Concox reports that in 2023, large truck crashes caused 5,078 deaths and 86,842 injuries in the U.S. A large number of these accidents happened because of negligence.
Some truck drivers broke safety rules. Others ignored traffic laws or drove while tired. Trucking companies sometimes fail to maintain their trucks.
You deserve compensation if you or a loved one suffered a truck crash. But getting it isn’t easy. You need strong evidence to prove negligence claims.
The proof you provide can affect your case. It can also impact how much money you receive.
So, what evidence helps support your claim? Keep reading to find out!
Police Reports and Accident Scene Documentation
A police report is an official document officers make at an accident scene. It contains:
- Date, time, and location
- Names of drivers and witnesses
- Vehicle damage details
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic law violations
- Statements from both drivers
- Officer’s opinion on the fault
Police reports provide key evidence for truck accidents. They help show what happened and who was responsible. If the officer noted a traffic violation, that could support your claim.
You can also gather your own proof. Take photos of the damage, road signs, and skid marks. If possible, record a video of the scene.
Accident reconstruction experts use the report and physical evidence to analyze the crash. They study impact points, debris patterns, and vehicle positions. Their findings can help prove how and why the accident happened.
Witness Statements and Expert Testimony
Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable insight into how the accident happened. Bystanders, passengers, or other drivers may have seen the trucker’s actions before the crash. Statements from independent witnesses can help counter false claims by the trucking company or its insurer.
Mechanical experts can inspect the truck for defects or poor maintenance. They can determine if faulty brakes, worn tires, or engine issues contributed to the accident. A strong team of experts can provide the proof needed to support your claim and establish negligence.
Truck Driver Records and Logbooks
Driver fatigue is a major factor in negligence in truck accidents. Federal laws limit driving hours to prevent exhaustion. Truckers must take rest breaks, but some ignore the rules to meet deadlines.
Logbooks and electronic logging devices (ELDs) track driving hours. These records can show if a driver worked beyond the legal limit.
You can also indicate negligence by checking other driver records, such as:
- Employment history
- Drug and alcohol tests
- Past traffic violations
- Training and certification records
- Accident history
Sometimes, drivers or their defense teams refuse to share these records. In such cases, legal action may be necessary. A court order can force them to release the documents.
We, RHINO Lawyers, can help you access the evidence you need to prove your claim. We can request logbooks and ELD data to check for rule violations. If the defense refuses to share records, we can obtain court orders to secure them.
Our team will investigate the driver’s history for past safety violations. We also provide truck accident legal advice to help you build a strong case.
Truck Maintenance and Inspection Reports
Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles to ensure they operate safely. Sadly, some don’t, as they skip regular truck inspections and maintenance.
They do this to save money or meet tight delivery schedules. As a result, their drivers operate trucks with:
- Faulty brakes
- Worn tires
- Engine failures
- Broken lights
- Steering issues
These problems increase the risk of accidents. When crashes happen, the trucking company can be held responsible. Proving truck accident claims often involves reviewing maintenance and inspection reports.
These records show whether the truck was in good condition before the crash. If a company fails to perform routine checks or ignores repairs, that may prove negligence. Accessing these reports can reveal if mechanical failures caused the accident.
They can help show that the company, not just the driver, was at fault. Strong evidence can support your claim and help you get compensation for truck accidents.
Black Box Data and GPS Records
Most commercial trucks have event data recorders, also called “black boxes.” These devices record key details before and after a crash. They track speed, braking usage, and engine performance.
Black box data can serve as strong evidence for truck accidents. It can show if the driver was speeding, failed to brake, or made unsafe moves.
GPS records can also help. They track the truck’s route, travel time, and stops. GPS data can support your claim if the driver was rushing to meet a deadline or took a risky detour.
Truck companies may delete or overwrite this data. Acting fast is essential. Your lawyer can request the records before they disappear.
They can also analyze the data to strengthen your case. The right legal team can help you use the black box and GPS evidence to prove negligence.
Medical Records and Injury Documentation
After a truck accident, you might feel fine and assume you don’t need medical care. That can be a fatal mistake. Some injuries take time to appear, and delaying treatment can make them worse.
It can also hurt your claim. Insurance companies may argue your injuries were not caused by the crash. Seeking medical care as soon as possible protects your health and your case.
Keep a detailed record of:
- Doctor visits
- Treatments
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy sessions
- Medical tests
- Surgery recommendations
These medical records help prove the impact of the accident on your life. They also show the cost of treatment.
You may need more medical care in the future. Compensation can help cover these future expenses. Without it, you could face high medical bills for years.
Seek Legal Support to Prove Negligence Claims
Proving negligence claims alone can be tough. Mistakes can weaken your case and lower your compensation.
You may struggle to gather evidence or deal with insurance companies. An experienced attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls.
At RHINO Lawyers, we fight for accident victims. Brandon F. Jones, Esquire, our lead attorney, has over 14 years of experience. As a former insurance defense lawyer, he knows how insurers think. We use that knowledge to protect your rights.
Let us handle your case while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation!
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
