In order to win a truck accident case, an accident victim has to prove that a truck driver or company was responsible for their accident-related damages. Potential parties in a truck accident lawsuit include:
Proving a case against any of these requires a substantial amount of evidence. It also demands an accident victim and their attorney start collecting accident records immediately to build a strong case for injury compensation.
It is important to start collecting evidentiary records right after a truck accident because records can be lost or destroyed over time. For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration only requires a truck driver’s log books be kept for six months.
Also, eyewitness testimony may change as memories fade, and witnesses may be hard to locate at a later date. Some of the best recorded evidence from a crash scene includes photographs of:
Only take photos if it is safe to do so.
It is vital to call for police and medical assistance in the aftermath of a truck accident. Not only will this protect an accident victim’s safety and health, but it will also generate a police report and a record of medical examination.
The police report will contain information about the accident scene, the parties’ names, eyewitness information, and notes on injuries. It may also suggest fault for the accident.
An accident’s initial examination should be followed by an appointment with their family doctor and any recommended specialists. All medical records and bills should be kept together as these can verify physical and financial loss.
There are records specific to trucks and trucking companies. For instance, many trucks are equipped with black boxes and in-cab cameras that record a driver’s speed, breaks, and activities while driving.
Commercial truck drivers are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to keep log books to ensure they are compliant with hours-of-service regulations. Reviewing these may reveal if a truck driver was suffering from fatigue at the time of the accident.
Trucks are required to undergo routine inspections and maintenance. Truck inspection records only have to be kept a minimum of 30 days.
Securing the documents needed to pursue a trucking company can be frustrating. An experienced truck accident attorney at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, can help.
At The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, we have more than two decades of personal injury experience and a track record of success. We have the resources and knowledge to tackle any size case and will stand against large trucking companies and their insurers.
Reach out to The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, today to schedule your complimentary consultation. There is never a risk to meet with a San Antonio truck accident lawyer and have your legal questions answered.
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