Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator. Accident Reconstruction Expert. Trial Attorney.
Commercial truck accidents are among the most heavily investigated collisions on American roadways.
When a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are often catastrophic.
Serious injuries.
Permanent disabilities.
Wrongful deaths.
Multi-million-dollar claims.
Because of the enormous financial exposure involved, trucking companies and their insurers frequently begin investigating a serious crash within hours.
They understand something many accident victims do not:
The outcome of a case is often determined by the evidence collected during the first few days following a collision.
At the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A., we help accident victims and families understand how commercial truck accidents are investigated and why preserving evidence is so important.
What makes our firm different is Patrick’s unique background.
Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick served as a traffic homicide investigator, accident reconstructionist, police instructor, and homicide detective. He spent years investigating serious injury and fatal crashes before entering private practice.
Today, he uses that experience to investigate commercial truck accidents and pursue accountability when negligence causes catastrophic harm.
Why Commercial Truck Accident Investigations Are Different
Truck accidents are fundamentally different from ordinary automobile collisions.
A typical car accident may involve:
- Two drivers
- Two vehicles
- A police report
- Insurance claims
A commercial truck accident may involve:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Vehicle owners
- Maintenance contractors
- Freight brokers
- Cargo loading companies
- Manufacturers
- Multiple insurance carriers
Each party may possess important evidence.
Each party may have different interests.
Each party may attempt to shift responsibility elsewhere.
Determining what actually happened often requires a comprehensive investigation.
The Race To Secure Evidence
After a serious truck accident, time matters.
Trucking companies frequently deploy:
- Investigators
- Accident reconstructionists
- Safety personnel
- Insurance representatives
- Defense attorneys
Their objective is simple:
Protect the company.
Victims deserve representation that understands the importance of preserving evidence before it disappears.
Critical evidence can be lost through:
- Vehicle repairs
- Vehicle destruction
- Electronic data overwriting
- Witness memory loss
- Missing documentation
The sooner an investigation begins, the greater the opportunity to preserve important evidence.
Evidence Commonly Collected During A Truck Accident Investigation
Commercial truck accident investigations often involve significantly more evidence than ordinary crashes.
Potential evidence may include:
Driver Logbooks
Federal regulations require many commercial drivers to maintain records concerning driving and rest periods.
These records may reveal:
- Hours driven
- Rest periods
- Compliance issues
- Fatigue concerns
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Modern trucks frequently utilize electronic systems that record driver activity.
These records may provide valuable information regarding:
- Driving hours
- Vehicle operation
- Route history
- Compliance with federal regulations
Maintenance Records
Mechanical failures sometimes contribute to collisions.
Maintenance records may reveal:
- Brake issues
- Tire problems
- Inspection failures
- Deferred repairs
Driver Qualification Files
Trucking companies maintain records regarding:
- Training
- Licensing
- Employment history
- Safety performance
These records may become important when evaluating hiring and supervision practices.
Dispatch Records
Communications between drivers and dispatch personnel may reveal information concerning schedules, deadlines, and operational decisions.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Commercial trucking companies operate under extensive federal regulations.
These rules are designed to promote safety and reduce preventable accidents.
Regulations address topics such as:
- Driver qualifications
- Hours of service
- Vehicle inspections
- Maintenance requirements
- Drug testing
- Alcohol testing
- Record retention
Violations of these regulations may become important evidence in a truck accident case.
Driver Fatigue Investigations
Fatigue remains one of the most significant issues in commercial trucking.
A fatigued driver may experience:
- Reduced reaction times
- Impaired judgment
- Decreased awareness
- Delayed decision making
In some cases, fatigue can impair performance in a manner similar to alcohol intoxication.
Investigators often examine:
- Driver logs
- Rest periods
- Dispatch records
- GPS data
- Electronic logging devices
to determine whether fatigue contributed to a collision.
Accident Reconstruction In Commercial Truck Cases
Truck accident reconstruction frequently involves complex scientific analysis.
