When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, the stakes are often much higher than in a typical passenger car crash. These massive machines carry significant weight, frequently transport valuable or hazardous cargo, and have unique mechanical systems that influence how accidents unfold. Because of these factors, accident reconstruction in commercial vehicle crashes requires specialized expertise and a deep understanding of trucking regulations, physics, and vehicle mechanics. Let’s explore some of the key considerations that set these investigations apart.
Key Factors in Commercial Vehicle Accident Reconstruction
Brake System and Stopping Distance
Unlike passenger cars, commercial trucks rely on air brake systems, which function differently and take longer to engage. Investigators must analyze:
- Brake performance
- Air pressure systems
- Signs of brake failure or improper maintenance
Poorly maintained brakes are a leading cause of commercial truck accidents. Understanding brake response times, wear patterns, and maintenance logs helps determine if a braking issue contributed to the collision.
Collision Dynamics and Impact Force
Due to their size and speed, commercial vehicles generate enormous impact forces in collisions. This often results in severe damage to smaller vehicles and catastrophic injuries. Accident reconstruction specialists examine:
- Vehicle speed at impact
- Angle of collision
- Energy transfer and momentum calculations
Using information collected from Event Data Recorders (EDRs) and examining the physical evidence from an accident scene (i.e. damage patterns) helps investigators piece together the critical details needed to understand the contributing factors during and after collision.
Vehicle Blind Spots and Visibility
Large trucks have blind spots, also known as “No Zones,” where smaller vehicles can easily disappear from a driver’s view. Many accidents happen because a commercial vehicle driver couldn’t see another car when changing lanes or turning. Accident investigators assess:
- Driver sightlines
- Mirror use
- Dashcam footage and eyewitness testimony
Understanding visibility limitations helps determine whether a truck driver’s failure to see another vehicle contributed to the crash.
Cargo Shifting or Spills
Cargo that isn’t properly secured can shift, throwing off a truck’s balance and leading to rollovers or jackknifes. In some cases, spilled cargo creates additional hazards, causing secondary crashes or environmental dangers. Investigators examine:
- Loading records and cargo restraints
- Crash site evidence of spilled materials
- Potential violations of FMCSA cargo securement rules
Driver Fatigue and Compliance with Hours-of-Service Regulations
Fatigue is an important factor in many commercial vehicle accidents. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road. Investigators analyze Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, driver work schedules, and rest stop logs to determine if driver fatigue played a role.
Vehicle Weight and Load Distribution
One of the most critical factors in reconstructing a commercial vehicle accident is understanding the weight of the truck and how the load was distributed at the time of impact. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, dramatically affecting its maneuverability and stopping distance. Improperly balanced loads can lead to jackknifing, rollovers, or loss of control, making it essential to analyze weight distribution when assessing what contributed to a crash. Investigators examine bill of lading records, loading procedures, and weigh station data to determine whether improper loading played a role in the incident.
The Role of ATA Associates in Commercial Vehicle Accident Reconstruction
Accident reconstruction in commercial vehicle crashes is a multifaceted process requiring in-depth knowledge of truck mechanics, physics, and regulatory standards. Each crash is unique, and understanding factors like driver actions, weight distribution, braking systems, impact dynamics, blind spots, and cargo movement is crucial for determining what happened.
At ATA Associates, we specialize in commercial vehicle accident reconstruction, using cutting-edge tools and decades of expertise to analyze crashes with precision. Our team of experts evaluate various factors, from mechanical failures to human error, to provide detailed and reliable reconstructions.
If you need expert insight into a trucking accident, contact ATA Associates today. Our team is ready to help uncover the truth behind complex commercial vehicle crashes.
