If you regularly drive in the Houston area, you know how dangerous truck accidents can be. The increased size and weight of these vehicles make them much more likely to inflict catastrophic injuries when a crash happens. State records show over 6,100 commercial vehicle crashes happened in Harris County in one recent year, leading to 149 severe injuries and 40 deaths. These facts raise a natural question: How do truck investigations work in Houston? Furthermore, who decides who’s liable for a crash and how much they should pay the victims? We provide the answers to these critical questions below.
Who Investigates Truck Accidents in Houston?
In Houston, several agencies may work together to investigate truck accidents to determine the cause and assess liability. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) often takes the lead, especially when accidents happen on state highways. DPS officers usually examine the accident scene, look at skid marks, measure distances between vehicles, and document any vehicle damage. They also gather witness statements to create a clear picture of what happened.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) may investigate a truck crash if the accident occurs within city limits. HPD officers collect evidence similar to that collected by DPS agents, often focusing on whether anyone involved broke any traffic laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) might also get involved, especially in severe accidents. FMCSA investigators may review the trucking company’s records, maintenance logs, and driver hours to check for federal regulation violations.
These agencies work to uncover key details about the crash, from driver error and equipment failure to road conditions. Their findings help ensure accountability, making thorough investigations essential for truck accident victims seeking fair compensation.
How Many Steps Are There in the Accident Investigation Process?
A Houston truck accident investigation involves several crucial steps, each designed to uncover the accident’s causes and identify contributing factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps investigators follow in a truck accident case:
- Securing the Scene: Immediately after the accident, investigators secure the area to preserve evidence. This step includes blocking off lanes, setting up warning signs, and ensuring that vehicles and debris stay undisturbed. A safe scene allows investigators to gather accurate information without interference.
- Collecting Physical Evidence: Investigators then gather evidence such as tire marks, debris, vehicle positions, and damage patterns. They measure distances and take photos or videos of the scene from various angles. This physical evidence helps recreate the events leading up to the crash and can reveal the speed, impact, and direction of each vehicle.
- Examining Vehicle Damage: A close examination of the vehicles involved is essential in truck accident investigations. Investigators look for signs of mechanical failure, like brake issues or tire blowouts, that might have contributed to the accident. If they suspect equipment malfunction, they may order a detailed inspection of the truck’s components.
- Reviewing Driver Records and Logs: Investigators will also check the truck driver’s logs, licenses, and certifications. This review helps ensure the driver met all legal qualifications and followed hours-of-service regulations. Logs also help determine whether fatigue or improper driving practices played a role in the crash.
- Analyzing Black Box Data: Many commercial trucks have an electronic control module, or “black box,” that records data like speed, braking patterns, and engine activity. Black box data provides valuable insights into the truck’s behavior in the moments before the crash.
- Interviewing Witnesses: Witness statements add a human perspective to the investigation. Investigators speak with any witnesses on the scene to gather details that might not appear in physical evidence.
Key Evidence in Houston Truck Accident Investigations
Solid evidence is essential in a truck accident investigation. The right evidence can help establish liability, support your claim, and strengthen your case for fair compensation.
Here are some key types of evidence used in Houston truck accident investigations:
- Accident Scene Photos and Videos: Pictures or videos of the accident scene capture important details like vehicle positions, road conditions, and visible damage. This evidence can help your lawyer reconstruct how the accident occurred, providing a visual record that supports witness accounts and official reports.
- Black Box Data: The truck’s electronic control module, or “black box,” records speed, braking patterns, and engine performance right before the crash. This data can reveal if the truck was speeding, if the driver applied the brakes, or if there were any sudden maneuvers, offering key insights into the driver’s actions.
- Driver Logs and Employment Records: Driver logs show hours worked, rest breaks, and adherence to federal hours-of-service rules. Employment records may also reveal the driver’s training and experience. This evidence helps demonstrate whether driver fatigue, lack of training, or rule violations may have contributed to the accident.
- Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Records: Maintenance logs can reveal if the trucking company properlyserviced the vehicle. Poor maintenance, such as failing to address brake or tire issues, can directly impact liability if equipment failure played a role in the crash.
- Witness Statements: Statements from people who saw the accident can add valuable context. Witnesses may have noticed reckless driving, distracted behavior, or other factors that physical evidence doesn’t show.
- Police and Accident Reports: Official reports provide an overview of the crash, including citations or violations, which can be pivotal in establishing fault. These reports compile the investigating officer’s findings, often helping substantiate your case.
Who’s Liable for a Houston Truck Accident?
The primary goal of a truck accident investigation is to determine how the crash happened and who’s responsible. That way, anyone injured in the collision can pursue compensation for their injuries and other losses. The potentially liable parties in a Houston truck accident include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck’s owner, if it’s someone other than the driver or trucking company
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loaders
- Government agencies
A Houston truck accident attorney can go through the evidence and tell you who may be liable for your injuries. From there, you can file a personal injury claim against the liable parties to seek fair compensation.
Contact a Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Now
Gibson Hill Personal Injury has the resources to thoroughly investigate a Houston truck crash and hold the liable parties accountable. Call 713-659-4000 now for a free consultation, or you can complete our contact form.
