There are a lot of reasons why it can be incredibly difficult to win a personal injury case stemming from a trucking accident. If you’re going to have the best possible chance of obtaining full and fair compensation, you’re going to need strong proof that the accident wasn’t your fault. That’s why you’ll need the help of an experienced attorney – actually, hiring an attorney should be one of the first things you should do if you’re in a collision with a truck.
Penn Kestner & McEwen attorneys have years of experience in this area of the law, as well as a deep knowledge of how to give our clients the best chance of getting the money they deserve. We know how to perform a detailed investigation of an accident, gathering the evidence needed to construct the strongest case possible. We also know that there are often multiple parties that can share liability. Our attorneys will pursue all avenues in order to maximize your potential compensation.
We’re ready to talk whenever you are. Give Penn Kestner & McEwen a call at (800) 732-3070 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Your attorney will have many tools at their disposal when it comes to gathering evidence. The following is a quick look at five of the most powerful ones.
1. Black Boxes or In-Cab Cameras
Whenever anyone sees the words “black box,” they will probably first think of the box that rescuers try to recover after a plane crash. But commercial trucks have their own version, one that can record critically important data.
The black box provides much of the information needed to paint a clear picture of how a truck accident took place. For example, it shows the speed of the truck, whether or not the driver hit the brakes before the collision, and much more. The data provided by this instrument can prove to be incredibly powerful in a truck accident lawsuit.
2. Logbooks and Inspection Records
Truckers must follow what’s known as the “hours of service” rule. These rules are meant to try and stem the tide of truck accidents caused by fatigued drivers. Here are just a few of them.
- Truckers can’t drive for more than 11 straight hours, and can’t be on duty more than 14 hours straight.
- Truckers can’t be on duty for in excess of 60 hours over seven consecutive days.
- They also can’t remain on duty for 70 hours or more for an eight-day period.
- Whether they’re on the seven- or eight-day work period, once that time is over a driver will have to be off duty for at least 34 hours.
- Drivers must also rest for no less than 10 hours before they begin their next shift.
Much like the black box, a logbook can be an invaluable piece of evidence in any truck accident case.
Drivers and trucking companies are also required to perform thorough inspections of their rigs before they hit the highway. Trucking companies must perform other maintenance on a regular basis, and must also keep detailed records of all maintenance work. These records can also help prove why an accident took place.
3. Medical Records
A lot of factors contribute to trucking accidents that result in severe injuries. A lack of qualified drivers is one of the biggest, but even seasoned drivers will often make mistakes as well. If you’ve been seriously hurt due to this type of negligence, your medical records may also play a role in helping you obtain maximum compensation.
By keeping all of your records, you’ll be able to help your attorney prove the extent of your injuries. Your records will also give the insurance company a good idea of what kind of treatment you’ll need moving forward. The insurer will also have a clear understanding of what that treatment will cost.
4. Eyewitnesses and Expert Witnesses
No matter what causes a trucking accident, there’s a pretty good chance that someone saw what happened. If you’re able to get the contact information at the accident scene, your attorney will work to get in touch with them and see if they’ll testify. There’s nothing more persuasive than a first-hand account from a witness.
There are other types of witnesses in trucking accident cases as well. These are known as expert witnesses – make sure the attorney you choose has a strong network of them. It could be critically important to your case.
A medical expert, for example, can explain your injuries to a jury in a way that will be completely understandable. They will also be able to clearly spell out how much it will cost to provide the treatment you need – both now and in years to come if necessary.
5. Photo and Video Evidence
Nothing is more powerful than photographs and videos when it comes to proving a personal injury victim’s case. In many instances, they can plainly show signs that a truck driver was speeding at the time of the accident. One of the biggest signs is skid marks. This can clearly illustrate that the driver was acting negligently.
Penn Kestner & McEwen Are Here to Help You Win Your Truck Accident Case
There are far too many accident victims who think they can provide their own legal representation. They figure they’ll win, and they won’t have to share their settlement offer with an attorney. At Penn Kestner & McEwen, we’ve seen way too many examples of people doing this. It doesn’t end well, to say the least.
We have years of experience delivering positive results to our clients. Our attorneys know the tricks that insurance companies, as well as trucking companies, try to play in an effort to reduce or eliminate their liability. But those tricks don’t work with us, because we know how to defeat them.
Learn more about what we may be able to do by scheduling a free consultation. You can use our online form or call (800) 732-3070.
