When you’ve been in a crash with a big truck, things can feel overwhelming. You might be hurt, confused, and unsure of what to do next. However, one of the most important things you can do right from the start is to preserve evidence.
Whether it’s a collision with an 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or any commercial vehicle, preserving evidence is what gives your case strength. Without it, proving who was at fault or how serious the damage is becomes harder. And that can cost you your claim.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why evidence matters, what steps to take right after the crash, and how a personal injury attorney can help.
For personalized advice, please contact Attorney Tyler Monahan, partner at Turner-Monahan, PLLC, to discuss your case.
Why Evidence Matters in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents are different from regular car crashes. They often involve:
- Bigger vehicles (like 18-wheelers or commercial trucks)
- More serious injuries
- Multiple parties (driver, trucking company, insurance companies)
Because of that, you need strong proof to show what happened and who’s responsible. Evidence helps your commercial truck lawyer or big rig accident attorney prove the following:
- The cause of the crash
- The impact on your health and life
- Who is legally at fault
Without evidence, even a skilled trucking accident lawyer may face an uphill battle trying to win your case.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident
Let’s break it down simply. If you’re in an accident with a semi truck, delivery truck, or any commercial vehicle, here’s what you should do to protect the evidence:
1. Call the Police
Always call 911 after a crash. A police report will serve as one of the first official records. It will include:
- Time and location of the crash
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Officer’s initial findings
2. Take Photos and Videos
Use your phone to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- License plates and company logos on the truck
- Injuries (if safe and possible)
This visual evidence can support your truck injury lawyer in building your case.
For thoughtful, trial-tested representation from someone who truly understands what injury victims face, contact Attorney Matthew T. McLain at Turner-Monahan, PLLC.
3. Get Medical Help
Go to the hospital or a doctor, even if you think your injuries are minor. Medical records are key to showing the impact of the crash. Some injuries take time to show up, especially in truck accident cases.
4. Talk to Witnesses
If people saw the crash, get their names and contact information. Your commercial vehicle accident attorneys can follow up later. Witness statements often help confirm your version of events.
5. Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance
You may get a call from the truck driver’s employer or insurance company. Don’t give a recorded statement without legal advice. They may try to use your words against you. Instead, speak with a commercial accident attorney or lawyer for semi-truck accident cases first.
The Power of a Spoliation Letter
One of the most powerful tools your attorney can use is something called a spoliation letter.
What is a Spoliation Letter?
It’s a legal notice sent to the trucking company or any involved parties, telling them not to destroy or alter any evidence.
This includes:
- Driver logs
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Dashcam footage
- GPS data
- Inspection reports
- Drug/alcohol test results
- Employment and driving history of the driver
These documents can vanish quickly. Some companies delete them after 30 days. A spoliation letter forces them to preserve these records or face legal consequences.
Why You Need a Lawyer to Send It
Only an experienced 18-wheeler truck accident attorney or commercial vehicle wreck lawyer will know exactly what to include in this letter. The sooner it’s sent, the better your chances of preserving evidence that could win your case.
Common Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim
Here’s what your lawyer will typically try to gather:
- Black box data from the truck
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Roadside debris or vehicle parts
- Eyewitness accounts
- Medical reports
- Employment records of the truck driver
- Trucking company policies and logs
Real Example: Why Acting Fast Matters
Let’s say you’re hit by a delivery truck. At first, it seems like a simple crash. But later, your neck pain gets worse, and you find out the truck driver had a history of reckless driving. If evidence like his driving record or dashcam footage is gone, your claim becomes weaker.
If your truck injury lawyers had sent a spoliation letter in time, that information would still be available. That’s how fast things can change.
What Happens If Evidence Is Lost?
If you wait too long, trucking companies might legally destroy or lose the data. Without:
- Photos
- Videos
- Medical proof
- Company records
You risk not getting full compensation. That’s why reaching out to an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer early is so important.
Whether it’s a car accident, defective product, or serious injury, Matthew T. McLain brings the skill and compassion you need. Reach out today to discuss your case.
Protect Your Case from Day One – Talk to Turner Monahan PLLC
If you’ve been in a truck crash, whether with an 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or any commercial vehicle, preserving evidence is everything. It’s the foundation of your claim.
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting fair compensation. Don’t wait for evidence to disappear. Don’t talk to insurance companies alone. Talk to a truck accident attorney who knows how to protect you.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys, Tyler Monahan or Matthew McLain, to discuss your case and explore your options. Let us help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to obtain legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PLLC, by signing a written retainer agreement.
