What Evidence Do I Need to Make a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident claims are often more complicated than other motor vehicle accident claims. Truck accidents tend to cause catastrophic physical and financial damage. Gathering evidence to support a claim can be far more complex than in a car-on-car collision.

The Importance of Preserving Evidence in a Truck Accident Claim

Gathering and preserving evidence after an accident with a commercial truck can be challenging. First, your injuries may be so severe that they prevent you from documenting the scene.

Additionally, the trucking company controls other evidence that could help strengthen your claim. The trucking company manages a truck’s black box data, service and employment records, and safety inspection reports. In some instances, unless you secure immediate legal intervention, these forms of evidence can be altered, lost, or destroyed, compromising the strength of your claim.

Types of Evidence Required in Truck Accident Cases

What types of evidence may be required to establish liability and prove you deserve maximum compensation for your injuries from a truck crash? It depends on the circumstances of the collision. A few examples of typical forms of evidence that may help you build a compelling truck accident case include:

• Photographs and Videos from the Scene – Take as many pictures and videos of the accident scene as possible. Document the damage to your vehicle and the truck, your injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and anything else that can help establish how the accident occurred.
• Witness Statements – If you are physically capable, gather the contact information of witnesses at the scene. Witness statements can help establish responsibility for the accident.
• Police Report – Always contact the authorities following an accident. A police report can provide crucial information about the accident.
• Toxicology Reports – Notice unusual behavior from the truck driver following an accident? Share your concerns with law enforcement. Alcohol screenings and toxicology reports can be vital pieces of information.
• Medical Records – Always seek immediate medical attention after a truck accident. Your medical records can be crucial evidence for establishing your financial losses. Failing to seek medical attention could jeopardize your claim.
• Vehicle and Maintenance Records – When mechanical defects cause truck accidents, it can be difficult to establish liability without maintenance records, vehicle reports, and safety inspection data.
• Hours of Service Logs – Federal regulations mandate the number of hours a driver can stay behind the wheel. The trucker’s logs can reveal whether a driver worked beyond the federally allowed service hours.
• Cell Phone Data – Federal regulations also prohibit drivers from texting while driving. Cell phone records can show whether a driver may have been distracted while driving.
• Black Box Data – Many commercial trucks have electronic recording devices that capture vital data about the truck’s operation in the moments immediately before an impact or catastrophic event. The data recorded by these devices can help solidify your claim.
• Expert Testimony and Accident Reconstruction – Your attorney may also turn to expert testimony and accident reconstruction experts to further prove fault for the accident.

How Our St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

Has a careless truck driver injured you in an accident? Contact an experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney from Sumner Law Group, LLC, today for help building a strong claim. We are ready to discuss your situation during a confidential and free case evaluation.