Do you run a trucking business? Then you understand the numerous risks associated with this sector. In 2019, 5,005 individuals died in large truck accidents while 160,000 others sustained injuries.
Trucks are an expensive investment. Even a minor crash can push you into a financial setback. But the good news is that you are eligible for monetary compensation to help you cater to the incurred costs.
Let an experienced attorney take you through the claim filing process to ensure that you get the highest value compensation. These documents for truck crashes will streamline the lawyer’s work and increase your chances of winning a truck accident case.
- A Copy of Police Report
You should contact traffic police as soon as the truck crash occurs. The police will immediately head to the accident scene to record your statement and draft a report on how the incident happened.
The report may include diagrams of the directions of the involved vehicles and another relatable aspect to help determine the at-fault driver.
Note that the officers may draw their conclusions on the cause of the accident based on your report. You should be careful not to say anything that could be used against you.
Get a copy of the report to give your truck accident injury lawyer insights into your case. If you cannot acquire a copy of the police report, the attorney can quickly get one on your behalf.
- Your Medical Reports
If you are involved in a truck accident, the chances are that you sustained injuries that require extensive care. Do not assume that you are okay just because you didn’t sustain external injuries.
Let a doctor assess your situation and give you the way forward, considering that you may have suffered internal bleeding or trauma.
Show medical records with a detailed report of the tests done and diagnosis. The medical information will substantially dictate how much you are eligible for compensation.
Besides the immediate treatment bills, the reports give an overview of how long it might take for you to recover fully. This helps in calculating the lost wage and other associated costs such as checkups and medication.
- Witness Statements
It will help if you get statements from those who saw the accident take place. They are likely to give an honest and unbiased report on the events that led to the incident, which comes in handy to help you win the case.
It would be best to get statements from as many witnesses as possible to get different points of view. Also, collect their contact information, such as their names, phone numbers, and email addresses, if you need them to testify in court.
Your lawyer will use the witness statements as part of the evidence to prove that you were not at fault for the truck accident.
- Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
You will need solid proof to show that the truck crash was not a result of your negligence. And there is no better way to prove that than through photos and videos.
You should take clear photos and videos of the accident scene to back up your words. Capture even the tiniest details that could help determine the at-fault party and the extent of the damages.
The essential aspects to capture are the damages on your truck and the other car, including minor scratches. Do not forget to document truck crash injuries if you sustained any.
You may also document your recovery journey from the start. The attorney uses the visual to establish the strength of your case.
- A Copy of Your Insurance Policy
Truck insurance is a requirement in nearly all states. You must have comprehensive coverage before getting on the road. You should carry it everywhere to show that you are not on the road illegally.
Besides a copy of your policy, provide your lawyer with bank statements and checks to show where you are regarding premium payments. This helps the attorney to determine the kind of insurance compensation that you are entitled to.
The truck accident lawyer will also be better positioned to develop a strategy in case you are underinsured. Therefore, it is vital to present all insurance policy-related documents to the lawyer to streamline their work.
- Estimated Truck Damages
Depending on the extent of the accident, your truck may sustain damages. Truck repairs or replacements are expensive ventures, and that’s where insurance comes in to help you cater to the costs.
The insurer dictates how much you should receive depending on the estimates. Although you cannot establish a specific value of truck damages, your truck repairs provider can give you an estimate based on the degree of the crash.
Suppose the truck is severely damaged to the extent of being written off. The insurer compensates you with an amount equivalent to the truck’s market value.
You must offer proof of the truck value plus detailed estimates from the mechanic. Also, your insurance policy must be adequate to pay for the damages.
- Any Served Tickets and Citations
If you have been issued with tickets for drunk driving, talking on the phone when driving, or overspeeding, you should present the documents to your attorney. The police officer gives you the tickets to show that you were violating traffic rules.
On the other hand, if you are not at fault, the officer issues you a citation. This document is critical when proving that you were not liable for the accident.
You should provide the lawyer with the documents in both cases. This will help the law expert to decide the way forward.
Win a Truck Accident Case With the Right Documents for Truck Crashes
Truck accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Talk to your lawyer and let the expert handle the complex processes as you focus on healing.
By providing the attorney with the above documents for truck crashes, you make their work easier and increase your chances of winning the case. Moreover, you are in a better position to get the amount of compensation that you deserve.
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