If you need to file a truck accident claim in Alabama, preserving evidence of liability will be critical to your recovery. Filing a successful claim requires proof of who (or what company) was at fault, and this means that you need as much evidence as possible.
What evidence is needed to prove a truck accident claim? The answer to this question depends on the specific circumstances involved. Truck accidents can happen for a variety of different reasons, and the reason for your (or your loved one’s) truck accident will play a major role in determining what evidence is needed.
10 Potential Types of Evidence in Alabama Truck Accident Claims
With this in mind, here are 10 examples of potential types of evidence in Alabama truck accident claims:
1. Forensic Evidence at the Crash Site
Forensic evidence at the crash site can take many different forms. Tire marks, debris on the shoulder, and damaged signs or guardrails are just a few examples. After a truck accident, sending an investigator to the crash site to preserve any forensic evidence as soon as possible can be critical for protecting victims’ and families’ legal rights.
2. Damage to the Truck
When you have a truck accident claim in Alabama, you have the right to inspect the truck for damage. The location and extent of the damage to the truck can provide key insight into why the accident happened and who (or what company) is to blame.
3. Damage to the Other Vehicle(s) Involved
The same is true of the damage to any other vehicles involved in the crash. This includes your (or your loved one’s) vehicle as well as any other vehicles involved in a chain-reaction accident or multi-vehicle pileup.
4. Eyewitness Testimony
Any other drivers or passengers who were involved in the accident or who saw the accident happen may be able to testify as to why it occurred. While eyewitness testimony won’t necessarily be sufficient evidence on its own, eyewitnesses can help paint a picture of what happened and provide insight into what other evidence might be available.
5. Cell Phone Photos and Videos
If any witnesses took photos or videos of the crash site—or if you or your loved one took photos or videos after the accident—these could serve as key evidence in support of your truck accident claim. While conducting an on-site investigation is critical, photos and videos can also provide clear proof of the circumstances involved in the crash.
6. Traffic or Surveillance Camera Footage
If your (or your loved one’s) truck accident was captured on video, the footage of the accident could be among the strongest pieces of evidence in support of your truck accident claim. If footage exists, your truck accident lawyer will be able to seek to obtain the footage on your behalf.
7. The Truck’s GPS and Telematics Data
Most modern commercial trucks are equipped with GPS trackers and onboard computers that capture various forms of data in real time. If it appears that speed, late braking, or any other driving-related factors played a role in the crash, your lawyer can seek to obtain the truck’s GPS and telematics data to prove it.
8. The Truck Driver’s Phone Records
Distracted driving is a leading cause of all types of vehicle collisions—truck accidents included. If the truck driver was talking on the phone, texting, watching videos, or scrolling social media at the time of the crash, his or her phone records should prove it.
9. The Truck Driver’s Driving Log
Fatigue is a common factor in commercial truck accidents as well. Despite federal regulations that limit how many hours truck drivers can spend behind the wheel, many truck drivers continue driving long after it is time to take a break. The truck driver’s driving log should show whether he or she had been behind the wheel for too long.
10. Maintenance Records and Other Forms of Documentation
From the truck’s maintenance records to the truck driver’s credentials and accident history, various other forms of documentary evidence may be available as well. When you hire an experienced truck accident lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will work to collect all available forms of evidence to build a strong case for the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with an Alabama Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Do you need to know more about providing your legal rights after a truck accident in Alabama? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly. During your FREE initial consultation, our attorneys will listen to your story, assess the merits of your claim, and explain your legal rights and options.
Contact Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC today online or at 844-654-6228 for a FREE case evaluation. With offices in Dothan and Mobile, we represent accident victims throughout Alabama.
