What Evidence Do You Need for a Truck Accident Case

Why Evidence Is Crucial in Truck Accident Cases

After a serious truck accident, the evidence you collect can make or break your claim. Trucking companies and insurers often move fast to minimize liability — and without strong, well-preserved evidence, victims risk losing the compensation they deserve.

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our Connecticut and Massachusetts truck accident attorneys know what it takes to prove fault and protect your rights. We conduct detailed investigations to uncover every fact and data point that supports your case.

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🔍 Key Types of Evidence in a Truck Accident Claim

1. Police Reports

A police accident report provides an official record of what happened, who was involved, and initial determinations of fault. It typically includes:

• Time, date, and location of the crash

• Road and weather conditions

• Witness statements

• Any citations or violations issued

Our attorneys use this report as a foundational document for building your claim.

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2. Black Box (Event Data Recorder) Information

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) or black boxes that automatically record vital operational data such as:

• Speed before impact

• Brake usage and steering inputs

• Hours of service and rest periods

• GPS location and travel time

This information can reveal if the truck driver was speeding, fatigued, or violating federal trucking laws. However, companies often attempt to delete or overwrite this data — which is why hiring an attorney quickly is essential.

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3. Driver Logs and Employment Records

Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, truckers must keep detailed driving logs documenting hours on duty and rest periods. These records help prove whether the driver was fatigued or violating HOS (Hours-of-Service) limits.

Our legal team also reviews:

• Driver background checks and training certifications

• Employment and disciplinary records

• Drug and alcohol test results

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4. Truck Maintenance and Inspection Records

Trucking companies must maintain strict inspection and maintenance schedules. If poor maintenance caused or contributed to your crash, these records serve as key evidence. We investigate:

• Brake inspections and repair logs

• Tire replacements

• Lighting, signals, and mechanical reports

• Federal and state compliance forms

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5. Cargo and Loading Documents

Improperly loaded cargo is a frequent cause of rollover or jackknife accidents. We obtain:

• Bill of lading

• Loading dock manifests

• Weigh station tickets

• Cargo securement photos and logs

These materials can show whether the trucking company or a third-party shipper contributed to the accident through negligence.

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6. Medical Records and Injury Documentation

After a truck accident, detailed medical evidence connects your injuries directly to the crash. This includes:

• Emergency room and hospital records

• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)

• Doctor and specialist notes

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation reports

• Prescriptions and treatment plans

Maintaining a pain journal can also strengthen your claim by documenting ongoing symptoms and emotional distress.

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7. Photographs, Video Footage, and Witness Testimony

Visual and testimonial evidence helps reconstruct how the accident occurred:

• Photos of the vehicles, roadway, skid marks, and weather conditions

• Nearby surveillance or dashcam footage

• Eyewitness and bystander statements

• Expert accident reconstruction reports

We coordinate with forensic specialists to interpret this evidence accurately.

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🕒 Why Quick Action Matters

Time is critical after a truck crash. The trucking company’s defense team may attempt to destroy, conceal, or alter records. In both Connecticut and Massachusetts, evidence preservation letters and spoliation notices should be sent immediately to prevent tampering.

The statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits is two years (CT) and three years (MA) — but key evidence can vanish within days if not protected.

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⚖️ How Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers Can Help

Our attorneys are experienced in handling commercial truck accidents across Connecticut and Massachusetts. When you hire our firm, we:

• Send immediate preservation requests to trucking companies

• Secure black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records

• Reconstruct the crash using forensic experts

• Negotiate with insurers and litigate aggressively when necessary

You pay nothing unless we win your case.

📞 Call 800-PERKINS today or visit www.800perkins.com to schedule your free consultation.

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🧾 FAQ: Evidence in Truck Accident Lawsuits

1. What is the most important evidence after a truck crash?

Black box data, police reports, and driver logs are crucial. They prove speeding, fatigue, or violations of federal safety laws.

2. Can I access the truck’s black box data myself?

No. Only an attorney with the proper legal authority can request and preserve this data before it’s erased or overwritten.

3. What if the trucking company destroys evidence?

If a trucking company destroys or hides evidence, your attorney can pursue spoliation sanctions, which strengthen your claim and may shift liability in your favor.

4. How soon should I contact a lawyer after a truck accident?

Immediately. Critical evidence can be lost within hours or days. Our firm acts fast to preserve and analyze all available data.

5. What if I was partially at fault?

Both Connecticut and Massachusetts follow comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible for the crash.