What Evidence Do You Need After a Trucking Accident?

A trucking accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, costly repairs, and a lot of questions. If you’ve been in one, gathering the right evidence is key to making sure you get the support and compensation you need. Our North Carolina truck accident lawyers can guide you through the entire process, helping you secure the compensation you are entitled to. Below, we’ve outlined the essential types of evidence that can strengthen your case and protect your rights.

Accident Scene Evidence

The moments right after a trucking accident can feel chaotic, but if you’re able, gathering evidence can make a big difference in your case. Here are some important things to collect:

Photos and Videos – Take pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These details can help tell the full story of what happened.

Witness Statements – If there were bystanders, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Their perspective can be crucial.

Police Report – Request a copy of the official police report. It often contains important details that can support your case.

Truck Driver Information

Commercial truck drivers have to follow strict rules to keep the roads safe. Gathering the right information about the truck driver can help strengthen your case.

• Driver’s License and CDL Information – Verify the truck driver’s credentials.
• Employment Details – Get the name of the trucking company and the driver’s employer.
• Driver’s Logbook or Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data – These records can indicate if the driver violated hours-of-service regulations, leading to fatigue.

Trucking Company Records

Trucking companies are required to keep detailed records about their trucks and drivers, and these documents can be crucial in your case. Your attorney can request:

Maintenance and Inspection Records – These can show if the truck was properly maintained or if a mechanical failure played a role in the accident.

Hiring and Training Records – If the driver had a history of violations or lacked proper training, this information could be important in proving negligence.

Dispatch and Trip Records – These records might reveal whether the driver was under pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, which could have led to reckless or fatigued driving.

Black Box Data

Most commercial trucks have an Event Data Recorder (EDR), often called a “black box.” This device captures key details about how the truck was being operated before and during the crash, including:

Speed at the Time of Impact – Shows how fast the truck was going when the accident happened.

Brake Usage – Indicates whether the driver tried to stop in time or if there was a delay in braking.

Steering and Acceleration Data – Provides insight into how the driver was controlling the truck.

Hours of Service Compliance – Tracks how long the driver had been on the road, helping determine if fatigue was a factor.

This data can be powerful evidence in proving negligence and holding the right parties accountable.

Medical Records

Your health comes first. If you’ve been in a trucking accident, get medical attention as soon as possible—even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Keeping track of your medical care is important for both your recovery and your case. Be sure to save records of:

Emergency Room and Hospital Visits – These document the immediate impact of the accident on your health.

Doctor’s Reports and Treatment Plans – Detailed notes from your doctor help show the extent of your injuries and the care you need.

Prescriptions and Rehabilitation Costs – Keep track of medications, physical therapy, and any other treatments you need to heal.

Future Medical Needs – If your injuries require long-term care, these records can help estimate future expenses.

Medical records are key to proving the severity of your injuries and the financial impact of your recovery.

Distracted Driving

If the truck driver was distracted at the time of the accident, phone records can provide valuable insight. Look for:

Calls or Text Messages – Records of calls or texts sent or received during the time of the crash can show if distractions played a role.

Use of GPS or Other Apps – If the driver was using a GPS or other apps while driving, it could be a sign of distracted driving.

Additionally, emails or other communications between the trucking company and the driver might reveal if there was pressure to speed or drive under unsafe conditions. These details could be key in proving negligence.

Speak with a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Trucking accident cases are complex and require thorough investigation. At Whitley Law Firm, we work diligently to secure the evidence needed to build a strong case for you. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, don’t wait—call our North Carolina truck accident lawyers today at (919) 785-5000. It won’t cost you anything to see if we can help.