Ask a Truck Accident Case Lawyer in New York: What Evidence Is Crucial?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you probably already know the consequences can be catastrophic. You may have spent thousands on medical bills, missed weeks or months of work, or even been diagnosed with permanent disability. In this post, a truck accident case lawyer in New York discusses what evidence is crucial for seeking compensation in truck accident claims.

Why Evidence Is Crucial in Truck Accidents

Like all other legal claims, truck accident cases rise or fall on the strength of the evidence. Truck accidents are complicated affairs with multiple potentially responsible parties, including the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, the cargo loader, and the maintenance company. 

Because the parties rarely want to admit fault after an accident, evidence is essential for making liability determinations. Without robust evidence, you may find it difficult to counter a lowball settlement offer or receive a fair trial in court. The proper proof, however, can help you prove clearly and conclusively that another party was to blame.

Key Types of Evidence in Truck Accident Claims

When you file a lawsuit, your truck accident case lawyer in New York will investigate the crash for evidence to support your claim. The following are five key types of evidence in truck accidents.

1. Photographs

If possible, after a truck accident, you (or someone else in your vehicle) should take photos of the scene. Potentially useful evidence includes pictures of injuries, skid marks, road debris, and damage to vehicles or buildings. Photos of nearby street signs and traffic signals can help identify the accident location.

2. Videos

Videos offer even more vivid evidence of what happened before, during, or after a crash. Potentially useful video evidence may come from nearby traffic cameras, business surveillance systems, or dashcam footage. If you’re not too badly injured, you can also record video footage with your cellphone to help you remember exactly what happened.

3. Witness Statements

If police come to the scene, the officer will typically make a report, including an accident summary. This may prove useful in future compensation claims. During their crash investigation, officers may also talk to any eyewitnesses to the accident.

However, don’t assume that all eyewitnesses will stick around. If you notice that another driver or a pedestrian saw what happened, request their contact details right away so your truck accident attorney can interview them later.

4. Trucking Reports

Another critical type of evidence in truck accident cases is documentation from the trucking company. Companies often hesitate to provide this evidence, but your truck accident case lawyer in New York can help locate and secure it.

Truck drivers and their employers must comply with federal and state regulations. Therefore, they must keep logs of driving hours, break time, and cargo weights to prove compliance. Company maintenance records show whether the vehicle received regular repairs or tune-ups. Any violation of trucking regulations may suggest negligence.

5. Medical Records       

Truck accidents can lead to painful, expensive, and even life-altering injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and broken bones. Medical records serve as proof of your injuries, the treatments you need, and your medical expenses.

Contact a Truck Accident Case Lawyer in New York Today

Contact Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC today if you need legal representation after a truck accident. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights under New York law, maximizing compensation for your injuries, and putting you on the path to recovery.

Call 716-848-8000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident case lawyer in New York.