Large 18-wheelers are extremely dangerous in accidents. Such collisions often cause severe injuries to multiple drivers, and it can take a long time to investigate the aftermath. An attorney can help you evaluate your damages and take legal action to get fair financial compensation from those responsible.
To prove your claims in a lawsuit or insurance claim after an accident with an 18-wheeler, you need the strongest evidence possible. Medical records and testimony from medical experts or your treating physician may be paramount to proving your injuries. Photos of the accident scene, dashcam videos, security camera footage, and witness testimony can help us piece together how the accident happened. Many large trucks are equipped with event data recorders that track a wide range of data points that can be used to prove how the accident occurred.
Get a confidential, free case evaluation from our Las Vegas, NV truck accident lawyers by calling Mitchell Rogers Injury Law at (702) 702-2622.
Evidence to Prove Your Injuries After an 18-Wheeler Accident
Evidence is the beating heart of your case, and we need to gather as much as possible to prove your claims and get you the compensation you deserve.
Medical Records
A huge part of our evidence will likely be your medical records. These records may help us prove how badly you were hurt and how much your medical treatment cost. We can work with the hospital where you were treated to get copies of your official medical records.
Photos of Injuries
Juries may be more convinced of your injuries if they can see them for themselves. In many cases, plaintiffs have recovered, at least somewhat, by the time of their trial. However, if we have photos of your injuries taken shortly after the accident, the jury may be more willing to believe your claims.
Your Testimony
Your testimony may be paramount to proving your injuries in court. While medical records and photos of your injuries can be powerful evidence, only you may be able to explain how your injuries have affected your life. Many truck accident injuries are so severe that they affect the victim’s quality of life. Your testimony about how your life has changed may greatly help your case.
How Do I Find Evidence of the At-Fault Trucker’s Negligence in Nevada?
Finding evidence to prove how the trucker caused the accident can be challenging, but your lawyer can help make the process easier.
Truck Company Records
A great place to find information about the trucker is from records maintained by their employer. Trucking company records may indicate whether the trucker was properly trained and certified and whether they have a history of negligence on the road.
Event Data Recorders
Large trucks and 18-wheelers are often equipped with event data recorders, also called “black box” devices. These devices are programmed to record numerous data points about the truck and the trucker’s driving. Rates of speed, rest periods, and the exact moment a trucker hits the brakes are all recorded. Such data may help us prove how the trucker was negligent.
Dashcam and Security Camera Videos
Video cameras are everywhere nowadays, and trucks and cars are no exception. Your vehicle or another driver’s car might have a dashcam that recorded the accident. Many large trucks might also have their own cameras for security reasons. These videos may show exactly what caused the accident and may be among the most powerful evidence in our arsenal.
What Evidence Can I Collect on My Own for a Nevada 18-Wheeler Accident?
You may collect some evidence on your own. In many cases, drivers may begin looking for evidence almost immediately after the accident.
Photos of the Accident Scene
One way to gather evidence is to take pictures of the accident scene after the crash. Most people have a camera on their phone that can take high-quality pictures. Take as many pictures as you can while you wait for help to arrive. You never know what important details you might capture on camera.
Records of Expenses
You may also keep thorough records of your accident-related expenses. You can save all receipts from purchases related to the accident. You should also save things like hospital bills and vehicle repair bills. These receipts and records of expenses will be necessary to assess your economic damages.
FAQs About Evidence in 18-Wheeler Accidents in Nevada
Where Do I Find Evidence for My 18-Wheeler Accident Case?
Evidence may come from almost anywhere, but it commonly comes straight from the accident scene. Photos and videos from the crash, eyewitness testimony, and information from the truck itself may be very useful evidence.
How Much Evidence Do I Need for an Accident Case with an 18-Wheeler?
You must have enough evidence to meet your burden of proof. In civil cases, this is proof by a preponderance of evidence. Put another way, we must prove it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable for the accident.
Do I Need an Attorney to Help Me Gather Evidence?
Plaintiffs are not required to hire lawyers, but proceeding without one is a bad idea. An attorney knows what kind of evidence you need to prove your claims and how to get it, and they can help you gather evidence after an accident.
How Long Do I Have to Gather Evidence?
We must have at least some evidence to back up your claims when we file the initial complaint, which must be filed no later than 2 years after the truck accident. While we may be able to continue gathering evidence after the case is filed, it is best to get the evidence we need as soon as possible.
What Are Some Common Pieces of Evidence in Truck Accidents?
Evidence in truck accident cases commonly includes video footage, photographs, medical records, witness testimony, trucking company records, and data from black-box event data recorders.
What Happens if I Cannot Find Evidence to Support My Claims?
If you have trouble finding evidence, we can review police reports from the crash to see if the police uncovered any evidence we do not know about. The report itself is inadmissible as evidence, but it may lead us to other evidence we need to prove your claims.
Speak to Our Nevada Truck Accident Attorneys if You Were Injured in a Crash
Get a confidential, free case evaluation from our Winchester, NV truck accident lawyers by calling Mitchell Rogers Injury Law at (702) 702-2622.