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In a truck accident case, determining how the accident happened is usually the easiest part—for example, if the driver ran a stop sign. However, the real challenge lies in investigating the trucking company itself. It’s essential to examine their safety programs—whether they had safety protocols in place, if they were enforced, and what kind of training drivers received. Was the training continuous or periodic? Understanding how the company operates is crucial for the jury to see that this was not just an isolated incident, but rather a systemic issue within the company, where safety was neglected in favor of profit.
Beyond identifying the cause of the accident, it’s important to investigate who else might be responsible. In some cases, the trucking company may have been hauling goods for another company, and that company could have imposed rules and regulations on the carrier. If the trucking company failed to comply with these rules, and the company they were hauling for did not enforce compliance, then the other company could also be held accountable. Therefore, it’s essential to dig deep into all aspects of the case to uncover all responsible parties.
Oklahoma City, OK personal injury attorney Michael Burrage talks about the biggest challenges he faces in truck accident cases. He explains that in truck accident cases, determining how the accident occurred is often the simplest aspect—for instance, identifying if the driver ran a stop sign. The greater challenge lies in investigating the trucking company itself. It is critical to examine the company’s safety programs, including whether protocols were in place, whether they were properly enforced, and the nature of driver training—whether it was ongoing or periodic. Understanding the company’s operational practices is essential for demonstrating to a jury that the incident was not isolated, but indicative of a systemic failure where safety was subordinated to profit.
Equally important is identifying all parties who may bear responsibility. In some cases, the trucking company may have been transporting goods for another entity, which could have imposed its own rules and regulations. If the carrier failed to comply and the hiring company failed to enforce those standards, the third party may also be liable. A thorough investigation into all aspects of the case is necessary to uncover every responsible party and present a comprehensive picture to the court.
