After a truck accident, injured people and their loved ones often depend on the compensation they can receive from a personal injury lawsuit. However, building a strong case requires thorough evidence collection. What forms of evidence might help?
The truck’s black box
The law requires most commercial drivers to have an electronic logging device (ELD), commonly referred to as a “black box.” The ELD records information like speed, brake application and engine performance. Getting this data quickly after the accident is important because it shows what the truck was doing right before the crash and whether the driver followed necessary regulations.
Video footage
Footage from dash cams and surveillance systems can provide real-time, visual evidence of the circumstances leading up to, during and after the crash. Video recordings can be particularly useful when the parties involve disagree about what happened.
Hours of service (HOS) logs
Truck drivers can legally drive a limited number of hours per day, and they must keep track of their driving. The HOS logs can be in electronic or paper format and show the amount of time the driver has spent on the road. If a driver violates these regulations, it can be a significant factor in proving that driver fatigue from long hours on the road contributed to the crash.
Maintenance records
The law requires trucking companies to perform regular maintenance. If they do not, the mechanical failures that result can lead to accidents. Maintenance records can shed light on whether the truck was in proper working order or if neglect in its upkeep contributed to the accident.
Witness statements
Eyewitness accounts from people who saw the accident can provide invaluable insights into how the accident occurred. Witnesses can include other drivers, pedestrians, or residents near the accident scene. Their testimonies can corroborate details of the crash, help determine fault, and provide additional context that isn’t always captured by cameras or data recorders.
Medical records
Medical records not only help in establishing the severity of the injuries but also link them directly to the crash. Detailed records including emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, treatment plans and prognosis can help in quantifying the damages and the impact on the victim’s life.
Gathering the right evidence is key to making a strong case for compensation after a truck accident. This details can show who was at fault for the collision, helping injured parties seek justice and get they deserve.