The evidence presented in your truck accident claim will determine if you win or lose your case. The difference between recovering compensation and being left to handle your expenses on your own will depend on the case you and your Arizona legal team have built.
Trucking companies and opposing insurance companies want to protect their interests, and that is why truck injury claimants need a strong defense supported by evidence to get full and fair compensation. Securing legal representation as soon as possible after a truck accident can help ensure that you build the best case possible.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety-Highway Loss Data, passenger vehicle occupants account for two-thirds of truck accident fatalities. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists make up an additional 15% of deaths in crashes with large trucks. Our experienced attorneys can launch an investigation into your crash and begin working on your claim ASAP.
Important Evidence In A Truck Accident
Certain types of evidence of a truck collision must be obtained to demonstrate a victim’s right to compensation for their injuries. Some of that evidence should be collected at the crash scene, and others should be gathered over time.
Some of the evidence needed in Arizona truck accident claims include:
Black Box Data
A commercial truck’s “black box” shows its speed and direction of travel in the time leading up to a collision. Examining this information could show that the truck was traveling at a reckless speed. Black box data can also confirm if the driver took the necessary breaks outlined by federal law.
Cargo and Maintenance Records
A truck needs to be properly maintained. The cargo it carries needs to be at the legal weight and properly balanced. Your attorney can obtain records showing if the truck was maintained and the cargo was properly loaded.
Expert Witnesses
Bringing in experts to testify on your behalf can help support your truck accident claim. You may need to hire a collision reconstructionist or a medical expert to resolve a dispute. Wattel & York can help you secure experts that help maximize your access to full and fair compensation.
Hiring Records
Trucking companies are accountable for ensuring their drivers are capable on the road. Truckers need to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass a background check. Unfortunately, some trucking companies falsify background checks and can be held liable for any resulting accidents.
Hours of Service Log
U.S. truck drivers are required to follow federal regulations on the number of hours they can drive in a given period. If the hours of service log is a record shows the driver was driving for longer than they should, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.
Medical Records
You can use medical records and bills to show how serious your injuries are. The medical treatments you need will affect the compensation you can recover for your medical expenses.
Paystubs
Paystubs can be used to prove the amount of compensation for your wages, sick and vacation time, and other perks of your job that you lost while you were unable to work. Saving your paystubs and other documents proving the compensation you should receive in your settlement can be useful for maximizing the compensation in your Arizona truck accident claim.
Police Report
A police report includes vital information about the accident and is one of the pillars of your claim. Reports often include details on how the crash took place, driver statements, officer’s conclusions regarding who was at fault, and whether any traffic citations were issued. This will help document the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence in causing the collision.
Phone Records
The trucker’s cellphone records can help establish if the trucker was talking on the phone or texting at the time of the crash. If they were, they could be held responsible for your truck accident injuries.
Photos and Videos At The Scene
Photos and videos of the accident scene, damage to the truck and your vehicle, tread marks, weather and road conditions, your injuries, and other relevant photos could be helpful. This evidence could help an accident reconstruction expert re-enact your crash and display the truck driver’s negligence. CCTV cameras can also pick up accidents and be used in trials or negotiations.
Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses that saw how an accident occurred can be vital to establishing liability in a claim. A witness statement can help convince the insurance company of its responsibility to compensate you.
