Accidents involving large commercial trucks in San Antonio can be devastating for those involved. Unlike smaller passenger vehicles, they can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and can take longer to stop. When they’re unable to stop, the damage they cause can be catastrophic.
Even with brakes that are properly maintained and up-to-date, large commercial trucks can take anywhere from 25 to 65 percent longer to stop than passenger vehicles. This depends on the speed they are traveling, the amount of cargo they are carrying, and the quality of the tires. The truck accident attorneys at The Herrera Law Firm know that evidence is very important when proving negligence.
Proving the distance and time it takes for a truck to stop after a crash takes a thorough investigation. A crash reconstructionist can examine the scene of a truck accident for specific clues. These can include:
- Tire marks in the road: This evidence can indicate how fast a truck was traveling and how long it took to stop at the time of a crash.
- Brake balance: When all brakes are working properly and have an equal amount of air pressure, they are properly balanced. However, when brakes are out of balance, some of them may work while others don’t. This can result in truck instability.
- Brake lag: The time between brake application and actual wheel lockup determines brake lag. If there is too much lag in the braking system, a large truck may not be able to adequately come to a complete stop.
The evidence found after a truck accident is absolutely crucial to your claim. It can determine the cause of the crash and where negligence occurred. Examples of negligence include:
- The driver may have exceeded the speed limit and was unable to stop in time.
- The trucking company may have failed to ensure that the brakes were properly maintained and inspected.
- The cargo load may have exceeded the legal limit
Pursuing justice after a truck accident
When trucking companies violate federal regulations, they will often go to great lengths to cover up any wrongdoing on their part. They may destroy records, documents or other evidence. They may hire their own team of investigators who will twist the facts. They may even outright lie about what happened.
However, the evidence gathered by a crash reconstructionist can tell the real story. The evidence can also be used to support your claim and hold negligent parties accountable.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in greater San Antonio, you need a highly skilled attorney in your corner who knows how to investigate these types of accidents. You need someone who knows how to negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement.
Don’t hesitate to contact the Herrera Law Firm. We’ll fight for you every step of the way.
