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Several factors could cause a semi-truck accident, such as driver fatigue, distractions, or even mechanical failures. Legal professionals may rely on truck accident reconstruction to help determine liability in these cases. Learn more about this process and how it can impact personal injury or wrongful death cases in Oklahoma.
A Comprehensive Collision Analysis Helps Determine Liability
If someone is hurt in a semi-truck accident, they may have the grounds to pursue legal action, depending on their unique circumstances. A personal injury attorney will need to review evidence supporting their claim, such as a police report, photos from the scene, and information from a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR).
Looking at several pieces of evidence can help determine liability, but bringing this information together could provide a clear cause and timeline of the crash. Consider the example below to see how professionals execute this process.
Say a police report notes icy conditions on the road at the time of the crash, and EDR data shows the vehicle traveling above the road’s speed limit. A witness statement may indicate that the driver used the brakes, but the truck did not fully stop and collided with another vehicle. Finally, a brake system inspection shows that the equipment was well maintained and working properly at the time of the accident.
A thorough truck accident reconstruction that includes this information may support the argument that the truck driver was at fault. They may argue that a combination of the truck driver’s speeding and hazardous road conditions caused the accident.
Accident Reconstruction Visuals Convey Key Information in Court
If a truck accident case goes to trial, the jury will hear both sides. Verbal arguments can be effective, but lawyers representing the plaintiff and defendant can also submit visual evidence. A truck accident reconstruction graphic allows the jury to see the probable collision play out rather than just hearing about it.
This visual aspect may address crucial pieces of evidence, such as:
- Crash impact dynamics
- Vehicle data
- Skidmark analysis
Advanced computer simulations or 3D renderings present the information in court so the jury can better understand the evidence.
Crash Scene Investigations May Impact Fault Percentages
Filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident doesn’t always mean a claimant will recover damages. However, Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence law affects the maximum compensation available in damages. How does truck accident reconstruction influence one’s potential settlement?
A modified comparative negligence system means that someone is eligible to recover damages as long as they don’t bear more than 50% of the fault in an accident. The court determines each party’s fault percentage. The compensation awarded may be reduced by the claimant’s percentage of fault.
For example, say a truck driver runs a red light and ends up striking a vehicle in an intersection. If the other motorist was texting before the collision, they could be partially at fault. Ultimately, the court will determine the degree of fault each driver bears.
Recreating the accident through a detailed investigation can influence how the court assesses fault, which may, in turn, affect one’s potential compensation. Imagine a case’s total damages amount to $100,000. There is a big difference for plaintiffs who are able to collect $90,000 vs. $50,000, depending on their percentage of fault.
Consult a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options
Truck accident reconstruction services may significantly impact a case. Many attorneys handling such claims opt to recreate the scene to build a compelling case. If you’re looking to pursue legal action after a truck accident, contact Bryan Garrett PLLC at (405) 369-4498.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What is truck accident reconstruction?
Truck accident reconstruction is the process of analyzing evidence from a truck accident to determine how and why the accident occurred, often used to establish liability in legal cases.
How does accident reconstruction help in court?
Reconstruction provides visual evidence, such as 3D renderings, that can help juries understand the crash dynamics and key information like vehicle data and skidmark analysis.
How does accident reconstruction affect settlements?
By influencing the court’s assessment of fault percentages, accident reconstruction can significantly impact the potential compensation awarded in a truck accident case.
