Who Investigates a Truck Accident in Florida?
Were you involved in a crash with a semi-truck? It is imperative that you know what to do to protect your rights and your interests. Commercial truck accident claims are time-sensitive. The collision should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what went wrong. This raises an important question: Who investigates a truck accident? The crash will likely be investigated by police and the truck company. It should also be investigated by your lawyer. Here, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer provides a more detailed overview of tractor trailer crash investigations in Florida.
State or Local Law Enforcement Will Investigate the Truck Accident
All tractor trailer accidents in Florida should be reported to law enforcement. The initial investigation of a truck accident is typically handled by a state or local law enforcement agency. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHD) often takes the lead if the accident occurs on a state highway or interstate. On the other hand, local police will usually manage the investigation of a truck accident on a smaller road or within city limits. Officers at the scene gather evidence, record witness statements, and assess the accident site to determine the immediate causes. They will draft an accident report. You should get a copy of that report after a truck accident.
Note: In some cases, a commercial truck accident in Florida may also be investigated by state regulators and/or federal regulators. A regular investigation is likely after a fatal or otherwise catastrophic collision.
The Truck Company and its Liability Insurer Will Conduct their Own Investigation
Following a truck accident, the trucking company and its liability insurer will also conduct a private investigation. Indeed, insurers generally waste no time in starting the investigative process after a crash in Florida. To be clear, trucking companies and their insurers are not on the side of injured victims or their families. Their goal is to mitigate any potential financial losses.
You Need an Attorney Who Can Investigate the Accident
You should not take on the truck accident claims process on your own. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on law enforcement or the truck company for a full, comprehensive, and impartial investigation. Hiring a West Palm Beach, FL truck accident lawyer can make the difference. Along with other things, your lawyer will conduct an independent investigation to ensure all factors contributing to the accident are considered. Your attorney will gather all of the relevant evidence—from photographs of the scene to witness statements to truck company records—to prove liability. A proactive investigation can help set you up to maximize your settlement or verdict.
Set Up a Free Case Review With Our West Palm Beach Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach tractor trailer accident attorney fights aggressively for justice. If you or your family member was involved in a bad crash, we are prepared to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Contact us today for a free review of your case. With offices in West Palm Beach and Miami, our firm handles tractor trailer crash cases all across Southeast Florida.
