Why You Should Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Big Truck Wreck

In this video, Senior Partners and Attorneys Noe Valles and Chad Inderman of Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers discuss why consulting a personal injury lawyer is critical after a collision with a big truck. Watch the video below and read on for key takeaways.

How Truck Wrecks Differ From Car Accidents

While truck wrecks may seem similar to car accidents, there are important differences that can impact your case:

Size and Weight: Big trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, often resulting in more severe injuries and property damage.
Complex Regulations: Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal and state regulations, including hours-of-service rules, maintenance requirements, and cargo handling standards. These rules add layers of complexity to any claim.
Multiple Parties: Liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even manufacturers.

The Critical Importance of Evidence Preservation

Chad and Noe emphasize that preserving evidence is one of the most important steps after a truck accident:

Black Boxes and Data Recorders: Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic data recorders (black boxes) that capture speed, braking, and other critical information. This data must be downloaded quickly before it is lost or overwritten.
Scene Evidence: Physical evidence at the crash scene, such as skid marks, debris, and vehicle positions, can disappear rapidly. Prompt action is needed to document the scene through photos, videos, and witness statements.
In-Cab and Surveillance Video: Many trucks now have in-cab cameras, and nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have captured the incident. Securing this footage early is essential, as it can be erased or recorded over in a matter of days.
Cell Phone Records: Driver phone records can reveal if distracted driving played a role, but these records must be requested and preserved quickly.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Truck accident cases are high-stakes and complex. Here’s why having an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial:

Navigating Complex Laws: Trucking cases involve federal and state regulations that most people, and even many lawyers, are not familiar with. A lawyer with truck accident experience knows how to investigate violations and use them to strengthen your case.
Identifying All Liable Parties: Trucking companies, drivers, and other third parties may share responsibility. An attorney will investigate all angles to ensure everyone who contributed to the crash is held accountable.
Maximizing Compensation: Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. A skilled lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and fight for full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Acting Fast: The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and building a strong case.

Our Commitment to Truck Accident Victims

At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges of truck accident cases. Our team acts quickly to:

Secure and analyze black box data
Preserve scene and video evidence
Investigate all potential sources of liability
Advocate for your rights every step of the way

If you or a loved one has been involved in a wreck with a big truck, contact us today for a free consultation. Early legal intervention can make all the difference.