From the moment that you start working with an attorney following a truck accident claim, you will be asked for three things: evidence, evidence, and evidence. Evidence is one of the most important factors in your case and, without it, you could be left unable to receive compensation for your injuries when you cannot show that the other party is liable for your accident. Unfortunately, there can sometimes be difficulties when trying to receive the evidence needed to move forward with your claim at times. These aspects become even more complicated when you have been involved in a truck accident.
Unique Aspects of Truck Accident Claims
Truck accidents are some of the most unique injury claims that we experience on our roads. Yes, according to research, truck drivers are known for being some of the safest drivers on our roadways due to the training that they sustain. However, large truck accidents still accounted for over 4,900 fatalities in just 2006 alone and these accidents continue to happen on our roads today. Though these accidents can happen for many reasons and be the fault of many parties, it is imperative to understand that you have rights after you have been injured due to the negligence of another party.
Truck drivers have to abide by unrealistic expectations at times, making these cases more complicated. We might be quick to blame a truck driver alone after a serious accident when the reality is that these drivers are typically pushed by companies who do not have a driver’s best interests at heart. Instead, they want to push drivers to meet certain demands, even if it means taking on extra hours or speeding to get from one destination to another. Though federal regulations have been put in place, truck drivers continue to be pushed, which can lead to an uncomfortable situation and cause accidents in the blink of an eye.
Collecting Evidence After a Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you must work on collecting evidence from the very start and acting as quickly as possible to retain your rights during this time. Here are just a few items of evidence that will be vital to your truck accident claim:
- Visible damage that your vehicle has sustained during the truck accident;
- Inspection reports showing that the truck that struck your vehicle was in operable condition at the time of the accident;
- Maintenance logs that show upkeep of the truck, in order to prove that it was in proper working condition and not likely to cause harm on the road;
- Driving logs to ensure the driver had adequate sleep and time off when necessary;
- Cargo loads showing that a truck was not overpacked; and/or
- Any other information, such as protocols that should have been taken during the hiring of a truck driver or during their employment.
The truth is, we want to trust others when it comes to their honesty and our claims. However, truck companies have been known to spoil or destroy evidence after truck accident cases so that they can protect themselves. These moves could leave you in the dust as you attempt to recover financial restitution for your injuries. You know what happened to you and you have rights, which is why you must work quickly to obtain legal help so that you can gain evidence that can help you through this difficult time.
At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, our experienced West Virginia personal injury attorneys have experience in various types of truck accident cases and would like to extend a helping hand to you at this time. You do not want to delay and miss out on bringing your claim against a party who caused you harm. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information at (304) 713-2014.