April 11, 2024

Preserving Crucial Evidence After a Truck Accident in McAllen

Let’s face it—we're all humans. It can be incredibly easy to overlook certain details or otherwise take into account the scene of the accident in the moments that follow. Stress, emotions, thinking about the next steps—all of these things take up mental bandwidth. It is extremely important to take a deep breath and look around, though; the details make all the difference.

Outside of the event of getting into an accident with your insurance adjuster, these claims and court cases are typically handled by people who were not physically present when it happened.

Why is that an important detail? We’re so glad you asked.

It’s important because that means collecting evidence is almost entirely up to you when it comes to proving you’re not at fault and telling your side of the story. Taking photos, talking to eyewitnesses, getting a police report filed, and acquiring a copy of the report afterwards are all pieces of evidence that are readily available to you from the jump.

The Rose Sanders Law Firm - Preserving truck accident evidence.

Why is it Important to Preserve Evidence?

Collecting the evidence after a truck accident is key to piecing together your argument and showing a neutral third party what happened. Every little mark, from the tire tracks in the road to the damage to the car, tells part of the story.

Without this evidence, proving who's responsible for the accident becomes difficult. You’re basically just asking a complete stranger to take your word for it when the time comes to ask for compensation. It seems pretty bleak, doesn’t it?

It doesn’t have to be. Preserving photos, statements from witnesses, documenting the weather, getting a copy of the police report, and collecting any and all details helps your lawyer understand what happened as if they were there.

Let’s give a quick example, photos of vehicle damage can show how hard the impact was and even from which direction it came. A copy of the police report will also take this into account, leading to your story matching the details of an unbiased third party (the police officer). A lawyer will take this information and build a case with it, using it as leverage to negotiate with the insurance agent or prove fault to a jury.

It goes without saying, but not enough proof means your case weakens, making it a real challenge to make the responsible folks answer for their actions.

Key Steps to Preserving Evidence: A Detailed Overview

Document the Scene: Taking Clear Pictures and Videos

If you have the power to do so, take a sickening amount of pictures and videos of everything around. Capture where the vehicles are, how badly they're damaged, what the roads look like, and anything else important.

Why are you being asked to do your best paparazzi impression? It’s pretty simple, you’re showing these photos to people who weren’t there. Verbally describing a situation can be inaccurate, especially if you are the one behind the wheel of the car. It’s the equivalent to showing up to class without your homework and asking the professor to “take your word for it” that you got it done. You just flat out need proof.

Gather Witness Statements: Asking People What They Saw

Obtain the names and contact details of individuals who witnessed the accident. Ask them to tell you what they saw happen. Getting these details from those who saw it all go down can bolster your case—think about it, if half a dozen people tell you a story that shares the same details and events, it makes it more believable, doesn’t it?

When talking to witnesses, try to get as many details as possible. Ask them to describe the accident in their own words and document everything they say however you can. Even the most seemingly insignificant details shared by witnesses can be pivotal in piecing together the true sequence of events.

Retrieve Black Box Data: Finding Clues in the Truck's Recorder

Lots of trucks have something called a "black box" that records important info about how the truck was driving. Getting info from this box can tell us how fast the truck was going or if it slammed on its brakes.

This box acts like an archivist, whose sole purpose is to record data for the trucking company. You can use this to your advantage if you’ve been in an accident with a truck, it can provide details from a mechanical perspective otherwise unattainable.

Preserve Physical Evidence: Keeping Everything Safe

If you can, hold onto things from the accident scene, like pieces of vehicles, bits of road, or even clothes. Holding onto these fragments from the crash might just be what tips the scales in your favor during a legal battle.

Make sure to store any physical evidence in a safe and secure place. Avoid tampering with or altering the evidence in any way, as this could affect its credibility in legal proceedings.

It's best to leave the handling of physical evidence to professionals or experts who know how to preserve it properly.

Seek Medical Attention: Getting Checked Out After the Accident

Even if you don't feel hurt right away, it's smart to see a doctor after an accident. A quick trip to the doctor post-accident ensures you're in good shape and records any harm for future legal needs.

This paperwork is important later on if you need to take legal action.

Don't ignore any pain or discomfort you might be feeling after the accident. Sometimes, injuries can show up hours or even days later.

If you head to the doctor right away, not only will you get your injuries looked after, but you'll also have all the medical documents you need if things go legal.

Every Detail Matters

The importance of preserving evidence after a truck accident cannot be overstated. Much like a sturdy foundation sets up a building to last, getting your case on solid footing from the get-go is key in swinging the scales toward fair compensation.

Stick to the steps in this guide and seek advice from Rose Sanders Law Firm, this sharpens your edge in the fight for fair compensation.

Gathering evidence step by step is like putting together a puzzle, offering a more vivid image of the events that unfolded.

Snapping photos, chatting with witnesses, and pulling data from the truck’s black box—all these moves bring you closer to nailing down a rock-solid case.

Seeking Legal Guidance From The Rose Sanders Law Firm

Navigating the legal process can be confusing and overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At the Rose Sanders Law Firm, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Count on our expert legal squad to step up, fighting passionately for your rights with the personalized focus you deserve.

If you're grappling with the aftermath of a truck crash or any other legal hurdle, know that we've got your back. Reach out to us today at 713-221-3773. Let us help you find the path to a better tomorrow.

Don't settle for less when it comes to your legal representation—choose the best advocates for your needs!