How to Document Evidence for Your Truck Accident Claim

Regular car accidents are scary. However, accidents involving 18-wheelers are often even more terrifying and can be exceptionally dangerous, even fatal. Semi-trucks are so heavy and large that their drivers have to take extra precautions to avoid putting the motoring public in serious danger. 

If you choose to seek damages from the trucker or their employer, you may benefit by working with a truck accident injury lawyer to document evidence for your claim.

Evidence You’ll Need for a Truck Accident Case

After an accident, you’re probably not thinking about collecting evidence to prove who was responsible for the wreck. Still, it’s critical to document evidence as thoroughly as you can. Insurance companies will use the evidence to determine your settlement and you’ll also need it if your case goes to court.

Documentation from the Accident Scene

Take pictures of the accident scene if it’s safe to do so. Take photos of your car, the truck that hit you, tire skid marks, road signs, and anything else in the area that seems relevant.

If you can find witnesses, ask what they saw and write it down. Jot down their names and numbers, too.

If your accident happened in an area covered by video surveillance, those recordings could be invaluable. Oftentimes, video recordings can be found at nearby businesses, such as banks, stores, and gas stations. 

Medical Records

See a doctor right away after your accident, even if you think you’re fine. Certain injuries may not show up until hours or days later, so the sooner you see a doctor, the quicker they can help you recover if you are injured. Your medical bills will also serve as important evidence for your case, so keep copies of them.

Police Report

If the police came to the accident scene, ask for their badge numbers and names. Your truck accident injury lawyer may need that information when requesting a copy of the police report.

Property Damage

Photos alone may not be enough to prove the true extent of property damage to your vehicle. When you take your car to the shop for repair, keep every bill. If you had other items inside of the car that were damaged or destroyed, see if you can find receipts that show their value.

Evidence a Truck Accident Attorney Can Collect

Some evidence can be tricky for the average person to gather on their own. Here’s where a truck accident attorney comes in.

Black Box Data

The vast majority of commercial trucks contain electronic modules, better known as “black boxes.” The black box may contain the driver’s record of duty, which shows how long they’ve driven for, their routes, stops, and other key details. This data can be extracted by experts that can be retained by an experienced truck accident attorney. 

Truck Inspection Reports

If the trucking company didn’t inspect and maintain the truck as it should have, that’s vital evidence to support your case. For instance, maybe the driver hit you because the brakes failed due to a lack of maintenance. Obtaining these truck inspection reports can be difficult outside of discovery, the legal process that occurs once a lawsuit is filed. 

Drug and Alcohol Tests

Most professional truck drivers won’t indulge in alcohol or drugs before heading out on the road, but not all act so responsibly. If the police suspect the driver of being intoxicated, they’ll likely require them to take a sobriety test. Your attorney can request a copy of this report. Equally important, your attorney can often hire a toxicologist if necessary to explain the results of these tests to the jury. 

Accident Reconstructionist Testimony

If there are any doubts as to how the accident happened, your lawyer might want to consult an accident reconstructionist. This person uses evidence, such as skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions, to piece together the true story behind your case.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in a truck accident, don’t wait to call a truck accident injury lawyer. Your lawyer will act quickly to preserve time-sensitive evidence before it’s lost for good.

Reach out to Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. at 432-335-0399 for a free consultation.