If you were hurt in a large truck crash and you’re planning on filing a personal injury claim, the outcome of your action is going to depend on a variety of factors. Naturally, the strength of the evidence you present will be one of the biggest.
To give your claim the best chance of success, here are some of the most compelling pieces of evidence you should be prepared to present:
1. Photographs of the Wreckage
An accident reconstructionist can piece together what happened in the seconds leading up to a crash by images of the wreckage. If you were able to photograph the scene before leaving the area, give the files to your legal team as soon as possible, so they can be reviewed by the experts.
2. Driver’s Logs
If the trucker’s logs indicate an hours-of-service violation—i.e., if the trucker was on the road for much longer than they should have been prior to the crash—you may be able to make a case for drowsiness or fatigue. Keep in mind, however, that motor carriers are only obligated to preserve these logs for six months. As such, it’s imperative to reach out and request copies or request preservation as soon as possible after the wreck.
3. Black Box Data
The log from each vehicle’s event data recorder, or “black box,” should reveal what happened at the operational level in the moments before the accident. From ground speed to brake application to seat belt usage, black boxes record a host of variables, all of which can come together to paint a clear enough picture that you’re able to assign blame.
4. Eyewitness Testimony
Other motorists, their passengers, and any pedestrians who were in the area at the time can speak on what happened leading up to the crash. Since eyewitness testimony becomes less reliable as time goes on, though, your legal team is going to want to reach out and start interviewing everyone as soon as possible.
If you were able to get the names and phone numbers of those who saw the collision, give them to your attorney right away. Otherwise, your lawyer may be able to get this information from the officers who responded to the scene.
5. Medical Records
Your medical records, including nursing logs and diagnostic images, are going to provide the foundation for your damages claim. Save any and all documentation that’s associated with treating your injuries, as well as any bills you receive from the hospital or your health insurance carrier.
Call 864-585-3873 to Speak with a Truck Accident Attorney in South Carolina
If you need help with your truck accident claim, look no further than Hodge & Langley Law Firm. Backed by more than 50 years of collective experience, our tenacious team is determined to advocate for injured parties who have been wronged by others.
When investigating the truck accident in which you were hurt, we’ll leave no stone unturned. To schedule a free initial case review with a truck accident lawyer in South Carolina, call 864-585-3873 or submit the Contact Form on our website.