Truck Collisions

The attorneys in the Hancock Estabrook 24/7 Accident Response Team who handle truck collisions specialize in defending accidents involving tractors, trailers and other articulated vehicles. We represent self-insured trucking companies and truck leasing companies, their insurers and their drivers.

Our clients have consistently reported that engaging in legal services to assist their immediate post-accident investigation has paid significant dividends in terms of preserving evidence and identifying witnesses. They have also had considerable success in developing liability defenses and damage mitigation strategies that would not have otherwise been apparent without proper legal representation.

We recommend that our clients contact us as soon as they learn that a serious collision has occurred. Our attorneys will then work closely with clients to meet numerous time-sensitive objectives, where applicable, including:

• Control and protect all electronic data modules (ECM, OBC, EDR, etc.) and consider towing units to avoid spoliation claims due to electronic data being inadvertently overwritten.
• Photograph and inventory debris field.
• Identify and interview all emergency medical personnel at scene.
• Identify and interview all police at scene.
• Monitor and evaluate quality of policy accident reconstruction efforts.
• Monitor drug and alcohol testing of driver.
• Assume personal control of all physical evidence not impounded by the police or identified as property of a third-party.
• Retain fuel spill contractor and mitigate exposure to DEC penalties/charges.
• Retain driver’s criminal defense attorney.
• Retain independent adjuster.
• Place immediate litigation holds on all driver records, logs, dispatch records, travel documents, DVCR’s and maintenance records.
• Establish and preserve attorney client privilege to guard self-critical analysis (driver discipline) to the greatest extent possible.
• Identify and secure available liability insurance coverage.
• Consider and advise on issues concerning the early retention of relevant experts from the following disciplines:
  • Accident reconstruction
  • Engineering
  • ECM download
  • Biomechanics
  • Driving/fatigue
  • Tire
  • Fire cause and origin
  • Human factors
  • Toxicologist

Please contact any of the Hancock Estabrook 24/7 Attorney Response Team members listed on this page to answer your questions, or to refer you to reliable investigators and experts.

PLEASE CALL (315) 565-4599 IF YOU NEED TO SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY ABOUT A TRUCK COLLISION-RELATED SITUATION.