You're driving cautiously on I-64 when an 18-wheeler suddenly veers into your lane and slams into your vehicle, sending you careening off the highway. As you deal with serious injuries, a wrecked car, and mounting medical bills, you wonder what to do next.
At Finney Injury Law, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers understand the devastating impact a commercial vehicle crash can have on your life. Proving liability in these complicated cases requires skilled evidence gathering and analysis. Here’s the critical evidence needed and how it can help build a strong truck accident claim.
The Importance of Preserving Evidence
Trucking companies and their insurers often have response teams that arrive at crash scenes quickly to mitigate their liability. You’ll need an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer to protect your claim. Your attorney can take swift action to preserve vital evidence before it's lost or destroyed. This evidence may prove that the truck driver’s or the trucking company’s negligence caused the crash.
Some of the most critical pieces of evidence in a truck accident case include:
- The truck's electronic logging device records
- Driver logs
- Truck maintenance records
- The truck driver's personnel file
- Dashcam footage or surveillance videos
- Accident scene photos
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Your medical records and bills
Black Box Data Tells a Detailed Story
Most commercial trucks have an electronic logging device (ELD), also known as a “black box.” This device records valuable data about the truck's operations, including:
- Speed at the time of the crash
- Brake application and timing
- Accelerator pedal position
- Engine RPM
- Seat belt usage
- Airbag deployment
- Total time driven
Analyzing black box data can provide compelling evidence of driver negligence, such as speeding or failing to brake in time. However, trucking companies aren't obligated to preserve this data indefinitely. Your lawyer can send a spoliation letter to prevent the destruction of black box data and other key evidence.
In addition to black box data, your attorney may also seek access to the truck's onboard communication systems, GPS tracking data, and any in-cab cameras or dash cams. These devices can provide further insights into the driver's actions and the truck's movements leading up to the crash.
Truck Driver Logs Provide Key Insights
Truck drivers must follow strict hours of service regulations that limit their driving time. They must keep detailed logs in paper form or through ELDs.
Examining these logs can reveal violations such as:
- Exceeding daily or weekly driving limits
- Failing to take required rest breaks
- Falsifying logs to conceal excessive driving time
Proving that a truck driver was fatigued or violating hours of service rules can be strong evidence of negligence in an accident claim. Your St. Louis truck accident lawyer can subpoena these records and work with experts to identify any discrepancies or violations that may have contributed to your crash.
Maintenance and Inspection Records Reveal Safety Issues
Trucking companies are responsible for regularly maintaining and inspecting their vehicles. They must keep detailed records documenting this maintenance.
Reviewing maintenance and inspection records can expose issues like:
- Deferred repairs or maintenance
- Defective brakes, tires, or other components
- Improper cargo loading or securement
- Failure to conduct required pre-trip and post-trip inspections
Establishing that a truck was unsafe or improperly maintained can show the trucking company's negligence and strengthen your case. Your attorney can demand these records, analyze them for compliance with federal and state regulations, and consult experts to identify any maintenance or mechanical failures that may have caused or worsened the crash.
Witness Statements and Accident Scene Evidence
While electronic data and company records are invaluable, traditional accident scene evidence is equally crucial. This includes:
- Eyewitness accounts from other drivers, passengers, or bystanders
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions
- Police accident reports detailing the initial investigation and any citations issued
- Physical evidence like torn tire treads, broken vehicle parts, or spilled cargo
Your lawyer will work quickly to secure this evidence, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and document the accident scene before skid marks fade or debris gets cleaned up.
An Experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Building a strong truck accident case requires in-depth knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations and the ability to uncover and analyze complex evidence. At Finney Injury Law, we have the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, gather critical proof, and craft a compelling case for maximum compensation. If you were hurt in a truck crash, don't try to take on the trucking company and their insurance team alone. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers will discuss your case, explain your rights, and fight tenaciously to get you the justice you deserve.