If you sustained injuries in a Virginia truck accident, you must prove that someone else caused the crash to recover compensation. You must also show how the collision caused your injuries. Proving these points requires strong evidence, so you must know what constitutes important evidence in a truck accident case.
Why Evidence Matters in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Compelling evidence is not just vital for proving your arguments in a truck accident case. You must also refute the other side’s account of the crash, as they’ll likely try to blame you or deny responsibility for what happened. Without proof to support your claim, you’ll likely lose your case and have to bear the full cost of the accident yourself.
Important Evidence in Winning a Truck Accident Case
Crucial evidence in a truck accident claim includes:
- The police accident report – The police crash report is essential in truck accident claims because it provides a baseline account of what happened for the insurance companies. A police report can also support your claim if the officer cited the truck driver or other parties for their role in the crash.
- Eyewitness statements – Witness testimony is often crucial in truck accident claims if the truck driver or another liable party disputes what happened. Witnesses can provide a neutral account of the crash and actions by the driver that may have caused it, such as speeding, tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, etc.
- Medical records and injury documentation – You must link your injuries to the collision to recover compensation after a truck accident. Your medical records can establish this link while illustrating the harm you’ve suffered and what medical treatments you’ll need to heal.
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicles – Photos from the crash scene can show the position of the vehicles involved and the damage they sustained, which can help your truck accident lawyer and others better understand what happened.
- Maintenance logs – Poor maintenance is a common factor in many truck crashes. The truck’s maintenance logs may include information on faulty repairs and whether the trucking company ordered proper repairs.
- Dashcam footage or other video recordings – Like eyewitness accounts, video footage of a crash can provide an unbiased perspective in cases where the basic facts of a collision are in question.
The Role of a Truck’s Black Box Data in Proving Fault
A commercial truck’s black box is an electronic device that records the truck’s speed, engine performance, brake status, and other essential data at the time of a crash. You can use the truck’s black box data to show how the driver or another party acted carelessly, leading to the collision and your injuries.
For example, the black box data might show that the truck was speeding when the crash happened, suggesting the driver didn’t have enough time to stop safely and avoid hitting you. A truck accident lawyer in Virginia can analyze the black box data and use that evidence to support your claim.
How to Win a Truck Accident Lawsuit with the Right Legal Support
While you need strong evidence to win a Virginia truck accident lawsuit, you’re in no position to gather it if you’re struggling with severe injuries. The Kendall Law Firm can collect and preserve crucial evidence while you focus on healing. We can also open settlement negotiations with the liable parties and their insurers.
We’ll protect you from their high-pressure tactics and make sure your claim accounts for all your losses. If necessary, we’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.