What Evidence Is Used in Truck Accident Cases?

Seeking financial compensation after a truck accident requires evidence of why the accident happened and who (or what company) is responsible. No matter what happened, if you don’t have the evidence to prove it, you won’t be able to recover the financial compensation you deserve.

10 Types of Evidence Commonly Used in Truck Accident Cases

Various types of evidence can be used in truck accident cases. The specific types of evidence you will need in your case will depend on the specific circumstances involved. With this in mind, some examples of types of evidence commonly used to prove liability in truck accident cases include: 

1. Forensic Evidence 

Forensic evidence includes tire marks, debris, vehicle damage, and anything else that is available at the accident scene to help prove the location, cause, and severity of the collision. Since some types of forensic evidence can disappear quickly, it is important to conduct an on-scene investigation as soon after a truck accident as possible. 

2. Cell Phone Photos and Videos

If you took photos or videos with your cell phone at the scene of the accident, you should keep all of them—they could be important evidence in your truck accident case. If anyone else took photos or videos of the accident’s aftermath, your lawyer may be able to obtain these as well. 

3. Dash Cam Footage

Likewise, if there is dash cam footage of the accident, this footage could be extremely helpful for proving what happened and who (or what company) is responsible. If you have dash camera footage of the accident, you should make a copy to bring with you to your free initial consultation. 

4. Traffic and Security Camera Footage

If your truck accident was captured by a traffic camera or security camera, your lawyer may be able to obtain this footage to use as evidence in your truck accident case as well. Hiring a lawyer promptly will help ensure that this footage doesn’t get erased or recorded over before you have the opportunity to use it. 

5. Eye Witness Testimony

Eye witness testimony can also be valuable evidence in truck accident cases. If other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians can testify as to what happened, their testimony could carry significant weight in settlement negotiations or at trial. 

6. The Truck’s “Black Box” Data 

Many modern commercial trucks have onboard computer systems (or “black boxes”) that record their GPS tracking, speed, braking, and other critical data. If the truck’s “black box” data show that the truck driver was driving recklessly or made a mistake in the moments leading up to the collision, your lawyer may be able to use the data as evidence in your case.

In addition, many commercial trucks have on-board video and audio recording both inside and outside of the cab, as well as other software monitoring systems.

7. Vehicle Damage Analysis

In addition to promptly conducting an on-scene investigation, it is also important to promptly analyze the damage to each of the vehicles involved in the collision. This vehicle damage analysis can provide critical insight into everything from the force of the impact to any defects that may have contributed to causing the collision. 

8. Maintenance and Employment Records

Inadequate maintenance is a common factor in commercial truck accidents. Truck drivers spending too many hours behind the wheel is a common factor as well. If either of these was a factor in your truck accident, the trucking company’s maintenance or employment records might prove it.

9. Cell Phone Records

Distracted driving is a common factor in all types of motor vehicle accidents—commercial truck accidents included. If the truck driver was distracted at the time of the crash, his or her cell phone records could be important evidence in support of your claim for damages. Likewise, if another distracted driver caused the accident, cell phone records could be key evidence in this scenario as well. 

10. Accident Reconstruction 

The science of accident reconstruction involves using the available evidence and data to piece together the events leading up to a collision. If there is enough evidence and data available, accident reconstruction can be extremely accurate, and it can play a critical role both in settlement negotiations and at trial. 

Discuss Your Case with a Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyer for FREE

Evidence is often the deciding factor in truck accident cases. Preserving black box data, maintenance records, driver logs, and scene documentation takes quick action and careful investigation. If this evidence is not secured early, it can be lost.

At Studinski Law, LLC, we have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases across Wisconsin. We understand how trucking companies operate, what records to request, and how to build a case that clearly shows what happened and who is responsible. We take the time to review the evidence thoroughly and explain your options in plain terms.

Contact the truck accident lawyers at Studinski Law, LLC today online or at (715) 515-7993 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly help clients in Plover and all of Wisconsin.