Call Us atIndividuals who suffer injuries in commercial truck accidents must establish that the truck driver was at fault, prove liability, and show the costs and impacts of their injury to receive compensation. These requirements involve gathering evidence, and an experienced truck accident attorney is critical in helping with this process. Below is an overview of the type of evidence in Bothell truck accident cases that lawyers look for.
Evidence From the Scene
As with any accident, the evidence found or generated at the scene of a Bothell truck accident is an important foundation for building a personal injury case. This includes the basic details of the vehicles involved, the drivers of those vehicles, and their insurance provider and policy information. The truck might be insured by a driver who is an owner-operator or by the trucking company that employs the driver. A lawyer will also look for photos of the vehicles, as the damage can often tell a lot about how the accident occurred.
Witnesses to the accident can also provide valuable insight. A lawyer will seek out both individuals and surveillance cameras that may have recorded the incident. An official police report from the officer who investigated the accident is also important, as it provides a narrative of the officer’s findings, including a determination of liability in most cases.
Evidence From the Truck Driver or Trucking Company
Because of the massive size of commercial trucks, owner-operators, and trucking companies are under many federal regulations, and failing to follow those regulations can be further proof of legal liability when an accident occurs. The evidence in a Bothell trucking accident case that a lawyer will often seek from the driver or the company includes:
- The driver’s personnel records, including proof that the appropriate authority properly licensed them to drive the truck and that they were physically healthy enough to handle the rigors of the job.
- Pre-trip inspection reports that regulations require the driver to complete on the truck and truck maintenance records.
- Data from the truck’s black box that can provide information on how the driver operated the truck before the accident occurred, such as speed and braking.
- Electronic logs that show how long the driver operated the truck without an off-duty break mandated by regulations to prevent truck driver fatigue.
Many types of evidence from the driver or trucking company require prompt collection. A trucking accident lawyer has a legal team and a firm understanding not only of the evidence needed but how to gather it.
Evidence of Injuries, Costs, and Impacts in Truck Accident Cases
In addition to providing liability, those seeking compensation after an accident must show evidence of their injuries, the costs associated with the injuries, such as medical bills, vehicle replacement, and wage loss, and how the injury has impacted their lives. That evidence includes medical bills and other receipts, medical records pertaining to the claimant’s treatment and prognosis, employment records showing wage loss, and witness statements. Additional evidence in Bothell trucking crash cases might include the claimant’s journals about their injury and how it impacted their life.
Libbey Law Offices Helps Clients Gather Evidence in Bothell Truck Accident Claims
Evidence in Bothell truck accident cases is crucial to proving liability, showing the costs of the injury, and securing the compensation you need. However, knowing what evidence is required can be challenging. Let Libbey Law Offices help. Contact our office today for a free case evaluation.
