According to the United States Department of Transportation, approximately 182,000 people were hurt in nationwide truck accidents in 2019. In that same year, there were also 5,244 fatalities reported in United States truck crashes. Individuals have higher odds of being injured in a commercial truck crash as opposed to an accident involving a passenger car. The sheer size and weight of a tractor-trailer means that accidents happen with greater force. These large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded so it should come as no surprise that catastrophic crashes are often reported.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a commercial truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Winning these cases can be challenging for even the most skilled and experienced truck accident lawyers. Obtaining the necessary documentation and evidence to prove your claims is a key part of every successful truck accident case. Below, we are going to talk about some of the various types of evidence that are important in these cases and some helpful tips for preserving your claim at the scene and afterward.
As always, if you or a family member have been injured in a car accident, our nationwide truck crash lawyers at Burg Simpson are here to help. Give us a call today to see how we can be of assistance.
The value of a truck accident case can be greatly impacted by the evidence. Even though you witnessed the crash and can likely describe what happened, the issue of proof is a major factor when it comes to awarding damages. In truck accident cases, having proof is especially important. Many trucking companies and their insurance adjusters will challenge their responsibility for the crash. It is not unusual for the insurance company and the truck driver to have a completely different story as to how the crash occurred. Gathering evidence from the crash scene can help to strengthen your claims and defeat the trucking company in court.
There are various types of evidence that may be available at the scene of a truck crash. First, victims should make note of any witnesses to the crash. Truck accidents often occur on major roads such as highways or busy city streets. This means that there is also usually one or more witnesses to the accident. Crash witnesses may be hesitant to come forward because they do not want to get involved in someone else’s legal affairs. While at the scene, it is important to speak with witnesses to determine what they saw. Obtaining their contact information, including name and telephone numbers can be very important down the road when it is time to take your case to court. It also helps to write down or record witness statements at the scene in case your witness changes their story or their memory fades over time.
In addition to eyewitness accounts, victims should thoroughly document the scene. This may include taking pictures of the vehicles and the area involved and any special features such as stop signs or obstructed views that may be present at the scene. These photographs should be taken as close in time to the crash as possible in order to avoid the argument that they do not truly represent the scene. Photographs can both memorialize the scene and can also give a judge or jury an actual view of what the scene looked like following the crash.
Truck accident cases may potentially include other types of evidence that is gathered away from the scene, including:
Having access to all of the information and evidence is a winning strategy in many truck accident cases. A Plaintiff is required to prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence standard. While this standard is lower than other types of cases, having all of your evidence gathered is the best approach. This allows your attorney to present the strongest and most compelling case on your behalf.
You should contact an experienced national truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your truck crash. Evidence tends to disappear over time. An attorney can ensure that the proper evidence is requested and preserved for use in your case.
If you were hurt in a truck accident in the United States, you should seek help from a national truck accident attorney right away. Truck accident injuries can be life-altering. Depending on where your accident happened, there are time limits to filing your claim. Each state has its own statute of limitations. Waiting too long can jeopardize your legal rights and can result in the loss of crucial evidence that is needed to help with your case.
At Burg Simpson, our national truck crash lawyers can help with your commercial truck accident claim. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for crash victims across the country, and we would be honored to assist you as well. You can contact us by using our online intake form or giving us a call at (888) 895-2080.