If you are hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver of that truck. Other parties may also be liable for damages in your case. You may receive a financial award either through a settlement or by taking the matter to a California court. There are many different lines of evidence that may be used in an effort to obtain a favorable outcome in your proceeding.
Driver statements may be helpful
It’s possible that the other driver may admit to being tired, distracted or impaired at the time of the accident. The defendant may also admit to running a stop light or going through a red light. A police report, cellphone records or toxicology screening may help to verify that the defendant is telling the truth. Anyone who witnessed the event may also choose to give a statement that may further establish that you were the victim of truck driver negligence.
Obtain pictures of the crash scene
Pictures of the crash scene may be used to verify the extent of the damage that was done to your vehicle. They may also make it easier to show that the truck failed to stop at a traffic control device or took other actions that a reasonable person would consider to be reckless.
Video footage from a dashcam, witness cellphone or security camera in the vicinity of the wreck may also illustrate what happened before and after your motor vehicle accident. It may also help to capture the defendant’s demeanor after the crash, which may provide another layer of proof that the truck driver was acting in a negligent manner when the wreck took place.
California law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. The clock may toll if you are incapacitated or otherwise lack the ability to take such action in a timely manner. It is possible for your case to be settled outside of court even after filing a lawsuit or after your trial begins.