What Evidence Is Needed in a Truck Accident Case?

You need evidence to establish fault and secure compensation after a crash involving a large commercial vehicle. What evidence is needed in a truck accident case? 

Required evidence can vary. An Austin truck accident lawyer may get copies of accident reports, take witness statements, and acquire information from the truck’s black box data recorder. Pictures and videos also represent essential forms of evidence. 

Our team at the Zinda Law Group can review the available evidence in your situation after a collision. You can rely on us to start collecting evidence to back up your story when you call or complete our online contact form. 

What Types of Evidence Help With Truck Accident Claims?

Many types of evidence can help with your truck accident claim. Our team may focus on:

Black Box Data From the Truck 

Many commercial vehicles have an event data recorder (black box). This device records information about the truck’s activities before a crash. For example, it may record the truck’s speed at the time of the collision or whether the trucker hit the brakes. 

You must contact a lawyer quickly for assistance to acquire this kind of evidence. Trucking companies often try to get rid of this data to protect their bottom line. Your lawyer can take steps to prevent the destruction of this critical evidence. 

Videos from In-Cab Cameras

Some trucking companies require drivers to use front- or rear-facing cameras in their trucks. These cameras can record the collision and provide straightforward evidence about the causes of an accident.

An attorney can request copies of these videos and explain what evidence is needed in a truck accident case.

Records and Logbooks

Trucking companies often keep extensive records of maintenance on their vehicles. We can assess these records to determine if the trucking company performed proper maintenance. Your attorney may also look at the truck’s inspection record. 

A lawyer may also focus on a trucker’s logbook to ensure that the trucker had not exceeded the drive time allowed by federal regulations. 

Witness Statements

Witnesses can provide first-hand reports about what happened to cause a truck collision. Your attorney can interview eyewitnesses, including passengers in your vehicle, other motorists, or even pedestrians. 

Police Accident Reports

The police accident report may provide official information about the causes of a crash. It’s essential that you report a truck collision to the police so they can make an official report showing when, where, and how your crash occurred.  

The police may also perform drug or blood alcohol content (BAC) testing on drivers involved in a truck crash. The results of these tests can serve as evidence that a trucker hit you while impaired by alcohol or another substance. 

Cell Phone Records

Your lawyer may acquire information from the trucker’s cell phone records. These records may indicate that the trucker was texting or talking on the phone at the time of the crash, indicating a dangerous level of distraction. 

Photos of the Accident 

Any photos you take of the accident scene can serve as evidence needed in a truck accident case. Take pictures of the damage to your car, the position of all vehicles, and any injuries you sustained to back up your story. 

All of the above forms of evidence can allow a lawyer to determine who is liable after a truck accident. 

How do Lawyers Use Truck Accident Evidence?

Lawyers determine what evidence is needed in a truck accident case and use this evidence to establish fault and build strong claims for clients. Lawyers may utilize evidence to negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. 

We can explain how truck accident settlements work when you contact us for help. 

An attorney may also use evidence when filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident with a commercial vehicle. You can rely on an attorney to present evidence before a judge and jury in this situation. 

How Soon Should You Collect Evidence?

The professionals recommend that you begin evidence collection immediately after a truck crash. Getting evidence from the scene of the collision can strengthen your case for compensation, so early truck accident investigations are critical. 

Hiring a lawyer can expedite the process of evidence collection. Additionally, working with a lawyer right away means the law firm can question witnesses while they clearly recall what happened and gather evidence before it disappears. 

Furthermore, you must move forward with a truck accident claim before the statute of limitations expires in your state. Typically, you only have a few years to file your claim, so our team at Zinda Law Group recommends getting started immediately. 

Talk to Us About Necessary Truck Accident Evidence

What evidence is needed in a truck accident case? Typically, lawyers look for witness statements, videos, photos, and information from a truck’s black box recorder. Police accident reports and the results of BAC testing can also help in these cases. 

You can review the evidence available in your situation with our team at the Zinda Law group. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.