What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Truck Accident Case?
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, and it can be challenging to know where to begin the process of seeking compensation for any damages. One crucial element of building a strong truck accident case is to present convincing evidence.
However, when building your claim, you need to understand what kinds of evidence you need to prove your case. Our Tacoma truck accident lawyers at Emerald Law Group can help you gather all available evidence in your case to prove the other party’s fault and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Evidence to Help You Prove Your Truck Accident Case
There are several kinds of evidence that can help you prove your case after a truck accident:
1. Black Box Data
Most commercial trucks are equipped with black boxes, similar to those found in airplanes, that gather essential data during the truck’s journey. This data includes speed, direction, and braking patterns. This data can be critical in determining the cause of the accident and can help to establish who was at fault.
2. Eyewitness Testimonies
Eyewitness testimony can be a powerful tool in proving your case. Witness statements can provide valuable insight into what happened leading up to and during the accident. Witness testimony can support your account and help to corroborate other evidence, such as the black box data and the police report.
3. Photographs Taken at the Scene
Photographs taken at the scene can provide visual evidence of the accident, helping to provide insight into the cause of the accident. Photographs can be used to demonstrate the extent of damages sustained by your vehicle and any injuries that you may have suffered.
4. Surveillance/Traffic Camera Footage
If there were any surveillance or traffic cameras near the accident scene, the footage could be reviewed and used to establish the cause of the accident. Camera footage can be used to determine if any traffic laws were violated, who was at fault, and what actions led up to the accident.
5. Data Logs from the Truck
In addition to black box data, the truck’s data logs can also be instrumental in building a strong case. Data logs can provide additional information on the truck’s speed, maintenance records, and other driver behavior that may have contributed to the accident.
6. Cell Phone Records
Cell phone records can be examined to determine if the truck driver was using their cell phone at the time of the accident. This information can be damaging to the driver’s case if they were distracted by their phone.
7. Vehicle Maintenance Records
The maintenance records of the truck can also be examined to determine if proper maintenance was performed on the vehicle before the accident. If the truck was not adequately maintained, this could have contributed to the accident. Proper maintenance records can help build a case against the truck driver and the trucking company.
8. Police Report
A police report is an essential document that details the circumstances of the accident, including any violations of traffic laws and any injuries that occurred. The police report can also include witness statements and other important pieces of information that will be used to build your case.
Note: Under Washington law, you must file an accident report after a motor vehicle collision if anyone died, was injured, or the property damage exceeds $1,000, according to the official website of the City of Seattle.
Get Help from Our Lawyers
Proving a truck accident case requires extensive evidence. The evidence needed to successfully win a case can be difficult to obtain, but it is crucial to building a strong case. Gathering the right evidence can hold the responsible parties accountable and may help you receive the compensation you deserve. Get help from our lawyers at Emerald Law Group to gather the evidence you need to prove your case. Call 206-826-5160 for a free case evaluation.
