After a crash with a semi-truck, the last thing you expect is to be blamed for it. But trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters trained to downplay the truck driver’s fault and shift responsibility onto you.
If you’re trying to prove the truck driver was at fault, you need more than just your word against theirs. This is where accident reconstruction experts come in. They use hard evidence to cut through the excuses and prove exactly what happened — findings that can be key to getting the compensation you deserve.
What Evidence Do Accident Reconstruction Experts Analyze?
Accident reconstruction experts don’t rely on guesswork. Here are some of the most critical pieces of evidence they analyze after a truck accident.
Skid marks and vehicle damage
The location and length of skid marks on the road can show:
- How fast the truck and car were traveling
- Whether the truck driver attempted to brake before impact
- If a sudden maneuver (like swerving) contributed to the crash
Similarly, an expert can analyze vehicle damage patterns to determine the exact point of impact and who was positioned where at the time of the crash.
Truck black box data (ECM Data)
Most commercial trucks are equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (EDR), which are essentially “black boxes” that record:
- Speed at the time of impact
- Sudden braking or acceleration
- Steering inputs and mechanical issues
- Whether the driver exceeded legal hours of service
This data can make or break a case, but trucking companies don’t hand it over easily. Acting fast is key to ensuring this evidence doesn’t get deleted.
Traffic cameras and dashcam footage
If your crash happened near an intersection, highway camera, or even a business with security footage, video evidence can provide clear, visual proof of the crash.
Many trucks also have dashcams, which could show:
- The truck driver’s actions right before the crash
- Whether they were distracted, tailgating, or drifting out of their lane
- If they made a reckless maneuver that caused the collision
Road conditions and weather reports
Accident reconstruction experts factor in road design, signage, and weather conditions that may have contributed to the crash. For example:
- Poorly marked lanes could make it harder to determine if the truck drifted out of its lane
- Wet or icy roads might explain longer stopping distances
- Construction zones could reveal whether traffic was forced into a dangerous position
By analyzing all these factors, accident reconstruction specialists can create 3D models, simulations, and reports that provide a scientific breakdown of the crash.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are over 5,500 truck accidents that happen in Ohio every year, and they’re typically caused by a series of actions, misjudgments, or failures. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents that an accident reconstruction specialist will investigate.
Truck driver error
Truckers are held to strict safety regulations, but that doesn’t mean they always follow them. Some of the most common mistakes experts uncover include:
- Fatigue and hours-of-service violations: Truck drivers may push past legal driving limits, leading to slower reaction times and drowsy driving.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Large trucks take much longer to stop than cars, and speeding makes crashes even more severe.
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS behind the wheel can lead to deadly mistakes.
- Improper turns or lane changes: Failing to check blind spots or cutting off smaller vehicles is a major cause of highway crashes.
Mechanical failures and truck malfunctions
Sometimes, the truck driver isn’t the one directly at fault, the vehicle itself is. Trucks require constant maintenance, and when companies cut corners, it can lead to:
- Brake failures: One of the most common causes of rear-end collisions involving trucks.
- Tire blowouts: A truck losing control due to a blown tire can cause catastrophic multi-vehicle accidents.
- Faulty steering or suspension systems: This makes it impossible for a truck to maintain control.
Road hazards and environmental factors
Sometimes, a truck accident isn’t just the result of driver behavior or a truck defect. External factors like poorly maintained roads, dangerous weather conditions, and unclear signage can also cause accidents.
If an unsafe road condition contributed to the crash, accident reconstruction experts may help identify if a government agency or another entity could be liable.
Need Help Proving Fault? Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you’re likely up against a powerful trucking company, an aggressive insurance provider, and a legal system that isn’t always on your side. But you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
At Slater & Zurz, we work with top accident reconstruction experts to preserve crucial evidence, uncover the truth, and prove who was really at fault. Our legal team has successfully helped victims of truck crashes recover millions of dollars in compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Time is critical in truck accident cases — after all, black box data can be erased, road conditions can change, and trucking companies may try to cover their tracks. Don’t wait. Contact Slater & Zurz today for a free consultation at 330-762-0700.
Written by Michael Schmeltzer
Michael, a partner at Slater & Zurz, represents clients in a broad range of complex cases, including catastrophic personal injury, construction accidents, trucking and motorcycle collisions, product liability, wrongful death, nursing home negligence, and medical and professional malpractice.
