Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and confusing experience. Gathering the right evidence after the accident can make a world of difference when it comes to building a solid legal case. At Foster Wallace, LLC, our Kansas City-based personal injury attorneys are committed to helping you understand what kinds of evidence are most crucial in a truck accident case in either Kansas or Missouri.
Essential Types of Evidence
What Role Do Police Reports Play?
A police report serves as an official account of the accident, including details like the parties involved, statements from witnesses, and initial assessments of fault. If serious injuries or a death occurred because of a truck accident in either Kansas or Missouri, it is likely the Kansas Highway Patrol or Missouri Highway patrol investigated the wreck and potentially even did a reconstruction to determine fault.
Action Step: Always call the police to the scene of the accident to ensure an official report is filed. This can serve as a critical piece of evidence and also give the police a chance to interview potential witnesses and gather critical evidence that may later be used to help your case.
Why Are Medical Records Important?
Medical records can provide indisputable evidence of the injuries you sustained from the accident, and they can also help quantify non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Action Step: Seek immediate medical attention following the accident and request copies of all medical reports and bills.
How Crucial Are Photos and Videos?
Photographic evidence can provide a vivid account of the accident scene, the damages sustained, and even the weather conditions. All these can help establish liability.
Action Step: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you may have.
Additional Evidence to Consider
What About Eyewitness Accounts?
Eyewitness testimonials can offer a third-party perspective on how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
Action Step: Collect contact information from witnesses at the scene, as their accounts may be valuable later on.
How Useful Are Trucking Records?
Driver logs, maintenance records, and employment records of the truck driver can provide additional insights into the truck's condition and the driver’s qualifications and behavior.
Action Step: Consult with your attorney to subpoena these records as part of your legal strategy.
Are Traffic Camera Footages Useful?
If available, footage from traffic cameras can provide an impartial account of the accident and help establish liability. Further, there is a chance that the truck had a video camera in it that should be preserved.
Action Step: Identify any traffic cameras near the accident site and, with the help of your attorney, request access to the footage.
Why Choose Foster Wallace, LLC?
We specialize in truck accident litigation and are committed to helping our clients gather the evidence they need to build a strong case.
Schedule a free consultation with Foster Wallace, LLC to explore how we can assist you in collecting crucial evidence for your case. From the initial investigation to evidence collection, negotiations with insurance companies, and court representation, we provide comprehensive legal services to help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Engage with your attorney regularly to keep them updated on any new evidence or information that may arise.
Why Act Quickly?
Time is of the essence when collecting evidence, especially since some types may become unavailable or less reliable as time passes. According to some statistics, cases with strong evidence have an average settlement rate that is 40% higher than those with weak or incomplete evidence. This statistic underscores the importance of gathering comprehensive evidence for your case.
Action Step: Reach out to Foster Wallace, LLC as quickly as possible to begin the evidence-gathering process immediately.
The evidence you collect after a truck accident can be crucial in determining the outcome of your legal case. Knowing what types of evidence are most useful can be a decisive factor in securing the compensation you deserve. At Foster Wallace, LLC, we're dedicated to assisting you every step of the way.