Truck accidents are different than auto crashes. The injuries that victims suffer can be much worse due to the size and weight of the truck that struck their vehicle. In addition, violations of federal and state regulations by the trucking company and truck driver could have been the cause of the collision.
If you or a family member were hurt in a truck accident, you may have to collect unique types of evidence to prove that the trucker, trucking company, or other negligent parties are responsible for compensating you for your injuries. You need the help of a skilled truck accident lawyer to identify the types of evidence you need and to obtain it—often from the trucking company.
Evidence You Need to Win Your Truck Accident Case
You should start collecting evidence, such as the police report, eyewitness statements, and photos of the damage to the vehicles, the crash scene, and your injuries right after your collision occurred. Here is other evidence you need to build a winning case:
- Black box. The data from the truck's event data recorder, which is also called its black box, can provide helpful information, such as the speed of the truck and whether the trucker applied the brakes right before the accident.
- In-cab camera. Many trucking companies have installed rear- or front-facing video cameras in the truck. A front-facing camera can show whether the truck was distracted, drowsy, or engaged in other dangerous behaviors. A rear-facing camera can help prove that the truck driver was driving too close to the vehicle in front of them or otherwise driving unsafely.
- Logbooks. A trucker is only allowed to drive a certain amount of time before taking a required rest break under federal regulations and must document their rest periods in their logbook. Reviewing their logbook can help prove that the trucker violated these rules and was drowsy at the time of the crash.
- Maintenance records. Truckers and trucking companies also have duties to inspect, maintain, and repair their trucks and not allow them on the road when there are repair problems. A trucker's inspection records and the truck's maintenance records can be useful to determine if the condition of the truck could have caused or contributed to the accident.
- Trucker's personnel records. The trucking company should keep a personal file for the truck driver that can help establish whether they were qualified to drive a truck, had a history of alcohol abuse, had medical conditions that affected their ability to drive, and more.
- Cell phone records. The trucker's cell phone records will show whether they were talking on the phone or texting immediately before or while the truck accident occurred.
- Alcohol and drug testing. The truck driver may have been required to undergo alcohol or drug testing after the crash, which could help prove that they were drunk or high on drugs when it occurred.
Let Us Help You Collect the Evidence You Need
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you should not try to collect this vital information on your own. It is extremely unlikely that the trucking company would give it to you voluntarily.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys can help you obtain the evidence you need before the trucking company alters or destroys it. We will also fight aggressively with their insurance company so that you receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries. To learn more about how we can assist you, start a live chat to schedule your free case evaluation today.
|
Related Links: |