Types of Evidence to Collect for a Truck Accident Claim
Truck collisions are among the worst accidents you’ll ever see on Southern California roads. Dozens of tons of metal, cargo, fuel, and trucking components are left strewn across the road—along with victims and their totaled vehicles. While there is often a substantial amount of compensation available in a truck accident claim, the success of a claim depends a lot on which types of evidence you collect. The team at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri knows what it takes to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable for their mistakes.
If you look at truck accident statistics, you’ll see that they are heading the wrong way. In 2021, truck accident fatalities jumped 17% from the previous year, per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Truck drivers are putting in longer hours and taking on more hauls than ever, putting them at risk for fatigued or distracted driving.
Over the years, our firm has recovered millions for personal injury victims. In one case, we recovered $218,000 for a victim who was rear-ended by a commercial truck in heavy traffic. Discover what types of evidence you’ll need for a strong claim, and to find out how we can help you, call DeWitt Algorri & Algorri at 855-WINNING (855-946-6464).
Evidence From the Scene
Perhaps the most time-sensitive evidence is that which is left at the scene of the collision. You should take extensive video footage and photographs of the crash scene, including photos showing both vehicles, identifying road signs and landmarks, and the conditions of the road. It’s also important to document skid marks, damaged guardrails, and other evidence that proves the severity of the crash. It’s also important to document when the collision happened; if you have a smartphone, your photos will likely have geotags that show when and where they were taken.
Eyewitness Testimony
In most car crashes, you may not know if there’s any eyewitnesses who can provide insight—that isn’t the case with most truck collisions. Due to the sheer amount of damage caused by a truck accident, you’re almost certain to have multiple eyewitnesses available. Don’t forget this next step: get their contact information before you leave the crash scene. Trying to track down eyewitnesses after the fact is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, and it’s just another thing you don’t want to deal with after a serious collision. Get their contact information and keep it safe until you can hand it over to your attorney.
Police Reports
The police must be called every time a truck accident happens. Ensure that you talk to the police officer who responds to the scene. You want your side of the story to be included in the police report, not just the truck driver’s. Before leaving, confirm with the police officer when and where you can get your copy of the police report. It contains important information about the officer’s observations, what eyewitnesses said about the crash, and any differences between what you said and what the other driver said.
Medical Evidence
If you were injured in the collision, seeking medical attention should be your top priority. Trucks can weigh dozens of times more than a passenger vehicle, and you could have serious injuries that you haven’t yet noticed. Not only is prompt medical care important for your health and wellbeing, it’s a cornerstone of your personal injury claim. Medical reports show the progression of your injury over time, the effects it has and will have on your day-to-day life, and the shortcomings you may experience as a result. Your bills are a clear record of your actual financial costs associated with the accident.
Trucking Company Evidence
Truck and company records are an incredibly important source of evidence for accident victims. Even if the driver is at fault for the accident, it’s entirely possible that their employer is liable for your damages. A trucking company’s hiring records may show whether or not they followed proper hiring procedures and if the driver that struck you was obviously a poor choice. Repair logs can uncover issues with the truck’s maintenance schedule. The truck’s electronic logging device can show whether or not the driver was compliant with FMCSA regulations, since a driver who is over their hours is at serious risk of fatigue.
Choose the Truck Accident Lawyers at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri to Help You With Your Claim
Truck companies work quickly to absolve themselves of financial responsibility after a collision. You need an experienced truck accident attorney who’s ready to start working immediately. Let’s talk about your next steps and how we can help—contact us online or call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) now.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
