The discovery process will prove critical to the ultimate success of any truck accident case. Discovery is multi-faceted, and will involve an investigation as to the truck driver, the truck, and much more. Your attorney should be well versed in the realm of truck accident discovery and able to guide you through this important but time consuming process.
The following is a look at the steps to a comprehensive discovery on the truck driver:
Analyze the truck driver’s employment records.
It will be critical to obtain the truck driver’s employment records so as to uncover his or her work history. Delve into the reasons the truck driver left each prior job, as negligent conduct is a frequent motivator for departure from a company.
Examine the truck driver’s training.
Focus on the training that the driver received at his or her current job. Also, focus on the driver’s training as it relates to the cause of the current Mississippi truck accident. For instance, if the accident was caused by an improper turn, question the trucker and trucking company on the driver’s training as to turning.
Establish the driver’s level of knowledge of the law.
All truck drivers should understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules that govern the trucking industry.
Dig into the driver’s medical history and current medications.
Many truck drivers will get behind the wheel despite being on medications that impact their alertness and perception. Other drivers will have disabilities that make driving dangerous. Find out the driver’s current and past medical condition to determine whether it played a role in the accident.
Request copies of the incident report and photographs from the scene.
Ask the police department in charge of the investigation to provide you with a copy of the incident report and any photographs taken. In addition, many truck drivers will keep cameras in their truck to take pictures in the event of an accident. If such photographs were taken, be sure to request copies. The trucking company may also have generated an incident report to be used internally. Request copies of this as well.
Investigate the trucker’s personal information.
It can be useful to look into the truck driver’s personal information. Minor details such as the driver’s nickname could be useful. For instance, a nickname like Speed Demon could go a long way in proving negligence in your speed related truck accident case.
Obtain the truck driver log book.
The log book will contain substantial information about each trip a trucker makes and the total hours driven each day. It will also include information about the period right before the accident, including the driver’s starting time, the name of additional drivers, remarks, and more. Log books can prove important in showing a driver exceeded the number of allowable hours or had to have been speeding in order to reach the accident site at the time the crash occurred.
Barrett Law PLLC: Exceptional Representation for Injured Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries such as paralysis, brain injury, back injury, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and much more. Hundreds of thousands of these accidents will also result in death. If you or a loved one is hurt or killed in a truck accident, the Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help. Our attorneys understand the intense discovery process necessary to build a successful case. We offer skilled representation to truck accident victims seeking a full recovery for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call the experienced truck accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.
