How Can Truck Accidents Be Reconstructed?

Truck accidents are among the most devastating on our roads. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can result not only in extensive property damage but also severe injuries and fatalities.

For victims of truck accidents in Missouri, proving the circumstances of these accidents is key to establishing liability and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Accident reconstruction is a crucial tool in piecing together the events that led to a collision, especially when there are conflicting accounts of what happened.

In this post, our Missouri truck accident lawyers break down the complex process of truck accident reconstruction and how it can support personal injury claims.

What Is Accident Reconstruction?

Accident reconstruction is a scientific process used to investigate, analyze, and determine the cause of a collision. It involves collecting and interpreting physical evidence, analyzing data from various sources, and ultimately recreating the accident scenario to understand how it occurred.

Why Truck Accident Reconstruction Is Crucial

Truck accident reconstruction plays a critical role in determining who is responsible for a crash. When dealing with an accident involving a large commercial truck, there are numerous factors that need to be taken into account. Speed, driver error, truck company policies, weather conditions, road design, and potential mechanical failures might all contribute to how a truck accident happens.

The stakes are high in truck accident cases. The potential for life-changing injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages makes it essential to determine liability accurately. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurers often try to downplay their responsibility or shift the blame onto other drivers or external factors. Accident reconstruction can help to counter these efforts by presenting an objective and scientifically backed analysis of the collision.

Truck accident reconstruction can also uncover safety violations that are common in the trucking industry, such as exceeding legal weight limits, improper loading of cargo, or failure to perform adequate maintenance on the vehicle.

The Role of Physical Evidence in Truck Accident Reconstruction

The starting point for any truck accident reconstruction is the collection of physical evidence from the accident scene. This evidence provides clues about the events that led to the crash and can be used to piece together the sequence of actions taken by both the truck driver and other parties involved. Important physical evidence includes:

  • Skid Marks: The length and location of skid marks can reveal whether the truck driver attempted to brake and, if so, how much time they had to react to the situation.
  • Debris: Vehicle debris, including parts that were broken off during the collision, can provide insight into the points of impact and the severity of the crash.
  • Final Resting Positions: The positions of the vehicles after the collision are critical to understanding the dynamics of the accident.
  • Road Conditions: Weather, surface conditions, and any obstructions in the road can also be documented as part of the reconstruction process.

Accident reconstruction experts will carefully measure, photograph, and document this evidence, ensuring it is preserved for later analysis. They may also use specialized tools, such as surveying equipment, to create precise maps of the accident scene.

The Role of Technology in Truck Accident Reconstruction

Modern trucks are equipped with advanced data collection systems that can provide crucial information about the vehicle’s operation before and during the crash. One of the most important pieces of technology in truck accident investigations is the truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) or “black box”.

The black box records various data points, including:

  • Speed: The truck’s speed at the time of the accident
  • Brake Application: When and how hard the brakes were applied, which can be compared to skid marks and other physical evidence
  • Throttle Position: Additional data that can reveal whether the driver was trying to speed up or slow down just before the collision
  • Steering Input: Data about the driver’s steering actions, which can indicate attempts to avoid the accident or loss of control
  • Hours of Service (HOS) Violations: Data that reveal whether the driver had exceeded the legal hours of service and may have been fatigued

In addition to black box data, video footage from dashcams or traffic cameras may also provide valuable insight into the moments leading up to the crash. Witness statements, which can corroborate physical and digital evidence, are another important component.

How Reconstruction Helps Establish Negligence

One of the primary goals of truck accident reconstruction is to establish whether the truck driver or another party was negligent. Negligence can take many forms, such as speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring safety regulations. Reconstruction provides the hard evidence needed to prove these points in a court of law or during settlement negotiations.

By reconstructing the accident, experts can identify the sequence of events and pinpoint the specific actions or failures that led to the crash. This can be crucial for supporting victims’ compensation claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

St. Louis, Missouri Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Missouri, reconstructing the accident may be key to proving liability and securing the compensation you deserve. The St. Louis truck accident attorneys at Cofman Townsley can work with accident reconstruction experts, collect evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Don’t face the trucking companies and insurance giants alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.