If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, what you do in the hours and days afterward can directly affect the outcome of your claim. One of the most important steps we can take is gathering and preserving the right evidence. In truck accident cases, liability can be difficult to establish without solid documentation and credible sources of information. That’s why it’s essential to focus on the types of evidence that can support your version of events and help move your case forward.
Police Reports And Official Documentation
After any serious truck accident, law enforcement is usually called to the scene. The officer will complete a police report that often includes diagrams, preliminary findings, and statements from those involved. This report can help confirm key facts such as time, location, road conditions, and the apparent cause of the crash. We use these reports to get an initial view of the situation and to verify the basic details before building a deeper case.
Photos And Video From The Scene
Visual evidence from the scene of the crash is one of the most effective ways to show what happened. Photos or video taken immediately after the accident can reveal the positions of the vehicles, damage to both vehicles, skid marks, debris, weather conditions, and any road signage that may have been missed or ignored. If you’re able to take photos safely after the accident, do so. If not, we often work with investigators to return to the scene as soon as possible.
Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses can offer a perspective that isn’t captured by police or involved parties. They may have seen the truck’s behavior before the crash or noticed something about the driver that’s relevant, such as distracted driving or unsafe lane changes. Getting contact information from anyone who saw the accident can be very useful. We follow up with those witnesses and gather statements that support your account.
Black Box Data And Truck Logs
Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and event data recorders, sometimes referred to as the truck’s “black box.” These devices store critical data like speed, brake usage, and driver hours. We often request this data early in the process to determine whether the driver was speeding, failed to brake, or exceeded federal driving limits. These records are important in truck cases, especially when applying Texas truck accident laws to determine fault and liability.
Medical Records And Bills
After seeking treatment, your medical records become an essential part of the claim. They document the nature of your injuries, the treatment required, and how the accident has affected your daily life. In addition to medical records, we gather billing statements and reports from physicians that show the cost and duration of your recovery. This information helps us pursue appropriate compensation based on your current and future needs.
Employment Records
If the accident caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to perform your job, employment records can help support a claim for lost wages. We work with you and your employer to obtain pay stubs, attendance logs, and any documentation that shows how your injury has affected your ability to earn a living.
Communication With Insurance Companies
Copies of all correspondence with insurance companies—both yours and the truck driver’s—can help us track what’s been said and promised. These communications may include admissions of fault or offers that do not reflect the true value of your claim. Keeping all letters and emails is helpful, and we recommend forwarding any communication to us before responding.
Truck accident cases require careful preparation and the right approach to evidence. At Truck Law, we’re committed to helping you build a strong claim by using the facts that support your case. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and need guidance on how to move forward, contact us today. We’re ready to help you take the next step toward recovery and resolution.