Accidents that involve a car and a truck, such as a big rig (also referred to as a tractor-trailer), often result in more catastrophic injuries and/or death because of the sheer difference in size and weight of both vehicles. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to have an expert truck accident attorney on your side because the case can be complicated. Your attorney must be familiar with state and federal transportation laws, motor vehicle carrier rules, and also the trucking company’s safety rules. In addition to this, your attorney must recognize the importance of collecting evidence early on in the case. This evidence can help build value into your case to work towards your advantage, and includes:
Evidence about the driver:
- The truck driver’s qualifications file and the training file
- The driver inspection records
- Post-collision drug and alcohol screening
- The driver’s log – close examination can determine if the driver has falsified their log. Drivers report inaccurate data for many reasons – including earning more money for driving more miles in a short amount of time, off-the-books incentives (bonuses) from their employer for “good service” by delivering their load early; or trying to make up time for a late start.
Evidence involving the truck:
- Maintenance history
- Inspection history
- Data from onboard systems relating to the engine, brakes, etc.,
- Data from onboard GPS tracking and communication systems
Evidence involving the truck’s load and cargo:
- Weight tickets
- Bills of lading
- Trip envelopes
- Dispatch instructions
- Delivery documents
An experienced truck accident attorney will know what evidence to collect – and how to collect it – for your case.
If you are involved in a truck accident, here is additional evidence that your attorney will be looking for:
- Pictures from the scene of the accident. If you are injured and cannot take photos at the scene of the accident, request that a family member takes detailed photos of your injuries as soon as you are able to communicate with them. Police or media may also have pictures from the scene.
- Testimony from you and/or other witnesses plus expert witness testimony from professionals about your injuries (doctors, EMTs, etc.,)
- Medical records from your injuries. These can help predict your long-term prognosis which can affect the value of your claim.
Our Bakersfield truck accident attorneys have handled hundreds of truck accident cases. If you, or someone you love, has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today ((661) 777-7575) for a no-cost consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys.