Commercial trucks are enormous. When fully loaded, the tractor-trailers that roll through Stockton, CA can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Large trucks are involved in a disproportionate share of catastrophic and fatal highway collisions. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that approximately 400 people are killed in trucking accidents annually.
If you or your family member was involved in a truck accident, it is crucial that you are able to get justice, accountability, and full financial support. In this blog post, our Stockton truck accident lawyer explains the key things to know about motor vehicle accident liability in California and provides an overview of the evidence that can be used to prove fault.
Background: California is a Fault-Based Truck Accident Liability State
As a starting point, it is important to clarify that California is a fault-based truck accident state. The party who was “at fault” for a truck accident can be held legally liable for the resulting damages. Every truck accident in San Joaquin County should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Stockton tractor trailer accident lawyer. The truck company and its insurer will waste no time in gathering evidence to build a legal defense.
An Overview of the Evidence You Can Use to Prove Liability in a Truck Accident
California operates under a fault-based standard for truck accidents. Injured victims need to be ready to provide comprehensive evidence that demonstrates that the truck driver and/or truck company was at-fault for the crash. Relevant evidence can come in a wide range of different forms. Some notable examples include:
- Pictures: Take photographs of a crash scene and the vehicle damages. These pictures can provide important evidence.
- Eyewitness Statements: Witness testimony matters. Did someone witness your trucking accident? Get their name and contact information.
- The Accident Report: The police should always come to the scene of a large trucking accident. Make sure that you get a copy of the crash report.
- Electronic Logging Devices: An electronic logging device (ELD) may be obtained directly from the trucking company: Black box recording data may also be relevant.
- Inspection Records: Large trucks must be inspected on a regular basis. You may need a copy of the inspection report. A truck that is not properly inspected may be at higher risk of a crash.
- Expert Analysis: An attorney will often consult with an accident recreation expert in serious and otherwise complex trucking accidents. Expert witness testimony can be held to establish liability.
Call Our Stockton, CA Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton trucking accident attorneys are skilled, experienced advocates for victims and their loved ones. If you have any questions about proving fault for a truck accident, we are here to get you justice. Call us or contact us online for a free case review. Our firm represents truck accident victims in Stockton and all of Central California.