Given the sheer size of a semi-truck, it can cause devastation when it’s involved in an accident, oftentimes leaving victims with catastrophic injuries. Those who are unlucky enough to find themselves hurt in these wrecks often struggle to cope with their newfound injuries, and the emotional, psychological, and financial turmoil that follows can be oppressive.
That can leave you feeling hopeless for the future, but don’t let that lead to despair. You can take legal action to try to find accountability, protect your future, and reclaim some semblance of your normal life.
To successfully do that, though, you’re going to need evidence to support your claim. Where do find that evidence? Let’s look a little closer.
Where you can find evidence to support your truck accident claim
First, let’s start by acknowledging that you may not be in a condition to gather all of the evidence you need on your own. Your injuries may be so severe as to prevent you from doing much of the legwork necessary to build your case, in which case you might have to ask a family member or friend for assistance.
So, where do you look for evidence to support your claim? Here are some options:
- Trucking logs: Truckers are required to adhere to federal trucking regulations related to the number of hours they can drive in a given period of time. If they drive more than they’re allowed to, then they’re at an increased risk of being tired and fatigued while behind the wheel, which can significantly diminish their driving abilities. Subpoenaing these records thus might give you evidence that the trucker in question was operating their rig in a negligent fashion.
- Maintenance records: Truckers are required to conduct post-trip inspections of their rigs, and truck companies are supposed to routinely inspect their fleet to catch and remedy any safety-related defects. When truckers and their employers skimp on these inspections and repairs, then dangerous trucks are put out on the road, leaving you and other motorists at risk of being harmed in a serious truck accident.
- Witness accounts: This almost goes without saying, but you need to talk to witnesses who saw your accident to see if they can provide any details that will be helpful in establishing that the trucker was responsible for the accident. Get written statements from these witnesses, if you can, and be sure to take down their contact information.
- Expert testimony: If causation is going to be a question that’s contested at trial, then you might need an expert to help you prove this element of your case. An accident reconstruction expert can analyze the physical evidence and apply the laws of science to develop a firmly grounded opinion as to how the accident was caused. This can be powerful evidence in your personal injury case.
- Police reports: The police report that was generated from your accident is a good place to start gathering evidence. It may have details in it that speak to the accident’s cause, but it can also have information in there about witnesses and their contact information.
Know how to develop an aggressive truck accident case that protects your future
It can be stressful to navigate the legal arena at the same time that you’re trying to cope with your truck accident injuries, but this isn’t a process that you have to face on your own. You can wrap yourself in the support you need to cope with everything that you’re facing while also building an aggressive personal injury case. So, if you’re ready to protect your interests, then start thinking about how to kick off your case.
