Collecting the right truck accident evidence in Vancouver, WA, can make or break your trucking company accident claim. Truck accidents are notoriously difficult to navigate, but many of these challenges can be avoided by creating a strong claim.
If you need help accessing the blackbox data after a truck accident in Vancouver, you should consult with a truck accident attorney. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident attorneys has experience handling all types of truck accidents across Washington, helping our clients get the settlement they deserve.
Keep reading to find out what truck accident evidence you should collect in a Vancouver, WA, truck accident and why it is so important.
Types of Truck Accident Evidence
Being the victim of a truck accident can come with devastating consequences, especially for those in the smaller vehicle. And the good news is that you have every right to file a truck accident claim. But when you take this step, you need to be prepared to provide truck accident evidence that supports your right to receive compensation.
Some evidence is stronger than others, but generally speaking, the more evidence you have, the better. By presenting different types of evidence, you will build a more thorough claim that allows you to get the highest settlement amount.
Here are some examples of the key types of evidence in trucking injury cases.
Police Report
After a truck accident, the responding police officer will usually create a police report accounting for the accident. This is an incredibly important piece of evidence that provides credibility to back up any other evidence you provide.
The police report will include details, such as the police officer’s initial findings, the date, time, and location of the accident, how the accident occurred, etc.
Trucking Data
Some of the most critical commercial vehicle accident evidence you need to collect is trucking data. Trucking data takes various forms and can help prove liability.
Here are some examples of the different types of truck data you can use:
- Blackbox data: A blackbox is a device in the truck that records information that could be applicable to the accident. This includes vehicle performance, which can show how the truck was being driven directly before the accident occurred.
- Maintenance records: The truck maintenance logs can indicate whether or not the truck was being properly maintained.
- Cargo records: Truck cargo records can show if the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded.
- Employee records: The trucking company’s employment records could show whether or not the employees were qualified or properly trained to drive the truck.
- Truck driver logs: the truck drivers personal logs will also provide information regarding the driver’s schedule and whether or not they were taking breaks.
If you are having trouble accessing the trucking data on your own, a Washington truck accident attorney can do this for you.
Witness & Expert Statements
Statements from any witnesses who saw the accident occur will be very helpful when you create your claim. These statements can also provide additional information about how the collision occurred that you may not have seen for yourself.
In addition to witness statements, you may also want to use expert testimony, depending on the accident. This is when a reconstruction specialist reconstruct how the accident occurred and provides a testimony regarding their findings.
Photos & Video Footage
Any photos or video footage you can collect will create a very strong basis for your claim. This is why it’s recommended that you take photos and video footage directly after the accident so that evidence isn’t lost.
You can also collect photos and video footage from nearby surveillance cameras, witnesses, and dashcams.
Medical Records
If you have sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident, your medical records will play an important part in your claim. Medical records helped to establish the extent of your injuries, how they have impacted your life, and how costly they are.
Here are some examples of important medical records you should collect:
- Doctor’s notes
- Diagnoses
- Medical treatments
- Medical bills
How to Preserve Evidence After a Vancouver Truck Accident
The best way to preserve truck crash evidence is to collect it directly after the accident occurs. You can do this by getting the contact information of witnesses and taking photos or videos of the collision site, property damage, and your injuries.
However, if you are injured and you cannot collect evidence directly, don’t worry. The next best option is to hire a Vancouver truck accident lawyer who can help you track down evidence and preserve it for your claim. An attorney can also negotiate on your behalf so that you aren’t pushed around by the trucking company or insurance carriers.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Washington truck accidents can result in life-altering injuries, which is why it is your right to pursue compensation. However, you will need to go above and beyond when collecting truck accident evidence to prove fault and the extent of your injuries.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced truck accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our Washington clients get the outcome they deserve. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
What is blackbox data in a truck accident?
A blackbox is a device in a commercial truck that records critical details about how it is performing. It is specifically helpful in truck accident cases by showing how the truck was performing directly before the accident occurred, such as whether or not the driver was speeding.
How quickly should evidence be collected?
As soon as possible to avoid the risk of evidence being lost or erased. If you aren’t able to collect evidence yourself, your Vancouver truck accident lawyer can do this for you.
Can trucking companies hide or destroy evidence?
Not legally. Attempting to hide or destroy evidence is considered tampering or spoliation of evidence. However, trucking companies may make it very difficult for you to access the evidence you need.