Important Evidence in Truck Accidents

When a commercial truck accident upends your life, evidence becomes your most powerful ally in seeking justice. Gathering comprehensive evidence quickly establishes the foundation for a successful claim, as some documentation can disappear within days after a crash. Here are some of the most important pieces of evidence in truck accidents, and how they can support your future claim.

Electronic Data Recorders

Modern commercial trucks contain electronic data recorders—also known as black boxes—that capture operational data like speed, braking patterns, hours of operation, and mechanical issues. This objective digital evidence often reveals whether a driver was speeding, braking erratically, or operating beyond federally mandated time limits. 

Driver’s Logs

Federal regulations require truckers to maintain detailed logs of their driving hours, rest periods, and vehicle inspections. These records help determine if driver fatigue contributed to your accident, as the law limits commercial drivers to 11 hours behind the wheel after 10 consecutive off-duty hours. Discrepancies between electronic logging devices and handwritten records often expose violations of these important regulations.

Inspection and Maintenance Records

Trucking companies must follow strict maintenance schedules and keep detailed records of all repairs, inspections, and known mechanical issues. These documents can reveal if the company neglected required maintenance, ignored known safety issues, or failed to address mechanical problems. Missing inspections or postponed repairs often indicate negligence that contributed to equipment failure and ultimately your crash.

Police Reports

The responding officer’s report provides an official account of the accident, including initial observations about causation, citations issued, and statements from all parties involved. This document establishes the official record of your accident and often contains the officer’s professional opinion regarding fault and contributing factors. These reports carry significant weight with insurance companies and courts.

Photographs and Videos

Visual evidence captures details that might otherwise be lost. Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, cargo spills, and your injuries help preserve the accident scene before it changes. Traffic cameras, dashboard cameras, or security footage from nearby businesses may have captured the collision itself. This visual record helps reconstruct the accident and contradict false narratives about how the crash occurred.

Witness Statements

Unbiased accounts from bystanders who observed the accident provide an invaluable perspective. Witnesses may have noticed details you missed during the traumatic collision, such as the truck driver using a phone, driving erratically before the impact, or violating traffic laws. Make sure to collect contact information from witnesses at the scene, if you are able to do so—these individuals could provide valuable testimony later on.

Medical Records

Your medical records directly connect the accident to your injuries and establish their severity. Documentation from emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation services, and mental health support quantify your medical expenses and justify your right to certain damages. With this evidence, you can prevent insurance companies from claiming your injuries existed before the accident or resulted from unrelated causes.

Protect Your Rights with a Utah Truck Accident Attorney

If you were involved in a truck accident, seek legal representation from our St. George accident attorneys right away. A Utah truck accident attorney knows exactly what evidence to gather and how to preserve it before it disappears. Your attorney can immediately send evidence preservation letters to trucking companies, secure expert analysis of the crash scene, and handle the complex investigation while you focus on recovery. Contact a truck accident lawyer in St. George today and begin building your claim for compensation.