What Kind of Evidence Do I Need for a Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit in Brooklyn?

A semi-truck accident in Brooklyn can be a devastating, life-changing event. These collisions can occur with such velocity and force that you might not even remember what happened. How do you gather effective evidence while approaching an injury lawsuit? This is a question you might want to ask an experienced New York truck accident lawyer.

Your Medical Records Are Important After a Truck Accident 

After a truck accident, your medical records represent important evidence. In most cases, this will also be the easiest evidence to gather after your crash. Simply seek treatment as soon as possible and follow your doctor’s advice, and you should have extensive records that detail your injuries. If you fail to seek treatment, these records will not exist, and it could be difficult to pursue compensation.

You May Need to Establish Negligence 

You might need to gather evidence that establishes negligence after a truck accident. This evidence should show that either the truck driver or the trucking company engaged in some kind of irresponsible conduct that directly caused your injuries. If the accident was caused by a negligent third party (such as a street racer), the evidence might focus on their conduct instead.

Trucking Records Could Help in This Situation

During the “discovery” pre-trial phase, you can request trucking documents that might contain useful evidence. For example, a trucking company should hand over maintenance records that show the various repairs and inspections the vehicle underwent before the crash. If the trucking company violated any inspection or maintenance records, this could be a sign of negligence.

Alternatively, the records might focus on the conduct of the truck driver. Perhaps the truck driver failed to take enough breaks before falling asleep at the wheel. If this is the case, then the trucker’s “logbook” should contain evidence of these missed breaks. All truckers must take regular breaks according to federal transport rules.

Evidence could also focus on the hiring practices of the trucking company in question. Documents may show that the company knew the trucker had a history of causing crashes, but hired this individual anyway. This could also be a sign of clear negligence.

You Might Not Need to Present the Evidence in Court

You should know that most truck accident lawsuits are settled outside of court, which means you probably won’t need to present this evidence in court. That said, it will still be useful during settlement negotiations.

Key Takeaways

• You may need to establish negligence after a semi-truck crash in Brooklyn
• You can request access to records like driver logbooks and maintenance reports
• Your medical records also represent important evidence in a truck accident lawsuit

Can a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn Help Me?

A semi-truck accident lawyer in Brooklyn may be able to help if you’re trying to gather evidence after your crash. These incidents can lead to memory loss and time-consuming medical treatment, and you can delegate the legal work to attorneys while you focus on the recovery process. Contact Cohan Law, PLLC to learn more about the next steps.

Sources: 

blog.gettransport.com/de/news/state-authority-road-safety-regulations/

programminginsider.com/how-inexperienced-drivers-contribute-to-the-rise-in-truck-accidents/