After being involved in a truck accident, you must navigate a complex legal process. Apart from physical damages, you have to deal with financial burdens. To recover financial losses, you must file a claim related to the truck accident. A truck accident usually involves multiple parties, like the driver and the truck company. Gathering the right type of evidence is very important to build a strong case and help to claim the fair compensation.
You should collect multiple pieces of evidence regarding the truck accident. Without proper evidence, insurance companies may try to reduce your claim. Here are some of the important pieces of evidence one should collect to make a successful claim.
Accident Report Filed by Police
One of the important pieces of evidence one has to collect after a truck accident is the police report. A law enforcement officer records their observations, such as statements from all the parties involved. The report prepared by a police officer is generally considered unbiased and can help support your claim.
Photo and Video Evidence
Visual evidence is highly valuable in a truck accident claim. Photos and videos taken at the accident spot depict the amount of damage dealt. If you have a smartphone, take clear pictures of the vehicle involved, the company name, the truck’s license plate, and any visible damage. If possible, record a video of the accident scene to provide a detailed perspective of what happened.
Statement From the Witness
Eyewitnesses can provide crucial testimony to support your claim. If someone saw the accident, try to get their contact information, such as name, phone number, email address, etc. Ask for a clear statement from them regarding what they saw. These statements can clarify who was at fault. If you can’t collect that evidence, a lawyer can help you in collecting all this evidence and build a strong claim.
Black Box Data
Nowadays many trucks are equipped with an electronic logging device (ELD), which is also called a “black box.” This device records data like the speed of the vehicle, braking, etc. It can also provide crucial information about the truck’s actions that led to the accident. Retrieving black box data can be very hard because it is controlled by the trucking company. It is very important to quickly secure the evidence, as it can be overwritten.
Medical Record
If you are someone injured in the truck accident, then the medical record is vital in proving the severity of your injury. Keep detailed records of all medical records, diagnoses, and prescriptions. These records show how your injuries are linked to the accident.
Truck Company and Driver Record
In a truck accident a driver and the company both share the responsibility. Gathering strong evidence related to the truck driver and the company can strengthen your claim. Key records like the driver’s logbook and truck maintenance records are important for a claim. Apart from that, cell phone records have information about if the driver was texting or using the phone illegally during the time of the crash. You should try to collect this evidence also.
Helpful Tips
There are certain additional tips that can help you establish a strong case and maximize your compensation after a truck accident.
- Always gather as much evidence as possible after a truck accident.
- Keep all medical bills, repair receipts, and other documents related to the accident.
- An experienced lawyer can advise you on the best course of action and help collect evidence to support your case.
Key Takeaways
- Truck accidents can hinder your life in many ways. A right claim can compensate and help you live a peaceful life.
- An official police report can serve as important evidence that can support your claim.
- Digital evidence like photos and videos acts as strong evidence regarding a truck accident claim.
- Another important piece of evidence is the records available in the black box data.
- A lawyer can guide you in collecting complex evidence and negotiate with the insurance provider to ensure you get the right compensation.
