What Info to Collect After a Truck Accident

Situated in the middle of the country, the Centennial State is a hub for interstate commercial transportation involving large trucks, much of which goes smoothly. But there are plenty of cases where things have gone wrong, resulting in traumatic damage. If you or a loved one were in a vehicle accident with a semi-truck, you might be eligible to file a claim against the negligent party. 

Truck accidents can cause devastating and costly injuries. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to truck accidents, and it is essential to have a clear understanding of what caused the collision so you can file your claim against the responsible party. One of the first steps is knowing what info to collect after a truck accident. 

Colorado Truck Accidents

According to the most recent crash statistics from the FMCSA, Colorado saw 1,141 crashes involving large trucks and buses in 2023, resulting in 292 injuries and 50 fatalities. These numbers highlight the significant impact of truck accidents on public safety and the lives of those involved.

According to the most recent national statistics, there were 5,700 fatal crashes involving large trucks which equals 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes. 

What Info to Collect After a Truck Accident

Legal claims involving large trucks can quickly become complicated. There are often multiple parties involved and several factors could have contributed to the accident. Knowing what information to collect in a truck accident can make it easier for you and your attorney to present a strong compensation case. 

In some cases, you may not be able to gather all of the information at the scene of the accident because you might need immediate medical attention. That is alright. There is nothing more important than your health and well-being. But if you can, it is helpful to collect the following after a crash.

Truck Driver Contact Information

It is difficult to receive compensation from someone you cannot find. Ask the driver for important information like their name, birthday, and contact information, or ask to take a photo of their driver’s license. You will also want their insurance information

Witness Testimony

If there were passengers or anyone nearby who witnessed the accident, it is a good idea to get their contact information so they can be reached if you need their testimony. You may also consider getting their email address and requesting a written statement within a week of the accident. Memories fade over time and you can’t be sure when your claim will settle or if it will go to court. If witnesses write out their recollections, the document can be referenced later to jog everyone’s memory. 

Vehicle Specifics

Make sure to obtain details about the truck including the license plate number, the truck owner or leasing company, where it was going, what cargo it held, and any other information you can acquire. Again, photos may help capture this information. 

Police Report

Anytime there is a serious accident, those involved should contact law enforcement. Ask the officer on the scene for a copy of the accident report or the incident number so you can find the report after it’s been put into the police database. In many cases, the officer will also give you a way to contact them or instructions on where to reach out for additional information. 

Photos of the Scene

Photographing the scene of the accident is one of the best methods for collecting evidence and documentation for a truck accident claim. If you have a smartphone and can safely do so, try to take photos of both vehicles from close-up and wide-angle viewpoints. You can never have too many photos, so take one from every angle if you can. One photo might capture a detail that others do not—and that detail might be important later.

How to Preserve Evidence for a Truck Accident Claim

Your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and organize anything you obtain at the scene. They may also request evidence from the truck’s electronic data collection system. There are two different systems. 

• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) record the number of hours the driver spends behind the wheel, which is federally regulated.
• Event Data Recorders (EDRs) are the equivalent of an airplane’s black box and monitor truck systems. 

You need to obtain all evidence in a way that is compliant with the law to ensure its admissibility. You are not expected to understand the letter of the law, which is why an attorney needs to help you determine the best way to acquire and preserve the proof you need. 

Contact Us

The award-winning attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. are experienced negotiators and litigators who know how to take on trucking companies and win. We can help you understand more about what info to collect after a truck accident and the best legal strategy for your case. You’ve been through enough and it is time to receive the meaningful compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.