The Wyoming Department of Transportation reports that 11% of all traffic crashes in the state involve a large truck, and these crashes account for 15.5% of critical accidents, 18.5% of fatal crashes, and 18.9% of overall traffic fatalities. Large truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and complex legal claims to obtain justice. Proving fault in these cases can be more challenging than in other types of auto accidents, making strong evidence and the right truck accident attorneys essential for establishing negligence and securing the maximum compensation. In this article, we’ll highlight the key types of evidence used to prove fault in a truck accident and explain why quick action is critical to protecting your rights.
Types of Evidence Used In A Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents tend to involve multiple parties. Gathering the correct evidence is essential to determining whether the driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturers are at fault. The types of evidence your attorney will need to review include:
- Police Reports and Witness Statements: These provide initial documentation of the accident and can include important details from officers at the scene as well as accounts from people who witnessed the crash.
- Driver Logs: Commercial drivers are required to adhere to strict federal regulations regarding driving hours. Logs may reveal violations, such as fatigue or over-scheduling, that contributed to the accident.
- Black Box Data: Also known as the truck’s electronic data recorder, the black box captures information such as speed, braking patterns, and hours of operation, which can be crucial in proving negligence.
- Maintenance and Inspection Records: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining the safety of their vehicles. Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other equipment may indicate negligence on the part of the company.
- Photo and Video Footage: Images from the crash scene, surveillance cameras, or dashcams help reconstruct how the accident happened and identify contributing factors.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstructionists, engineers, and medical experts can provide technical details and strengthen the case with professional insights.
Challenges in Preserving and Using Truck Accident Evidence
Trucking companies and insurers may resist turning over records, and specific data, such as information from a truck’s black box, can be lost if not requested quickly. An experienced attorney can step in to protect this evidence by filing preservation letters, subpoenaing critical records, and working with experts to analyze the findings. Acting fast with legal support helps ensure nothing vital to your case is overlooked.
Turn to Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
When critical evidence is preserved and presented effectively, it can determine whether victims receive fair compensation after a truck accident. These cases often require a deep understanding of federal regulations, industry standards, and insurance practices, which makes experienced legal representation essential.
The Fitzgerald Law Firm brings over forty years of experience to proving fault in truck accident claims, and we hold the record for the largest verdicts ever upheld on appeal in Wyoming for injury and wrongful death cases. With access to expert witnesses, our attorneys are dedicated to securing the maximum recovery for our clients and holding negligent parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, contact The Fitzgerald Law Firm for a free case evaluation.