Important Evidence To Collect During A Truck Accident Investigation
If you have been hurt by a negligent truck driver, trucking company, or other entity, you can file a claim against the liable party and collect financial compensation. When filing a claim, you must prove that another party was negligent, or careless, and that you were injured as a result. To successfully prove your case, you need strong evidence.
As you are recovering from your injuries, you may not know what evidence to collect, or how you can obtain it, particularly if your mobility has been limited. Below, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer outlines the important evidence that is collected during an investigation.
The Record of Duty Log
The record of duty status (RODS), also commonly referred to as the driver’s log, is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any truck accident claim. This log shows important information, such as the date, vehicle number, the total number of hours the driver was on the road, and the total number of miles driven within one 24-hour period.
By obtaining a copy of the driver’s log, you can determine if a truck driver was on the road for too long, and also see the route they took, making it easier to determine if a driver was impaired or speeding. Truck drivers and trucking companies are only required to maintain records of duty for six months. As such, it is important to speak to a San Antonio truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
The Black Box
The majority of tractor-trailers on the road today are equipped with a black box, technically known as electronic control modules. If the black box is not collected soon after an accident, it may not be available in the future. For example, if a truck is put back into service after an accident, the information within the black box can be overwritten. For this reason, it is important to speak to an attorney who can collect the information from the black box quickly.
Obtaining Evidence at the Accident Scene
Much of the most important evidence regarding a truck accident is at the scene of the crash. Photographs and video footage can show exactly how the accident occurred, and obtaining the contact information of eyewitnesses can also greatly strengthen a claim. Police assistance is usually required after a crash and obtaining the police report they write after arriving is also very useful. Medical documents resulting from on-the-scene care, or immediate care you received afterwards, can also help prove the full nature and extent of your injuries.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Collect the Evidence You Need
A truck accident will leave you with devastating injuries. Right now, you need to focus on getting better, and not collecting time-sensitive evidence important to your case. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer knows the most important evidence to collect and will gather it on your behalf. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can assist with your case.
Sources:
csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=23&sec=69&sub=178
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/logbook-examples-pdf
