If you’re trying to file a truck accident claim, you need to be able to show two main things: who was at fault and what kind of damage or harm you suffered because of the accident. In many truck crashes, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward. It might be the driver, the company that owns the truck, or even a maintenance provider. Sometimes, it’s all of them.
That’s why evidence matters so much. Insurance companies will not pay out just because you were hurt. You have to show them why they should. The courts also won’t decide in your favor unless there’s enough proof to back up your claim. The more evidence you have and the quicker you gather it, the better chance you have of getting compensation.
One of the benefits of getting legal assistance for truck accidents is that your lawyer will work extensively to collect and protect important evidence before it disappears or gets destroyed.
The Kinds of Evidence That Can Prove Fault
The following types of evidence are what you’ll need to prove fault in a law court to support your truck accident claim.
Police reports
When an accident happens, police officers are usually the first on the scene. In New York, for example, they’re required to file an official report if the crash involves an injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage.
These reports often include important details like how the crash happened, statements from people involved, and even the officer’s first impression about who caused it. That’s huge when you’re trying to prove fault.
ELD data and GPS tracking
Commercial trucks are required by federal law to have electronic logging devices or ELDs. These devices track how many hours a driver has been on the road.
If the driver was pushing past legal limits without enough rest, this data could show that they were too tired to drive safely. GPS tracking also helps show the truck’s speed and route before the crash.
The driver’s phone records
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for crashes. If the truck driver was texting, scrolling through social media, or even on a call during the accident, their phone records can show that. This is strong evidence that the driver was not paying attention when they should have been focused on the road.
Employment and logbook records
Truck drivers have to keep a logbook that shows how many hours they’ve driven and when they’ve taken breaks. If the logbook shows they skipped rest periods, that’s a problem.
Their employer’s records can also show if they were properly trained or if the company ignored red flags when they hired the driver. This kind of info could prove the company was careless, too.
Read Also: When to Hire a Lawyer for Workplace Discrimination
Maintenance and inspection records
Sometimes, the truck itself is part of the problem. If the truck wasn’t properly maintained, maybe the brakes were worn out, or the tires were bald, then the company responsible for maintaining it might share the blame. Maintenance records and inspection reports can uncover these kinds of issues.
Forensic evidence from the crash scene
This includes things like skid marks, broken pieces of the vehicles, or damage to guardrails and signs.
Accident experts can use all this to rebuild what happened, even down to the second. Sometimes, they even create 3D simulations based on the evidence to show in court. That can be powerful.
What Proves the Damages You’ve Suffered
Even if you clearly weren’t at fault, you still need to prove how the crash affected you. That’s where damage-related evidence comes in. Here are some examples:
Your medical records
Right after the crash, you should see a doctor even if you don’t think your injuries are that bad. Sometimes, pain doesn’t show up right away.
Medical records will document your injuries, treatments, and any long-term issues you might face. These records are essential when asking for compensation for things like medical bills or future care.
Work and income documents
If you missed work because of the crash, or if your injuries are serious enough that you can’t work the same way anymore, you’ll need documents to show that. Pay stubs, employment letters, and even future job plans can help show how the accident hurt your ability to earn.
Notes and testimonies
Writing down how you feel each day after the crash can actually help your case. These personal notes give a picture of your pain, stress, and how your life has changed.
Your family and friends may also be able to give testimony. They’ve seen how you’ve changed since the crash, and their stories can be just as powerful as medical or financial records.
Expert opinions
Lawyers often bring in experts to support your case. A medical expert might explain exactly how your injuries happened and how serious they are.
A financial expert might help figure out how much income you’ll lose in the future. These expert voices can make your case even stronger in court.
You May Also Like: Top Qualities to Look for in a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Case
