When vehicles collide with large trucks, catastrophic injuries and significant property damage can occur. Victims can hold negligent parties responsible for the harm caused by such accidents. However, the routes to payment can be complicated and stressful.
There are several key elements that must be established in order to recover damages in truck accident lawsuits. Accordingly, plaintiffs typically must gather copious amounts of evidence to support their claims. Furthermore, defendants are usually represented by insurance companies that hire expensive legal teams to shift blame and refute victims’ cases.
In the aftermath of your truck accident, seek help from our truck accident lawyers by calling The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 to assess your case for free.
Establishing Fault for a Truck Accident in Grand Prairie, TX
Establishing fault for a truck accident can be a complex process. There are several types of evidence that plaintiffs may utilize. For instance, the following are all common forms of evidence presented by our truck accident lawyers:
Witness Statements
Witness statements are crucial pieces of evidence in a truck accident case. These statements come from individuals who saw the accident happen or arrived at the scene shortly after it occurred. Witness statements can provide valuable information about the circumstances leading to the accident, the actions of the truck driver, and any other contributing factors. Our team can use witness statements to establish fault by demonstrating that the truck driver’s actions, such as reckless driving or violating traffic laws, directly led to the accident. These statements can also help corroborate other evidence and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the crash at issue.
Photos Taken at the Crash Scene
Photographs taken at the crash scene serve as visual evidence that can be instrumental in proving fault. These photos capture the immediate aftermath of the accident, documenting vehicle positions, road conditions, and damage sustained by all parties involved. Plaintiffs can use these images to reconstruct the accident and demonstrate how it occurred. For example, if the photos show tire skid marks, it may indicate that the truck driver was distracted and failed to brake in time to avoid the collision.
Surveillance Recordings
Surveillance recordings, such as footage from nearby security cameras or dashcams of other vehicles, can provide objective and unbiased evidence of the accident. These recordings can show the sequence of events leading up to the accident and how the truck driver’s behavior contributed to it. Lawyers can use surveillance recordings to establish fault by presenting clear visual evidence of the truck driver’s actions, such as running a red light, making an unsafe lane change, or failing to yield the right of way.
Physical Evidence Found at the Crash Scene
Physical evidence found at the crash scene includes debris, vehicle parts, and any objects that may have contributed to the accident. Lawyers can use this evidence to reconstruct the accident and establish fault. For example, if the physical evidence suggests that a tire blowout occurred because of poor maintenance, it may be presented to show that the trucking company or driver was negligent in maintaining the vehicle. Physical evidence can also help determine if a mechanical failure or defective truck part was a contributing factor.
Expert Witness Statements
Expert witness statements play a significant role in truck accident cases because they provide professional opinions based on expertise in relevant fields, such as accident reconstruction or trucking regulations. These experts can analyze all available evidence, including witness statements, photos, and physical evidence, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the accident. Our legal professionals can use expert witness statements to demonstrate fault by presenting a well-supported analysis of how the truck driver’s actions or other factors led to the crash.
What to Do After Suffering a Truck Accident in Grand Prairie, TX
The aftermath of your truck accident may be highly painful and stress-inducing. Still, there are specific actions you can take that will aid your recovery and improve your chances of recovering damages from another party.
Remain at the Scene and Dial 911
Immediately after a truck accident, it’s essential to remain at the scene and call 911. Staying at the accident scene is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation. Dialing 911 ensures that emergency medical services and law enforcement arrive promptly to assist injured parties, secure the accident site, and gather initial information about the incident. This step is crucial for the well-being of everyone involved and for the subsequent legal process.
Exchange Information with Other Parties
Once it is safe to do so, exchange information with other parties involved in the accident. This information should include names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration, and insurance information. In truck accidents, this information may also extend to the trucking company’s details. This exchange of information is vital because it helps establish a record of the parties involved and facilitates insurance claims and potential legal action.
Document the Scene
Documenting the accident scene is another critical step. This includes taking photographs of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals or signs, and any relevant road markings. These photos can serve as valuable evidence in a subsequent legal case, helping to reconstruct the accident and establish fault. Additionally, you should gather contact information from any witnesses who may have observed the accident, as their statements can provide crucial testimony.
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention after your truck accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical evaluation can diagnose and treat hidden injuries. Medical records also serve as evidence in establishing the extent of injuries and linking them to the accident. Failure to seek medical attention promptly may negatively impact your health and hurt any potential legal claim.
Contact Our Lawyers
Finally, it’s advisable to contact our legal team as soon as possible. We can provide valuable guidance on your rights and legal options, ensuring that you take appropriate steps to protect your interests.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys for Assistance with Your Claim in Grand Prairie, TX
Seek support from our truck accident lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. by dialing (817) 476-1797.