Evidence is vital in holding anyone responsible for a truck accident. Since multiple parties could be negligent, getting as much evidence as possible to prove who is at fault is critical. By working with a skilled truck accident attorney, you will know what types of evidence are available and applicable in your case.
Do not assume the police report is all the evidence out there or available. Your Tulsa truck accident attorney from Gorospe Law Group can find additional information in many cases by pursuing more in-depth resources.
What Types of Evidence Are Available in a Truck Accident Case?
The first step is always to gather the police report as a starting point. This often provides valuable information that can then be built on by your truck accident attorney. Some of the types of evidence that may be available include:
- The witnesses to the accident: Witnesses can prove your case. They can provide information about what was occurring before, after, and during the accident. This may include other passengers, other drivers, or people on the side of the road.
- Damage from the accident: Photos from the accident may pinpoint valuable information, such as where the car and truck struck each other and the positioning within the lanes.
- Accident recreation tools: Using the information available, specialized software and professionals can recreate the accident, showing what occurred.
- Commercial truck driver logs: Some trucks have logs that can show the speed at which the truck was driving as well as information about the condition of the truck. They may also track how long the driver has been behind the wheel prior to the accident, helping to see if the driver took time off required under the law.
- Truck maintenance logs: These details help to determine if the truck was well-maintained. It can show the condition of the truck’s tires or brakes, for example.
- Truck driver medical records: if the truck driver had a blood alcohol test at the time of the accident, that information may be available as evidence.
- The outcome: In some situations, the outcome of the accident, such as the injuries sustained, the damage to the vehicles, and other data, can help prove what occurred and who is responsible for the accident.
These are some of the types of accident evidence that may be available in your case. The key here is to know that your attorney will continue to seek information and data beyond this based on what initial evidence is found. For example, bills or receipts the truck driver had may show that they were intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Why Is Preserving Truck Accident Evidence Important?
Evidence in a truck accident case can disappear quickly, sometimes within hours of the crash. Preserving that evidence as soon as possible is critical to proving fault and holding the trucking company accountable.
- Skid marks can fade and vehicle debris is often cleared away within days
- Surveillance or dash camera footage may be automatically deleted or overwritten
- Trucking logs and maintenance records can be altered or destroyed
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data can be erased after six months under FMCSA rules
A truck accident attorney can send a formal preservation letter to demand that the trucking company safeguard black box data, driver logs, inspection records, and other key materials before they’re lost. The sooner this is done, the stronger your case becomes.
Quick action ensures that critical information is secured, giving your lawyer the leverage needed to build a compelling claim and push back against negligent truck drivers and carriers effectively.
How Does Medical Documentation Strengthen Your Claim?
Medical records can serve as crucial evidence in a truck accident case as well. Insurance companies routinely try and argue that a victim’s injuries aren’t serious, for instance, or that they weren’t caused by the accident. Seeking immediate medical treatment undercuts those arguments and creates a timeline that links your condition directly to the crash.
Be sure to maintain copies of things like:
- Emergency room and hospital visit summaries
- Diagnostic imaging results (MRI, CT scan, X-ray)
- Follow-up visits and specialist consultations
- Prescriptions, physical therapy notes, and treatment plans
It may also help your case to maintain a daily “pain journal” that documents the impact that the accident has had (and may continue to have) on your day-to-day life. The more documentation you can provide related to your injuries and how they are linked to the crash, the better your chances of recovering the full amount of compensation you need.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Tulsa?
The aftermath of a truck accident can be chaotic, but what you do next can greatly affect your ability to recover compensation. Take note of the following so that you can protect your health as well as your legal rights:
- Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 to alert law enforcement and emergency medical personnel of the crash
- Take detailed photos or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions
- Write down the truck’s company name, logo, and DOT number while it’s still visible
- Collect contact information for witnesses and others at the scene
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurance adjusters without legal guidance
- Don’t sign any paperwork from the insurance company, and do not share your accident details on social media
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible
These steps can make a major difference in the success of your personal injury claim in Tulsa. Protecting the available evidence and avoiding common mistakes gives your attorney the strongest foundation to pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Working with a Truck Driving Accident Attorney Is Key
One of the most important factors in having evidence to prove negligence in a case like this is having the right attorney behind you. An attorney with truck negligence experience will know what evidence is available, how to find additional information, and what risks may exist for proving negligence. Seek out the guidance of a truck accident attorney to ensure you know exactly what to expect.