What Evidence is Needed in a Truck Accident Case?
Commercial trucks are very large and heavy, often weighing 20 to 30 times more than standard passenger vehicles. If you have been involved in a collision, you have likely sustained catastrophic injuries, incurred high medical bills, and may not be able to return to work now, or in the future. If the crash was caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
When filing a claim, you need strong evidence to support your case and help you pursue full damages. Below, our Tampa truck accident attorney explains the most important types of evidence used in these cases.
Evidence Collected During Initial Investigations
Before any litigation or settlement talks begin, an investigation into your accident will occur. During the investigation, many different types of evidence will be collected. These include:
- The police report: In Florida, you must report any accident that resulted in injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. Police reports also provide a detailed account of the crash, including the information for the involved motorists, witnesses, and any citations issued at the scene.
- Eyewitness statements: Individuals who saw the crash can provide invaluable insight about how the accident occurred and who may be liable.
- Photos and video footage: Pictures and video footage of the crash scene, damage to vehicles, and road conditions can be very important when proving the severity of the accident, and the circumstances surrounding it.
- Medical records: Medical records document the injuries sustained and the medical treatment received, proving the extent of damages a victim suffered.
- Truck driver logs: Under federal law, truck drivers must maintain logs of their driving hours. These logs can indicate whether the driver complied with the law, or if they were fatigued and that contributed to the crash.
Evidence Collected During Litigation
When a settlement cannot be reached and a case enters litigation, other evidence can be obtained during the discovery process. The most important types of evidence obtained during this process includes:
- Depositions: During a deposition, sworn testimony can be obtained from the truck driver, the trucking company, and experts. This testimony offers important information about the parties involved and how the crash occurred.
- Interrogatories: Interrogatories are written questions the other side must answer under oath. They can provide clarity about the crash, the practices of the trucking company, and the truck driver’s qualifications.
- Subpoenas: When records and documents are not provided voluntarily, such as a truck driver’s log, subpoenas can obtain them.
Our Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Collect the Evidence You Need
When pursuing damages after a truck accident, evidence is critical to proving your case. At Moore Law, our Tampa truck accident attorney can advise on the evidence you need and help you collect it so you obtain the maximum damages you are entitled to under Florida law. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.065.html#:~:text=(1)
