Crash Reconstruction: How Experts Determine Fault in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases

Most 18-wheeler drivers follow the rules given to them by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) and drive safely. However, some drivers break the rules and endanger other people’s lives on the road. 

An 18-wheeler accident can involve many people. Different experts are required to find out who caused it. 

If you were in a truck crash, you should contact a good 18-wheel accident lawyer, as they specialize in truck accidents. They can assist you in claiming compensation for the damages. 

The Complexities in Determining Who Is at Fault in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases 

An 18-wheeler accident is not only the crash itself but a complex phenomenon. It is influenced by a lot of factors, which may become the reason for the crash.

To fully comprehend the complexity, it’s essential to delve into the various parties that can be at fault:

• Truck Driver

The truck driver is often the first one looked at in an accident. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, or impaired driving can cause accidents. 

Reckless driving or ignoring traffic rules are also risky behaviors. At times, truck drivers might falsify logbooks to break driving hour rules. Therefore, establishing the fault becomes more complex. 

• Trucking Company

The truck driver is often the first one looked at in an accident. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, or impaired driving can cause accidents. Reckless driving or ignoring traffic rules are also risky behaviors. 

At times, truck drivers might falsify logbooks to break driving hour rules. Therefore, establishing the fault becomes more complex.

• Maintenance Personnel

Road safety is the top priority for keeping commercial vehicles safe. It must be done promptly. If a mechanical incident, e.g., The accident involved a brake malfunction or tire blowout. Maintenance personnel will be partly liable.

• Manufacturers

Other problems, such as defective truck parts, can cause 18-wheeler accidents. The manufacturer may face liability if unsafe brakes cause a car accident. 

Manufacturers can be held responsible for faulty parts in trucks leading to accidents. If defects cause a crash, the manufacturer may face legal claims.

• Other Drivers

Although uncommon, other drivers can impact 18-wheeler accidents. Risky driving behaviors lead to road accidents between trucks and other vehicles. Lane switches and not following right-of-way rules are common causes.

Role of Accident Reconstructionist in Determining Who is at Fault.

The experts’ main job is to recreate the crash scene accurately to determine the speed, road, and impact point.

• Scene Examination

The accident expert must first carefully examine the accident scene. Photographs are taken of skid marks, debris, vehicle position, and environmental factors. These help document accident causes. In fact, this is the basic element of their study.

• Vehicle Dynamics 

Figuring out the behavior of the cars is very important for the true picture.

Reconstructionist consider factors like braking distance and reaction time. They also analyze weight distribution and vehicle handling to understand the crash. 

These findings help us know if the driver tried to avoid the crash or if it was due to a mechanical issue.

• Collision Analysis

Accident experts check the car damages from the crash to figure out the forces in the accident. They can identify several factors, including vehicle speed, angles of impact as well as the severity of collisions by this process.

What Other Things To Consider When Determining the Party at Fault?

• Road Conditions

The state of the road in the course of the accident is one of the factors affecting the construction of guilt. 

Experts check road material, signage, markings, defects, and hazards for road conditions. Inadequate road maintenance, construction sites, and potholes contribute to accidents. 

Anything on the roadway can create a hazardous situation, leading to accidents. Specialists check if drivers are not ready for the road and take the right actions.

• Weather Conditions

Weather affects how safe it is to drive, especially for all vehicles, like large trucks. Rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds can make it hard to see, reduce control, and cause vehicles to stop far away. Experts know that bad weather can make vehicles move differently.

What Roles Do Federal Regulations Play in Determining Liability?

In the U.S., federal laws decide who’s at fault in truck accidents. These laws set safety standards for drivers, vehicles, and transport operations. The FMCSA enforces rules that drivers must obey. These rules are important for safety on the road.

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

HOS rules set the longest time a truck driver can drive without breaks. Disregarding HOS rules, such as driving over allowed hours, raises accident risk significantly. Specialists verify the driver logs. They ensure drivers follow HOS rules using ELD data.

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements 

Federal laws establish rules for getting and keeping a Class A CDL. This license is needed to drive commercial vehicles, like semi-trailer trucks. CDL applicants need to pass tests, get a checkup, and meet requirements to qualify. CDL infractions like driving without a valid license cause injury and fault issues.

• Vehicle Maintenance Regulations

Federal law requires regular inspections and maintenance of vehicles used in commercial business. 

This ensures safe operation on the roads. Trucking companies and drivers must follow federal laws on vehicle maintenance for safety. 

This includes checking brakes, tires, lights, and other vital parts. Drivers and commuters must follow maintenance rules and check vehicles regularly. Neglecting this can lead to accidents due to mechanical issues.

• Cargo Securement and Weight Regulation

Guidelines are used to make sure cargo is loaded onto commercial vehicles correctly. 

It needs to be secure and evenly distributed to avoid accidents and ensure road safety. Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift and cause problems while being transported. 

This can harm the stability and ease of control of the truck. Cargo safety rules are important for loading items onto trucks. 

Overloading or uneven loads can lead to accidents and impact who is at fault in a crash.

Takeaway

Identifying why an 18-wheeler crashed is hard. It needs a close look at many things. Determining factors in an accident requires experts familiar with the trucking industry. 

Driver conduct, vehicle dynamics, compliance, and external forces play crucial roles.

Interpreting the laws and steps for 18-wheeler accidents needs unique trucking industry know-how. That’s where the services of a skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer are critical. Contact Mokaram Law today at (281) 609-9224 for a free consultation about your case.