Posted in Personal Injury Lawyer
Truck accidents can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and financial burdens. If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck in Washington, DC, it’s natural to have questions about what happens next. One of the most important phases after such an event is the investigation. This process plays a major role in how liability is determined and whether compensation is ultimately awarded.
Why truck accident investigations are different
Unlike ordinary car crashes, truck accidents often involve multiple parties and layers of responsibility. In addition to the driver, the trucking company, the cargo handler, and sometimes the manufacturer may all be connected to the case. Because of this, the investigation is more detailed and can involve several types of evidence. As a Washington DC truck accident lawyer, our firm has seen firsthand how a strong investigation can make the difference in getting full compensation for an injury claim.
The importance of collecting early evidence
After a crash, time is critical. Some of the most useful evidence can disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, vehicles are repaired, and data may be overwritten. Investigators will often start by securing the scene and collecting photographs, statements from witnesses, dashcam video (if available), and physical damage details. In trucking cases, additional data sources like the truck’s onboard systems—known as black boxes—are especially important.
These electronic devices can record speed, braking patterns, hours of operation, and more. This data can help clarify what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. When we work with clients, we make it a priority to request and preserve this data early, before it’s deleted or lost.
Reviewing company records and compliance
In addition to vehicle-specific data, a truck accident investigation may examine whether the company followed required safety rules. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep records on driver qualifications, maintenance schedules, hours-of-service logs, and load information. If a company skipped inspections or forced a driver to work beyond allowed limits, that may be relevant to the cause of the crash.
Wayne R. Cohen, founder of Cohen & Cohen, has spent decades holding companies accountable in personal injury cases. With an AV-rating and recognition from publications like Washingtonian Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Cohen has built a reputation for digging deep into details that other firms might miss. These efforts help uncover facts that strengthen a case and increase the chance of recovering full damages for our clients.
Working with professional teams
Investigations often involve input from outside professionals. Accident reconstruction analysts can help determine how a collision occurred based on physical evidence and physics. Medical professionals may also be consulted to link specific injuries to the crash. Our firm works with qualified teams to ensure the most complete picture of what took place, giving our clients every advantage.
Supporting your case from the start
As the investigation moves forward, it’s also important to understand that insurance companies will be building their own defense. This is why it’s critical for anyone involved in a truck accident to speak with legal counsel early. From preserving records to coordinating with investigators, we work to protect your rights and position your case for success.
If you’ve been involved in a truck crash in the DC area, the steps taken in the first days and weeks are crucial. Contact Cohen & Cohen today to speak with a team that knows how to handle these cases from start to finish. We’re ready to stand with you and help pursue the outcome you deserve.
