Just because you have grounds for a truck accident claim doesn’t mean you’re automatically entitled to a payout. Before you can seek compensation for the resulting damages, you’ll have to gather sufficient evidence of both liability and losses.
Unfortunately, when it comes to proving fault for large truck crashes, the most valuable evidence is often time-sensitive. What’s more, motor carriers are sometimes reluctant to hand over evidence voluntarily.
Thankfully, a resourceful personal injury attorney can help. As long as you hire a lawyer promptly, you may be able to obtain valuable proof before it’s altered or destroyed. Your attorney should also be able to secure evidence that’s difficult to acquire without applying legal pressure.
While the strongest evidence of liability will ultimately depend on the circumstances, it will likely include some combination of the following:
- Photographs of the wreckage;
- Statements from accident reconstruction experts;
- The official police report;
- Black box data;
- Cell phone records;
- Toxicology reports;
- Dash cam footage;
- Surveillance recordings;
- Bills of lading and other cargo manifests;
- The motor carrier’s hiring process, training manuals, and standard operating procedures;
- The fleet’s maintenance records;
- The trucker’s receipts for food, fuel, and lodging;
- Toll booth records; and
- Eyewitness testimony.
As for proving the extent of the damages you incur, you will likely need to present the following:
- Medical records;
- Hospital bills;
- Diagnostic images;
- Paystubs tracking your missed work;
- Income tax returns;
- Deposition from an economist and a vocational expert;
- Statements from relevant medical specialists;
- Psychological evaluations;
- Personal injury journal entries;
- Statements from friends, loved ones, caregivers, and colleagues;
- Invoices or estimates for essential repairs; and
- Receipts for other injury-related expenses.
How Else Can I Strengthen My Truck Accident Claim?
While presenting strong evidence of both liability and losses will give your case a decent chance of success, it won’t necessarily guarantee a satisfactory settlement or favorable verdict. In order to win your claim, you will also have to avoid making critical mistakes over the course of the proceedings.
Here are some of the most common mistakes that injured parties make when seeking funds for their damages:
- Remaining active on social media;
- Concluding negotiations prior to reaching maximum medical improvement;
- Accepting some degree of fault before conducting a thorough investigation;
- Giving a premature recorded statement;
- Putting off seeking treatment;
- Ignoring doctor’s orders;
- Overlooking recoverable damages; and
- Failing to write detailed entries about the ways in which your injuries are hurting your overall quality of life.
As long as you can avoid the above mistakes—and present the kinds of evidence listed above—there’s a good chance your claim may yield a payout.
Call (248) 385-5704 for a Free Consultation with a Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously hurt in a large truck crash, contact Seva Law Firm to determine the most strategic way to proceed. Our tireless team has recovered more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
By letting us handle the logistics of your claim, you can focus on more important matters, like your health and your loved ones. Call (248) 385-5704 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a truck accident attorney.
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