Commercial truck accidents involving big rigs, semi-trucks, or tractor-trailers are complex. When pursuing a claim, it is essential to identify all parties responsible for the incident to obtain the full value of the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, you do not have to handle the legal process alone. At Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, we have 40 years of award-winning service, fighting for countless truck and other vehicle accident victims to obtain a favorable outcome.
To prove one or multiple parties are responsible for your injuries and losses, attorney Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman, Jr., Esq. will conduct an in-depth investigation to obtain evidence proving the elements of negligence on your behalf. We utilize recovered black box data, images and video footage, and expert testimony to strengthen your case. Taking on a trucking company’s legal team is intimidating. With Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, on your side, rest assured your legal rights are protected.
Proving Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Proving negligence in a truck accident case involves demonstrating that the at-fault party’s failure to meet a reasonable standard of care was a cause of the accident and subsequent injuries. To establish negligence, your truck accident lawyer will prove the following by evidence:
- Duty of care: Establish the at-fault party and/or parties owed a duty of care, which shows he or she had a legal responsibility to act in a manner that reasonably prevents harm to others on the road.
- Breach of duty: Illustrate that the at-fault party and/or parties breached their duty of care by failing to act as a reasonable person or professional driver would under similar circumstances. This includes actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws.
- Causation: Prove that the liable party and/or parties’ breach of duty caused the accident, which involves demonstrating his or her actions or negligence were a significant factor in the collision.
- Damages and injuries: Provide evidence of actual damages, such as death or personal injuries, medical bills, property damages, lost wages, and other losses resulting from the accident.
Working with an experienced lawyer makes a significant difference in the outcome of your case, as he guides you through the legal process and builds a powerful case to seek the compensation you deserve.
Types of Evidence Required to Prove Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Holding truck companies liable for accident injuries and losses involves gathering and presenting evidence that proves the negligence of the parties involved. The lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, collects the following on your behalf to build a strong case:
- Police reports: Obtain the official police crash report detailing the accident, as it provides vital information about the sequence of events and initial assessments of fault.
- Eyewitness statements: Collect statements from individuals who observed the accident occurring, as his or her unbiased accounts help establish fault.
- Accident reconstruction: If necessary, consult accident reconstructionists who analyze the evidence and recreate the accident to determine liability.
- Driver logs and records: Request truck driver logs, which reveal if he or she was adhering to regulations regarding rest breaks driving hours, vehicle inspections, and more.
- Maintenance records: Examine the truck’s maintenance records to see if any known mechanical issues contributed to the accident or if the trucking company was negligent in not keeping up to date with necessary repairs.
- Black box records: Trucks often have electronic record-keeping devices that record driving behavior, speed, and other data, which helps determine liability.
- Surveillance footage: If the collision occurred in an area with surveillance, obtain any footage that captured the accident.
- Cell phone records: If distracted driving is suspected, retrieve cell phone records to show if the driver was using his or her phone at the time of the accident.
- Expert testimony: Healthcare providers, trucking industry specialists, and other experts provide expert opinions on liability, what contributed to the accident, and damages.
- Violations of regulations: Determine if any violations of federal or state trucking violations occurred, as this helps establish negligence.
Truck accidents result in catastrophic injuries. Do not risk your chances of a favorable outcome by handling your case on your own. At Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, we know how to fight for you to obtain the full extent of the compensation you deserve for a full recovery.
Speak With the Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC
If a truck driver, commercial truck company, or other negligent party caused you to suffer injuries in an accident, speak with the lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, as soon as possible for an assessment of your case. Attorney Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman, Jr., Esq. was named to The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury during 2007-2024 and was voted its “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury by his peers in Southeast Virginia in 2022; and Waterman Law Centers has been listed as a Metropolitan Tier 1 Best Law Firm for Personal Injury in U.S. News & World Report for 2021-2023.
Schedule a no-cost consultation today by calling (757) 881-9881 or filling out a contact form.
