Marten Transport, Ltd. is a Wisconsin-based long-haul trucking company. They focus on temperature-sensitive shipments of consumer packaged goods and foods. Operating throughout the United States and Canada, they make trips averaging 950 miles from the Midwest to the Southwest, Southeast, and West Coast. In addition to their main Mondovi, Wisconsin terminal, they have terminals in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Forest Park, Georgia. Marten Transport has notable clients, including Kraft, General Mills and Procter & Gamble. With over 3,400 trailers and 2,600 tractors, Marten Transport offers logistics services and long-haul trucking services throughout the U.S.
Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are So DangerousCollisions between large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, semis, tanker trucks, and other big rig trucks and passenger vehicles, are hazardous. The weight and size of a large commercial vehicle make a collision more destructive. The commercial ownership of the truck also makes the lawsuit process more complicated. As a result, obtaining compensation after a commercial truck accident can be challenging.
How to Pursue Compensation After a Truck AccidentPursuing a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit involving a commercial truck requires significant time and resources. Suppose you or your loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident. In that case, you will benefit from working with an experienced lawyer with knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. All aspects of lawsuits involving truck accidents can be more complicated due to the severity of the injuries, federal laws, and dealing with a commercial truck company.
At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our skilled litigators have extensive experience dealing with multiple liable parties and truck accidents. We understand all federal and local laws and the technology required to succeed in North Carolina truck accident lawsuits.
Proving Liability Using the Truck’s “Black Box”The first step in recovering and compensating involves investigating the truck accident to determine liability. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we have the resources and skills to investigate the truck accident case immediately. We will uncover all of the evidence available to show that the at-fault party is liable for your injuries. One unique aspect of truck accident investigations involves the truck’s event data recorder (EDR).
In addition to examining the damaged truck and passenger vehicle themselves, we will seek access to the event data recorder, also known as the “black box.” Nearly all 18-wheelers and commercial trucks have an EDR. The EDR records important information about how the truck was operated immediately before the truck accident. Depending on the model and age of the truck, this data will include the following:
Another important aspect of investigating truck accidents involves truck driver logs. Under federal law, truck drivers must maintain logs. The time a truck driver spends behind the wheel is strictly regulated, and truck drivers must log their activities while driving. Hour of Service (HOS) rules regulate how long commercial truck drivers can spend behind the wheel and how often they must take rest and or sleep while driving, down to the hour.
The truck driver's logs often provide an injury victim with evidence of reckless behavior, such as fatigue driving or speeding. Or the driver's logs may prove to be inaccurate, raising more questions that the victim and his or her attorney can investigate.
Accident Reconstruction SpecialistsIn many cases, we will work with accident reconstruction specialists. We frequently use forensic professionals to use engineering and physics principles to examine the wreckage from the truck accident. They will also investigate other evidence at the scene. When needed, their expert testimony can provide evidence that the at-fault driver's negligence or recklessness caused the victim's injuries.
Discuss Your Case With an Experienced LawyerInvestigating a commercial truck accident requires extensive resources. It is a time-consuming process that involves complex federal and state laws. The dedicated truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are prepared to provide you with excellent legal representation. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.