Investigators may evaluate:
- Vehicle speeds
- Braking activity
- Impact forces
- Driver reaction times
- Roadway conditions
- Vehicle dynamics
These issues often become critical when liability is disputed.
Related Page:
Accident Reconstruction Lawyer
Black Box Evidence In Commercial Trucks
Modern commercial trucks often contain electronic control modules and event data recorders.
These systems may capture valuable information before and during a collision.
Potential data may include:
- Vehicle speed
- Brake application
- Throttle position
- Engine performance
- Cruise control activity
- Driver inputs
This information frequently becomes some of the most important evidence in a truck accident case.
Related Page:
Black Box Evidence
Common Causes Of Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents frequently involve:
Driver Fatigue
Long hours behind the wheel continue to contribute to serious collisions.
Distracted Driving
Cell phones, onboard systems, and dispatch communications may divert attention from the roadway.
Speeding
Large commercial vehicles require significantly greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles.
Improper Maintenance
Brake failures, tire failures, and mechanical defects can contribute to serious crashes.
Inadequate Training
Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure drivers are properly trained and qualified.
Cargo Issues
Improperly loaded cargo may affect vehicle stability and handling.
Commercial Truck Wrongful Death Cases
Truck accidents frequently result in fatalities.
When a death occurs, investigators often seek to determine:
- How the collision occurred
- Whether regulations were violated
- Whether fatigue played a role
- Whether maintenance failures contributed
- Whether the crash could have been prevented
These investigations frequently become central to wrongful death claims.
Related Page:
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Why Police Reports Are Not Always The Final Answer
Many people assume the police report determines fault.
It does not.
Police officers often arrive after critical evidence has changed.
Additional evidence frequently becomes available after the initial investigation.
Examples include:
- Electronic data
- Company records
- Driver records
- Surveillance footage
- Expert analysis
A comprehensive investigation may reveal information that was unavailable during the original police investigation.
Most Attorneys Hire Experts
Patrick Was One.
Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick investigated serious injury and fatal crashes.
His experience includes:
- Traffic homicide investigations
- Accident reconstruction
- Vehicle examinations
- Scene analysis
- Witness interviews
- Court testimony
Most attorneys learn truck accident investigation from experts they hire.
Patrick spent years conducting those investigations himself.
That experience provides valuable insight when evaluating liability and preserving evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accident Cases?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, federal regulations, electronic evidence, and extensive documentation.
What Evidence Is Most Important In A Truck Accident Investigation?
Every case is different, but common evidence includes:
- Driver logs
- Electronic logging devices
- Maintenance records
- Black box data
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction
Can Trucking Companies Destroy Evidence?
Certain records may be lost, overwritten, or destroyed if action is not taken promptly.
Early investigation often helps preserve important evidence.
What If The Truck Driver Was Not At Fault?
Commercial truck cases frequently involve multiple potentially responsible parties.
A comprehensive investigation helps determine who may be legally responsible.
Why Clients Choose Patrick J. McGeehan
Many attorneys handle truck accident cases.
Few have spent years investigating serious and fatal crashes before becoming lawyers.
Patrick’s background includes:
- Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator
- Accident Reconstructionist
- Court-Certified Expert Witness
- Police Instructor
- Trial Attorney
This combination of investigative and legal experience provides valuable insight into how serious commercial vehicle collisions are investigated and litigated.
A Career Built On Finding Answers
Every serious truck accident raises important questions.
What happened?
Why did it happen?
Who was responsible?
What evidence exists?
Patrick has spent decades answering those questions.
As a traffic homicide investigator, accident reconstructionist, homicide detective, and trial attorney, he has devoted his career to uncovering facts and determining the truth.
That same commitment guides every commercial truck accident investigation today.
Contact The Law Offices Of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, do not assume all important evidence has been preserved.
The facts matter.
The evidence matters.
The investigation matters.
Contact the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A. today to learn how a thorough commercial truck accident investigation can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Resources:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident With a Death
Fatal Crash Investigations in Florida