Four Tips for Preserving Evidence After a Commercial Truck Accident in Florida

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) reports that more than 30,000 commercial trucks were involved in accidents in the state in 2023 alone. After a semi-truck crash, it is imperative that victims are able to get justice and compensation for their damages. All successful legal claims are built on a foundation of evidence. It is especially important to proactively obtain evidence after a semi-truck crash. Here, our Miami semi-truck accident lawyer highlights four tips for preserving evidence after a crash in Florida.

Tip #1: Get as Much Information as Possible at the Scene of the Crash 

A lot of the most important evidence related to a truck accident injury claim comes at the scene of the crash itself. Of course, your medical needs come first. That is the top priority. Another high priority is trying to proactively document the crash. You should:

• Get the trucker’s name;
• Get their employer’s name;
• Get the insurance information;
• Take photographs of the truck; and
• Preserve contact details for witnesses.

 Tip #2: Save All of Your Medical Records 

Seeing a doctor is vital for your health, safety, well-being, and your physical/mental recovery. Beyond that, medical records are key for a legal claim. You should preserve every piece of your medical documentation following the truck accident. Relevant records include:

• Initial emergency room visits;
• Medical diagnoses;
• Prescribed treatments;
• Medical bills and medical receipts; and
• All records of follow-up care.

 Tip #3: Seek a Copy of the Police Report (Accident Report) 

All motor vehicles in Florida should be reported to law enforcement. The police report (accident report) is a vital form of evidence for your claim—whether you are bringing a PIP claim, suing the truck company, or both. The police report will typically contain an officer’s objective assessment of the accident scene and often includes determinations of probable cause or fault. You should make sure you know which law enforcement agency handled your crash.

 Tip #4: Use an Attorney to Get Access to Records Held By the Trucking Company 

The truck company often holds a lot of records that will be relevant evidence for your claim. Your Miami truck accident lawyer can help you take legal action to get access to those records. Doing so is time-sensitive. Along with other things, a lawyer can help you take action to seek:

• The truck driver’s logbooks;
• Any vehicle maintenance records; and
• The data from onboard electronic logging devices.

Trucking companies are governed by strict regulations—and the evidence can provide critical insights into the cause of the accident, such as driver fatigue or improper vehicle maintenance.

Call Our Miami Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami eighteen wheeler accident attorneys go above and beyond to fight for justice. If you have any questions or concerns about persevering evidence after a crash, we are here to help. Give us a phone call now or contact us online for a free, no strings attached case assessment. We represent semi-truck accident victims throughout Southeast Florida, including in Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and beyond.

Source:

flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/