The collection of evidence left at the scene of a commercial truck crash is essential in determining how the accident happened.
A trucking company’s legal team may call upon forensic engineers and accident reconstructionists to assist in gathering evidence from a crash site.
Time issues
Police officers mark a truck crash scene with flags, tape and paint. They write reports and take photos, but they rarely have the time to collect all the evidence left behind. Forensic engineers and accident reconstructionists begin their investigations as soon as possible after the crash before traffic, weather or sun exposure can cause the evidence to disappear.
Types of evidence
The investigators look for various types of roadway evidence, including:
- Skid marks and tire tracks
- Gouges in the dirt or pavement
- Fluid stains such as engine oil, transmission oil or blood
- Broken glass
- Damage to objects such as guard rails, telephone poles or mailboxes
- Points of impact between vehicles
- The final resting position of vehicles
- Debris from damaged vehicles parts
- Vehicle cargo left behind
Scene mapping
Using surveying equipment, the investigators will take measurements to prepare an accident scene diagram. The diagram will show the specific conditions at the time of the crash as well as the evidence forensic engineers and reconstructionists find.
Combined information
The legal team goes to work immediately, adding the evidence the professionals collect to other information, such as the police report and statements from drivers as well as remarks from any witnesses to the incident. Truck-related crashes often result in severe injuries and property damage. The trucking company seeks to have the evidence sorted out and the details settled as soon as possible.