-Wheeler
A comprehensive inspection of the 18-wheeler involved in the crash is imperative. Our attorneys take the truck to an expert service center for extensive testing and analysis. Every mechanical system and component is closely evaluated, including:
- Braking system – pads, rotors, hoses, ABS
- Steering system – gearbox, tie rods, steering wheel play
- Suspension – springs, shocks, torsion bars
- Wheels and tires – tread depth, air pressure, defects
- Lighting – headlights, brake lights, turn signals
- Safety reflectors and mirrors
- Onboard computers and electronic logging
- Acceleration and transmission
- Load distribution and securement
Additionally, our inspection involves:
- Reviewing maintenance records – Were repairs improperly deferred?
- Analyzing driver logbooks – Was the driver fatigued or over hours?
- Downloading onboard computer data – Were there hard braking events or speeding?
- Testing fuel, oil, filters – Were fluids contaminated?
- Matching truck parts to points of impact – What initially failed?
- Identifying aftermarket modifications – Were they unsafe?
No detail is overlooked. A meticulous inspection can pinpoint mechanical defects, inadequate maintenance, cargo issues, or other truck problems that caused or contributed to the crash. This establishes liability and helps victims recover maximum damages.
Evaluating the Driver
The 18-wheeler driver’s history, training, and actions leading up to the crash are scrutinized.
- Driving record – Does the driver have past violations or accidents?
- Experience level – Was the driver adequately trained?
- Drug/alcohol use – Could intoxication be a factor?
- Distracted driving – Were cell phones or other devices in use?
- Fatigue – Was the driver drowsy or sleep-deprived?
Driver negligence is a factor in many 18-wheeler collisions. Examining the driver’s qualifications, training, and conduct helps determine liability.
Preserving Evidence from the Scene
Physical evidence from the accident scene can disappear quickly. Our team works fast to record and collect key evidence including:
- Skid marks showing evasive actions
- Vehicle parts and debris indicating points of impact
- Sight line obstacles like signs or foliage
- Roadway defects such as potholes
- Guardrails, barriers, and traffic controls
- Witness observations and contact info
Photographs, video, police reports, and eyewitness statements are compiled. Evidence is analyzed by accident reconstruction specialists. Their expertise can recreate what happened based on physical evidence.
Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties
Many parties may share liability in an 18-wheeler crash. Our 18 wheeler accident lawyer Sacramento CA will conduct an extensive investigation to identify all potentially responsible parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that employed the driver
- Maintenance shops that serviced the truck
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts
- Other drivers involved in the crash
- Government agencies responsible for unsafe roads
Determining all liable parties is critical. Those with the “deepest pockets” can offer the most compensation for catastrophic injuries.
Consulting Truck Safety Experts
Our firm consults with veteran truck safety experts like accident reconstructionists and former commercial truck drivers. These specialists can analyze evidence and testify about safety violations, driver errors, and trucking company negligence.
For example, an experienced trucker can detect signs that a big rig was overloaded based on how it performed in the crash. Or an accident reconstructionist may use “black box” data to prove that the trucker was speeding.
Experts help strengthen our case by uncovering technical factors the average person would overlook. Their insights are invaluable in proving liability and maximizing compensation.
Uncovering the Full Extent of Injuries
Some accident injuries are not immediately apparent. Our firm thoroughly investigates the full extent of each victim’s injuries. We obtain all medical records and consult specialists to diagnose:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe fractures
- Psychological trauma
Full documentation of all crash injuries ensures fair compensation to cover all necessary medical treatment.
Calculating Accurate Financial Losses
Our attorneys work with finance experts to calculate the true financial losses from an 18-wheeler accident. Damages can include:
- Medical bills – current and future treatment
- Lost income – both present and future
- Loss of earnings capacity
- Property damage – to vehicles and contents
- Cost of long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship for family members
Detailed financial analysis is required to seek full and fair compensation for all tangible and intangible damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact the attorneys at Karns & Karns Truck Accident Attorneys. Our compassionate legal team will thoroughly investigate the crash to build the strongest possible injury claim. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for crash victims over the years. To learn more, call 833-545-1644 for a free consultation with a Sacramento 18 wheeler accident attorney today.
