Any vehicle crash is sure to complicate your life, but one involving a large commercial vehicle is even more complex. In addition to seeking restitution for damaged property, you must ensure your claim accounts for your physical harm.
Since truck accidents often cause severe or permanent injuries, it may serve your interests to reject the first insurance offer you receive. Instead, gather evidence and keep fighting until you obtain sufficient compensation to address all your losses.
What evidence do you need?
Anything that reveals accident liability on the part of the truck driver and the trucking company may give your claim a powerful boost. When insurance companies have evidence supporting your account of the crash, they may be less likely to give you a lowball offer—a common practice among insurers.
Here are four examples of truck accident evidence to collect.
- A police report corroborating the details of the crash
- Surveillance or dash cam footage of the accident
- Black box data showing vehicle operations (speed, braking, etc.)
- Trucking company maintenance, repair and inspection records
Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing whether the driver violated hours of service regulations may also improve your case.
Protect your future
When left with severe injuries, it is usually unwise to assume you won’t need every cent of the compensation you may be due. Many accident victims experience long-term physical, psychological and economic hardships after a traumatic crash.
The compensation you obtain can help you manage and pay for the costs that often continue to impact crash victims long after an accident. Knowledge of Tennessee accident and injury compensation laws can also ensure you receive fair restitution.