Important Evidence in Trucking Accidents

Evidence is critical to support a Beaumont truck accident claim and prove that the driver, trucking company or another party acted negligently, leading to the crash. Here’s an overview of the important types of evidence often needed to establish fault.

Photo and Video Documentation

If emergency responders do not immediately transport you to the hospital, remain at the scene and capture the following details with photos or videos:

• Damage to all vehicles 
• Final positions of each vehicle after the collision
• Property damage to the surrounding area
• Road conditions
• Weather conditions
• Skid marks or debris on the road
• Road signs and traffic lights
• Visible injuries

Take photos from various angles and distances. This documentation can help substantiate your version of events. 

Witness Statements

Insurance companies and courts rely on witness statements to corroborate evidence and establish a clear picture of the accident. Their statements can offer additional details, such as whether the driver was speeding, making unsafe maneuvers, or appeared distracted. Because witnesses are third parties with no stake in the outcome of your claim, their accounts are often viewed as unbiased and reliable.

Police Report

Insurance companies usually consider a police report as one of the most reliable pieces of evidence in an accident case. Police reports offer an impartial perspective on the accident, detailing observations about the collision’s cause, parties involved, and possibly identifying the responsible party. Additionally, the report can help confirm any injuries or property damage you sustained. 

Medical Records

Medical records play a crucial role in connecting your injuries to the accident and confirming their severity. If you delay seeking treatment, the at-fault party’s insurance may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or are less severe than claimed. Detailed records of treatment help validate your claim and support fair compensation for your injuries.

Black Box Data

Commercial trucks typically have a “black box,” which records essential information about the truck and driver’s actions just before the crash, such as:

• Speed
• Sudden deceleration or braking
• Brake application and steering angles
• Throttle position and vehicle tilt
• Following distance
• Force of impact and airbag deployment
• Seatbelt engagement
• Daily and monthly engine activity, indicating driver hours
• Maintenance or mechanical issues

This data provides key insights into the driver’s behavior and the truck’s condition, which can help establish liability for the accident.

Trucking Logs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces hours-of-service rules, which regulate the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road. Trucking logs, including ELD data and traditional logs, can reveal whether the driver exceeded legal driving hours, which often happens under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. Violating HOS rules not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers other motorists, making these logs key evidence of the trucking company or driver’s negligence.

Maintenance Records

Federal regulations require trucking companies to perform regular inspections and maintenance, recording these activities for review. Maintenance records can show whether the truck received necessary repairs or if it was driven with unresolved issues. If mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues contributed to the accident, these records can provide evidence of the trucking company’s potential negligence in maintaining their vehicles.

How an Attorney Can Help

A well-documented case backed by strong evidence can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable settlement or verdict. With an experienced Beaumont car accident attorney’s help, you can ensure no crucial evidence is overlooked.