Rob King & Associates, Trail Lawyers | July 26, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries and major property damage. If you’re hurt in a truck crash in Indiana, proving negligence is key to getting compensation. But what evidence do you need to prove negligence in a truck accident?
Below is a clear breakdown of the types of evidence that can strengthen your truck accident claim.
Police Reports and Crash Scene Evidence
One of the first pieces of evidence needed is the police accident report, which usually includes:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Contact information for drivers and witnesses
- Initial assessment of who was at fault
- Any traffic violations or citations issued
In addition to the police report, crash scene evidence is crucial:
- Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Dashcam footage, if available
- Physical debris or parts from the truck or your vehicle
Collecting this evidence as soon as possible helps preserve details before weather or traffic clears the scene. This information can be important for understanding the conditions during the accident and painting a clear picture of what happened.
Driver Logs and Hours of Service Records
Truck drivers must follow strict rules about how many hours they can drive without resting, so a driver’s logs and their electronic logging device records typically show:
- How long the driver had been operating before the crash
- Whether they exceeded federal hours-of-service limits
- Break times and off-duty periods
If a driver was fatigued due to skipped breaks or falsified logs, this evidence can support negligence claims.
Truck Maintenance Records
Trucking companies have a duty to maintain their vehicles safely.
Maintenance and inspection records can prove:
- Whether brakes, tires, or lights were properly maintained
- If required inspections were skipped or delayed
- Mechanical issues that may have caused or contributed to the crash
The company, driver, or maintenance contractor could all be liable for failing to maintain the truck that caused the accident.
Black Box Data and Electronic Evidence
Most commercial trucks have a “black box” similar to airplanes; this data recorder provides:
- Vehicle speed before and at impact
- Brake usage and timing
- Sudden accelerations or decelerations
- Steering input and lane changes
Black box data can confirm or dispute statements from the driver or company about how the accident happened.
Driver Employment and Training Records
A trucking company’s employment and training records could be used in an accident case to show:
- Commercial driver’s license status
- Past safety violations or crashes
- Company training in safety procedures and defensive driving
If a driver was unqualified or inadequately trained, the trucking company may share responsibility for the accident.
Witness Statements
Witnesses who saw the crash or the trucker’s behavior before the collision can provide powerful testimony, and their statements can describe:
- Whether the driver was speeding or weaving
- Traffic conditions at the time of the crash
- Any sudden lane changes or braking
Gather witness contact information immediately if possible to preserve their statements for your claim. These statements could be key to proving that the other side was negligent.
Expert Analysis
In complex truck accident cases, accident reconstruction experts analyze all evidence to determine fault by using:
- Crash scene measurements and skid mark analysis
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Black box and ELD data interpretation
Expert testimony helps build a strong case when multiple parties deny responsibility or disagree about what actually happened.
Medical Records and Injury Documentation
To recover compensation, you also need to prove your injuries were caused by the truck crash.
Relevant documentation could include:
- Emergency room records and hospital reports
- Doctor’s notes detailing diagnosis and treatment
- Medical bills and records of physical therapy
- Photos of visible injuries or mobility devices
These records connect your injuries to the crash and show the full impact on your health and daily life, which can be essential to prove you’re entitled to compensation.
Contact Our Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers for Help Collecting Evidence to Support Your Case
Gathering these pieces of critical evidence quickly can strengthen your case and improve your chances of getting fair compensation. If you’re hurt in a truck crash, consider contacting an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers. We can help collect, analyze, and present the evidence needed to prove negligence and protect your rights.
For more information, please contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, today.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
22 E Washington St #310
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
