{"id":353055,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/commercial-truck-accidents-faq.html"},"modified":"2023-11-03T12:03:00","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T17:03:00","slug":"commercial-truck-accidents-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/commercial-truck-accidents-faq.html","title":{"rendered":"Truck Accident FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Truck Accident FAQ<\/h1>\n
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\n By Ty McDuffey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Handling the aftermath of a vehicle accident, whether it’s a passenger car mishap in downtown Houston or a major auto accident involving a commercial truck on the interstate, can be exhausting. As injury victims grapple with the trauma, they also confront challenges ranging from dealing with insurance company adjusters and understanding the nuances of their truck accident claim to securing fair verdicts.<\/p>\r\n

That’s where the advice of a car accident lawyer comes into play. These professionals are trained to handle truck accident cases, ensuring motorists don’t feel overwhelmed, especially when commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers are involved.<\/p>\r\n

This article sheds light on frequently asked questions surrounding motor vehicle accidents. Whether you’re seeking insights on the initial consultation with a lawyer or understanding settlement offers, FindLaw’s guide aims to give you the information you need for your personal injury case.<\/p>\r\n

What is a truck’s black box?<\/h2>\r\n

The black box in a truck<\/a>, also known as an event data recorder (EDR), captures vital data regarding the truck’s operations, such as speed, brake usage, and more. In the event of a truck accident, this data can be invaluable for determining the cause.<\/p>\r\n

By reviewing the recorded speed of the truck, investigators can determine if the truck was speeding or if sudden acceleration or deceleration played a role in the accident.<\/p>\r\n

By analyzing the engine revolutions per minute (RPM), investigators can also infer if the truck was accelerating or decelerating, and at what rate.<\/p>\r\n

The black box can also record hard braking events, indicating if the driver was frequently braking harshly, which could be a sign of distraction or fatigue.<\/p>\r\n

When combined with other evidence from the accident scene, such as tire marks, vehicle damages, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance footage, the EDR data can provide a comprehensive understanding of the accident’s causative factors. It can help determine if the truck driver was at fault or if external factors like road conditions or vehicle malfunctions played a role. In a court setting, this data can be pivotal for personal injury claims, insurance settlements, and legal proceedings.<\/p>\r\n

If my family member died in a truck accident, can I sue?<\/h2>\r\n

Yes, if a loved one tragically dies in a truck accident<\/a>, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit<\/a>. Consulting a truck accident lawyer can provide clarity on your rights and potential remedies.<\/p>\r\n

Here’s a brief overview:<\/p>\r\n

Rights of the Survivors<\/h3>\r\n

Typically, the immediate family members (spouses, children, and parents) have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In some jurisdictions, extended family or dependents may also have this right.<\/p>\r\n

If the deceased had a will, the named executor or personal representative could be the one to file the lawsuit on behalf of the survivors. In some states, a court needs to appoint someone, called a special administrator, to file the wrongful death action.<\/p>\r\n

Economic Damages<\/h3>\r\n

These cover measurable monetary losses, such as:<\/p>\r\n