Crucial Evidence After a Commercial Truck Crash
A commercial truck accident can be devastating, and if you are involved in one, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. Even more importantly, work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can ensure that the evidence is gathered and preserved properly so it is not lost or destroyed. Good evidence can make all the difference in getting the compensation that you deserve. Here is an overview of what kind of evidence you should look for after a crash.
The Police Report
First and foremost, you should get a copy of the police report as soon as possible. The report will document the facts of the accident from an official standpoint and will be invaluable in determining fault and damages.
Driver Logs
If the accident involves a commercial truck driver, then their logs are worth looking into. Drivers are required by law to keep detailed records of their hours worked and miles driven in order to ensure that they are not overworked or driving too far with too little rest. If these logs show any violations (such as working hours beyond legal limits), then this could help prove that the driver was negligent and thus liable for your damages.
Event Data Recorders
An event data recorder (EDR) is a device that measures information about a vehicle immediately before, during, and after a collision. Most commercial vehicles have an EDR. The information stored on the EDR can show how fast the vehicle was traveling, when the brakes were applied, and other important data. This data can be used to determine how and why the accident occurred.
Vehicle Maintenance Records
Vehicle maintenance records can also provide crucial evidence in a commercial truck crash case. Many crashes are caused by mechanical failure due to neglect or poor maintenance, so having proof that this negligence occurred can help prove liability on behalf of the trucking company. These records can usually be obtained from the trucking company itself or from an independent source such as a dealership or repair shop where maintenance was performed on the vehicle prior to the crash
Witness Statements
Eyewitness testimony is often an important piece of the puzzle during a crash investigation. Individuals who saw the crash with their own two eyes can shed light on the sequence of events.
Photographs and Video Footage
Still photographs and video footage from dash cameras, traffic cameras, or security cameras are excellent sources of evidence in a commercial truck crash claim. If you can get photos of the accident scene, those could be helpful as well
Source:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/event-data-recorder
