If you were injured in a truck accident, it will be up to you to establish that the truck driver was at fault for the accident. You will need evidence to meet this burden, but an experienced truck accident lawyer from Salango Law, PLLC can help. Some of the evidence we may try to obtain could include the following:
Black Box
Modern commercial vehicles contain electronic data recorders, or black boxes, similar to those found in airplanes. These boxes record valuable information, including the vehicle’s speed, exact location, and application of the brakes at the time of the accident. This evidence could help reveal if the driver was distracted, speeding, or otherwise at fault for the accident.
The Truck
The truck could include valuable evidence, such as receipts related to the trip, an onboard camera, evidence of drug or alcohol use, or signs that the driver has not been taking regular trips. Knowing how to preserve this evidence before it is cleaned up could be the key to obtaining fair compensation in your case.
Electronic Logging Data
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules require that commercial trucks have electronic logging devices installed in them. These crucial devices can show how long a driver has driven without taking a break and may indicate if they have violated hours-of-service rules.
Accident Report
The police report may contain valuable information about the incident, including:
- The truck driver’s statements
- The time, location, and date of the accident
- Accident scene photos
- A description of the damage to all involved vehicles
- A diagram of the accident scene
- Whether the truck driver was cited for a traffic violation
An experienced lawyer can obtain a copy of the crash report and will know how to use it most strategically in your claim.
Repair, Maintenance, and Inspection Records
Commercial trucks must be regularly maintained and inspected to comply with FMCSA rules. However, trucking companies sometimes prioritize profits over safety and skip these repairs or inspections. The company’s repair, maintenance, and inspection records may indicate whether the trucking company was negligent in this regard.
Records of the Trip
Bills of lading, toll booth receipts, and food receipts can help reconstruct the driver’s actions in the moments before the accident.
Witness Statements
Eyewitness testimony is often given a lot of weight in accident cases because these are statements from objective people who have nothing to gain in the case. Witnesses can testify about what they saw in the moments leading up to the crash.
Camera Footage
Today, many things are caught on camera—even if people don’t initially know it. It’s possible your dash cam, a traffic camera, or a nearby surveillance camera captured the accident. Also, many trucks have onboard cameras that we may be able to use to prove what caused the accident.
Crash Scene Photos
While photos may not be as strong proof of an accident as video, they can still help paint a picture of how the truck crash occurred. Pictures could include skid marks and debris on the roadway that can indicate that the driver braked too late or had mechanical issues that contributed to the accident. The location and severity of damage to your vehicle and the truck can also help demonstrate how the crash happened.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At Salango Law, PLLC, we are experienced in handling all aspects related to truck accident claims. We can gather evidence to establish liability and the full extent of your damages. Call us today at (304) 342-0512 for a free consultation.