According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of truck drivers sustain injuries in motor vehicle collisions annually, and the vast majority of these accidents are caused by driver errors. Commercial drivers are less vulnerable than passenger vehicle motorists in traffic accidents, though, because they have height and weight on their side.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that two-thirds of all fatalities that occur in large truck crashes are occupants of smaller cars, trucks, and SUVs. Passenger vehicle motorists can do everything possible to avoid getting into a collision with an 18-wheeler, but it only takes one drunk, drowsy, or distracted trucker to cause a catastrophic wreck.
When such an accident does occur, the injured parties can hold the commercial driver and any other liable parties financially responsible. In order to recover compensation for the damages, though, they must be able to prove fault.
If you were hurt in a large truck crash but are not sure how to prove liability, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional stress that a devastating wreck can place on you and your loved ones. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer in Jackson.
How Can You Prove Liability After a Commercial Truck Accident?
The most effective way to prove liability following a collision with a big rig will depend on the circumstances of the incident. In general, there are certain kinds of proof that can indicate what might have happened and ultimately contribute to the strength of your claim. Such evidence includes:
- Eyewitness testimony;
- Photographs of the scene;
- “Black box” data;
- Records of duty status data;
- Toll both footage or receipts;
- Dash cam footage;
- Surveillance recordings;
- Insight from specialists and experts;
- Official police reports; and
- Vehicle maintenance logs.
How Can You Gather All the Essential Evidence?
Some kinds of evidence are easy for injured parties to gather before even leaving the scene, like photographs of the wreckage and the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. Other kinds of proof may be more challenging to obtain, but a strategic accident lawyer should be able to help.
For example, if the motor carrier is refusing to release the vehicle’s “black box” data, your attorney can request a subpoena for the information. The same applies to the vehicle’s maintenance logs and driving logs.
A lawyer can also obtain testimony from expert witnesses on behalf of clients. An experienced attorney should already have access to valuable resources like accident reconstruction experts so claimants do not have to find them on their own.
If you sustained debilitating injuries in a collision with an 18-wheeler, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. We will handle the logistics of your case so you can focus on recovering. At the end of the day, we are not afraid to take on even the largest motor carriers or insurance providers.
In addition to gathering evidence of both liability and damages, William E. Ballard will help you claim the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages.
Contact us online or call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Jackson. You can learn more about truck crash claims in Mississippi by visiting the USAttorneys website.
Ballard Law, PLLC
108 South President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
