It’s common to have many thoughts go through your head after a truck accident. While seeking medical care should be the first thing you do following a New York truck accident, the next is to gather evidence. The more evidence you have for your claim, the better chances you will have to maximize your compensation and recover damages.
In this blog post, we cover what evidence to gather after a New York truck accident.
Photographs
Photographs can help preserve evidence. It’s best to capture images immediately following an accident. Otherwise, the city may clean up crucial evidence before you can collect and document it.
Take photographs of the damages to each vehicle. Even capturing pictures of street signs or points of interest can help investigators pinpoint the exact location of the accident. Check if there are any tire marks or strewn debris on the road and snap photos of these items too.
In addition to damages to your vehicle and the truck, be sure to capture photographs of any street or building damage. Collecting evidence as soon as possible is the best way to protect your legal rights following a New York truck accident.
Videos
Videos can offer even more insight and evidence into details of a truck accident. Capture a video of the scene of the accident so you can identify more details later. Adding comments or details to the video can also help you remember critical events.
Video evidence also helps identify any witnesses who may have been present before and during the truck accident.
Medical Records
Medical records can demonstrate the extent of your injuries. In addition, they can let investigators and insurance companies know what injuries you sustained and what treatments you may need.
Medical records can also provide evidence of how much you have to pay for medical treatment.
Witness Statements
Witness statements can be difficult to track down after the accident. If possible, collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses at the scene of the accident.
This information might include names of other drivers who stop, pedestrians who witness the accident, or even store clerks or employees nearby.
A copy of the police report can also be helpful to your case. This document often includes a police officer’s statement as to what they believe led to the truck accident.
Expense Receipts
Truck accidents can lead to other, less obvious costs. For example, you may have to rent a car while yours is in the mechanic shop. If you have to spend time in the hospital receiving medical care, you may need to pay someone to watch your children.
Collecting receipts of all these costs can help demonstrate the effects of the truck accident.
Lost wages are another common expense. You may have to take time off from work to recover from the accident. Collecting W2s or tax statements can show proof of how much you typically earn during a period.
Other unexpected costs that may be a part of your truck accident case include rehabilitation costs, emergency transportation fees, or mental health services.
Keeping a file of this evidence can help you organize everything. Even if you’re not sure yet the extent of your injury and whether legal action is necessary, collecting the evidence is still a good idea.
It’s not always easy to collect evidence following a truck accident, especially when dealing with painful injuries. However, working with a personal injury lawyer can help you gather the needed evidence while focusing on your recovery and settling costs.
Proving Who’s at Fault in a New York Truck Accident
Truck accidents are often severe, leading to injuries like broken bones, internal bleeding, or traumatic head injuries. In addition, some truck drivers may be at fault when a truck accident occurs.
Commercial truck drivers who are fatigued, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or lack the proper training or driving license could be at fault when a truck accident occurs. Therefore, you may be eligible for compensation if a truck driver’s negligence leads to an accident.
New York allows drivers and passengers with injuries to sue for medical bills, property damages, and lost wages. However, to file a successful personal injury case, you’ll need evidence.
In addition to proving who’s at fault, you’ll also have to demonstrate that you have injuries that the guilty party can repay. Building a successful personal injury case requires collecting certain evidence, like photographs, videos, medical records, and witness statements.
Get Help from a New York Truck Accident Lawyer
Gathering evidence to bolster your claim is time-consuming and challenging. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it’s in your best interest to discuss your case with a NY truck accident attorney. An experienced attorney will know how to gather evidence and build your case.
At Brandon J Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in compassion and empathy and want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success, we can get you the justice you deserve.