Essential Proof in an Alaska Truck Accident Case

 

Crashes involving 18-wheelers, semis, and other large trucks are among the deadliest of all traffic accidents, and the risks impact all motorists sharing the road with them. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are more than 60 fatalities and 2,250 victims injured in the 3,700 truck accidents that occur nationwide every year. Fortunately, Alaska laws protect your rights if you were hurt or lost a loved one. If you can prove that the collision was the result of truck driver negligence, you can recover monetary damages for your losses.

Therefore, evidence is essential for obtaining the compensation you deserve. The information you need may come from sources you did not expect, since commercial vehicle crashes are unique in many ways. Your Alaska trucking accidents lawyer will gather the evidence necessary to prove your claim, but you should be aware of the basics.

 

The Role of Evidence in Alaska Truck Accident Claims

In a case based upon negligence, a victim must prove that the incident occurred because the at-fault party failed to exercise reasonable care when acting. A truck crash claim focuses on the careless or unsafe actions by the operator. You may be entitled to compensation if you have evidence showing that the motorist:

  • Ran a red light or stop sign;
  • Was speeding or traveling too fast for conditions;
  • Drove while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or,
  • Failed to yield right of way.

Some of this information you may acquire at the scene of an accident, such as by taking photos of damage, traffic signage, lane markings, and other physical evidence. However, there is additional information that is specific to truck accidents, especially considering the fact that these incidents can be caused by factors that would never be present in a car crash.

 

Evidence for Proving a Truck Collision

Truck operators are bound by strict rules and recordkeeping obligations to enhance safety, but some of these requirements also serve as sources of evidence in a truck accident case. It can be challenging to uncover this information if you do not have a legal background, so trust your lawyer to gain access to:

  • Logs that track the operator’s activities, breaks, and mileage to ensure compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations;
  • Information from the federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, which screens truck drivers for illegal substance abuse;
  • Event data recorders, i.e., a truck’s “black box” that records the operators actions, speed, acceleration, and other actions at impact;
  • The cargo manifest, which may reveal whether the load was too heavy; and,
  • Maintenance records that contain details about inspections, repairs, and other services to the truck.

 

Reach Out to a Skilled Alaska Truck Accident Attorney

Even with information on the types of evidence needed to support your case, it is still crucial to retain experienced legal help for a truck accident claim. For more information on the legal process, please contact Power & Power Law. We can schedule a no-cost consultation to discuss the details at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska.