How Truck Accident Reconstruction Can Help Your Claim: An El Paso Attorney Discusses

Accidents involving large commercial trucks are very different than those involving passenger vehicles. With a fully loaded trailer, large trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs.

Even when the brakes are properly maintained, they can take 25 to 65 percent longer to stop. As a result, the amount of damage a single truck accident can cause is usually much greater.

Finding evidence in a truck accident

Investigating a truck accident requires a skilled crash reconstructionist, who will determine a truck’s speed and stopping distance. While cargo loads can affect stopping distance, the primary factors can be found in the tires and brakes.

When examining the scene of a truck accident, a crash reconstructionist can examine the following:

• Tire skid marks: The distance of front and rear skid marks might be indicators as to how fast a truck driver was traveling at the time of a crash.
• Brake balance: This includes determining whether or not all brakes worked properly and had an equal amount of air pressure. Brake imbalances not only affect the stability of a truck, but also increase stopping distance. Additionally, some brakes may lock while others do not.
• Brake lag: There are two types of brake lag a reconstructionist will examine: mechanical lag and air-pressure lag. Brake lag is measured by the time it takes for wheel lockup from brake application.

How does this relate to your claim?

Unlike accidents involving passenger vehicles, truck accidents are far more complex and often involve multiple insurance companies. Additionally, trucking companies are highly determined to cover up any wrongdoing on their part. However, If a truck accident was caused by a mechanical defect, evidence will show that the company violated federal laws by failing to properly maintain and inspect its vehicles.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, too much is at stake. Your injuries may be severe enough to keep out of work and away from activities you enjoy for months. Medical procedures such as X-rays, surgery and physical therapy can be expensive.

Let an experienced truck accident attorney at Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC handle your claim. For over 30 years, our El Paso attorneys have represented injured motorists in truck accidents. We’ll use crucial evidence to help you build a solid claim and fight to hold negligent trucking companies, and their drivers, accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.