A truck accident can happen in seconds. One minute, you’re cruising down the road, enjoying the ride with your kids in the backseat. Next, a truck collides with your vehicle. The sound is deafening, your car spins, and then silence. You know this was not your fault.
But knowing is not enough. You have to prove it. And that needs evidence that should be an undeniable proof that forces the trucking company to take responsibility. That is where truck accident attorneys at Walton Law come in. They know exactly what to look for, what to demand, and how to build a case so strong.
Here is some of the key evidence that is required to prove negligence in a truck accident claim.
Table of Contents
Police Reports and Eyewitnesses: The First Line of Defense
When the police arrive at the accident spot, they take notes. They document skid marks, road conditions, damages, and any statements from those involved. This report can be the first piece of proof that the truck driver messed up.
Eyewitnesses are just as important. Maybe someone saw the truck swerving, speeding, or running a red light. Maybe another driver saw the truck driver on their phone. Witnesses provide real, human confirmation of what happened when the trucking company tries to twist the story.
Black Box and ELD Data: The Truck Tells the Truth
Most commercial trucks are required to have an electronic logging device (ELD) and a black box. These are silent witnesses who record everything:
- How fast the truck was going before impact
- If the driver slammed the brakes or never even tried
- How many hours the driver had been on the road
Fatigue is a huge factor in truck crashes. Suppose the driver ignored federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules and was on the road longer than legally allowed. The ELD data will prove it. If they were speeding or reckless, the black box would have the data to prove it.
Photos, Videos, and Dashcams: The Power of Visual Evidence
A picture is worth a thousand words. But in a truck accident case? It’s worth thousands, maybe millions of dollars.
Photos and videos can capture:
- Skid marks (or the lack of them if the trucker never hit the brakes).
- The angle of impact can help prove how fast they were going.
- Weather conditions that could shut down false excuses.
Medical Records: Proof of Your Injuries
The accident didn’t just mess up your car. It may mess up your life. Maybe you can’t work. Perhaps you wake up every day in pain. Simple things, such as lifting your kids, taking a walk, or even just sleeping, are a struggle now because of the injuries caused by a truck accident.
Medical records can prove the physical and emotional suffering victims have gone through. It can prove:
- Broken bones, spinal injuries, concussions, and whiplash.
- Surgeries, medications, physical therapy, everything you’ve had to endure.
- Long-term complications that could affect you forever.
Why a Truck Accident Lawyer Makes All the Difference
Trucking companies and their insurers are not your friends. They are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. They have a team of experts to delay or dismiss your claim. They’ll deny responsibility. They’ll try to bury the evidence that could prove their fault. That’s why you need a legal professional fighting for you.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents don’t just leave behind wreckage. They leave behind trauma, pain, and an uphill battle for justice. Don’t let them tell you this was just bad luck. It wasn’t. Someone made a choice, a choice that hurt you. Make your own choice. Fight for what’s right. Hire a lawyer to gather all the intricate evidence, prove negligence, and receive as compensation you deserve.
