Rolling Meadows, located near some of Illinois’ busiest highways, sees frequent commercial truck traffic—which means truck accidents can and do happen here. When they do, one of the biggest questions for injured victims is: Who is liable?
Finding out isn’t always easy, especially when multiple parties could be involved. That’s why working with an experienced Rolling Meadows truck accident attorney can be one of the most important decisions you make after a crash.
Why It’s Not Always Obvious Who’s Liable
Unlike a typical car accident, where fault may lie with just one driver, truck accidents often involve a web of possible responsible parties. The truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crew, loading team, or even a parts manufacturer could have contributed to the crash. So how do you figure out who’s truly at fault?
Here’s a breakdown of how to find out who is liable in your truck accident claim.
Step 1: Start With the Police Report
The police report from the scene is usually the first piece of evidence to review. It may include:
- Statements from the drivers
- Diagrams of the accident scene
- Citations issued
- Preliminary opinion on who was at fault
However, the police report alone is not the final word on liability. It’s a starting point that helps guide further investigation.
Step 2: Collect Physical Evidence
If you’re physically able—or can have someone help—gather as much evidence from the scene as possible, such as:
- Photos or videos of the vehicles and damage
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Traffic signs, road conditions, and weather
These details can help reconstruct how the accident happened and whether anything unusual played a role (e.g., a blown tire or jackknifing caused by shifting cargo).
Step 3: Secure Black Box Data
Most commercial trucks are equipped with an “electronic control module” or “black box” that records critical information before and during a crash, such as:
- Speed
- Braking
- Sudden maneuvers
- Hours of service
Accessing this data quickly is crucial, as companies are not legally required to preserve it indefinitely. A truck accident attorney will know how to formally request or subpoena this data before it’s lost or overwritten.
Step 4: Review Driver Logs and Company Records
Truck drivers must comply with strict federal regulations on rest breaks, vehicle inspections, and maintenance logs. Your legal team can examine:
- The driver’s qualifications and driving history
- Hours-of-service logs to check for fatigue
- Truck maintenance records
- Training and safety procedures provided by the company
These records can reveal patterns of negligence—such as companies pushing drivers past their legal limits or skipping regular maintenance.
Step 5: Interview Witnesses and Experts
Eyewitnesses can provide valuable context, especially if they observed unsafe behavior like speeding, swerving, or falling cargo. In more complex cases, accident reconstruction experts can also be brought in to analyze the crash scientifically and determine fault based on evidence and physics.
Step 6: Investigate Third Parties
Beyond the driver and trucking company, other third parties might bear some responsibility. For example:
- Cargo loading companies may have improperly secured freight
- Parts manufacturers might be liable for brake or tire failures
- Government agencies or contractors may be responsible for dangerous road conditions
Your attorney will dig into contracts, invoices, and maintenance logs to uncover these connections.
Key Takeaways
- Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, and cargo loaders.
- Determining liability starts with reviewing the police report, photos, and witness statements.
- Important evidence, like black box data and driver logs, can reveal what really caused the crash.
- A truck accident attorney can help collect and protect critical evidence before it’s lost.
- The faster you start the investigation, the better your chances of finding out who’s responsible and getting full compensation.
