Many drivers experience a sense of unease when driving next to a semi-truck, flatbed truck, or other large commercial truck. The fear is understandable. Large commercial trucks can cause devastating damage in a wreck. Fallen cargo from a commercial truck can also lead to terrible accidents.
If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a wreck involving a commercial truck, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim and seek damages. However, to bring a successful claim, you will need ample supporting evidence.
Evidence in a Large Truck Collision Case
The liable party for a severe truck collision may be the driver, the trucking company or carrier, the company that designed defective truck components, or a number of other parties. In many cases, multiple parties are liable for the crash. Unfortunately, proving fault in a large truck crash can be quite difficult.
Strong evidence is needed to build a compelling case against a liable party. A skilled truck accident injury attorney may use evidence such as:
Eyewitness statements – People who saw the accident happen may provide valuable insight about how the accident unfolded. However, eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, so you may need additional evidence to confirm the eyewitness accounts.
EDR information – Event data recorders (EDR) and crash data recorders are devices in commercial trucks that record information about the truck’s speed, braking, steering, and more. Information from an EDR may be used to reconstruct what actions the truck driver took immediately before and during the crash.
Electronic logbook information – Commercial drivers are expected to keep a logbook that states when they were driving and when they were stopped for a rest break. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has Hours of Service rules regulating the maximum number of hours a driver can drive consecutively. Unfortunately, some drivers and trucking companies violate these rules.
Alcohol and drug test results – Drunk driving and drugged driving are extremely unsafe when you are behind the wheel of a massive semi-truck. The results of drug and alcohol tests are often crucial pieces of evidence in a truck accident case.
Evidence from the accident scene – Forensic evidence at the crash site can also be used to understand how the accident took place. Skid marks, vehicle damage, and damage to guardrails and other property may all help investigators understand the crash and who is at fault.
Medical records – To recover compensation through a truck accident lawsuit, you will need to show evidence of your injuries and how those injuries affected your life. Medical records and testimony from medical professionals are very important in a truck crash case.
Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were involved in a wreck with a semi-truck, contact the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec for help. Our Harris County personal injury attorneys can help you find, preserve, and use evidence to build a powerful case against the at-fault party. Call 281-643-2000 today for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
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