Truck Accident Lawyer 

Proving liability in a truck accident often involves proving that the truck driver’s actions or negligence directly caused the accident and resulting injuries. In order to accomplish this, a truck accident lawyer will gather various types of evidence. The following is a brief overview of the types of evidence that can help your case.

Accident Investigation

Every truck accident should be reported to law enforcement so an officer can document the scene in an accident report. This report often contains important details about the crash, including any traffic violations or citations issued to the truck driver.

Scene Documentation

If possible, document the accident scene by taking photographs or videos. Capture images of the vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details that can help reconstruct the accident. If you are unable to because of your injuries, ask a trusted family member or friend to do it for you.

Eyewitness Statements

At the scene, obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur. These witness testimonies can provide crucial information about the actions of the truck driver or any other factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Truck Driver’s Logs and Records

A truck accident lawyer will request the truck driver’s logs, which include information about their driving hours, rest breaks, and compliance with federal regulations. In some cases, the driver may have exceeded their permitted driving time or violated other safety regulations, indicating negligence or fatigue.

Black Box Data

Many commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders or “black boxes” that capture important information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and other data at the time of the accident. This data can help determine if the truck driver was operating the vehicle recklessly or in violation of traffic laws.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

A truck accident lawyer will review maintenance and inspection records of the truck to determine if any mechanical issues or failures contributed to the accident. Poorly maintained or faulty equipment can establish negligence on the part of the trucking company or driver.

Expert Witnesses

Your lawyer may also consult with accident reconstruction experts or other relevant professionals who can analyze the evidence and provide expert opinions regarding the cause of the accident. Their testimony can help establish the truck driver’s liability and negligence.

Compliance with Regulations

Another step your lawyer may take is to try to determine if the truck driver and the trucking company were in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. Violations of regulations, such as hours-of-service rules, weight limits, or proper loading procedures, can indicate negligence and support your case.

Prior Driving History

The truck driver’s past driving record may also be a strong piece of evidence, especially if there is any history of traffic violations, accidents, or previous instances of negligence. This information can demonstrate a pattern of irresponsible behavior and strengthen your claim.

Thanks to our friends at Davis, Johnson & Kallal for their insight into truck accident claims.