How Can Dashcam Footage Impact Your Truck Accident Case?
Dashcam footage plays a critical role in determining liability in vehicle accidents, especially those involving commercial trucks. If you contact a highly qualified lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. promptly after an accident, we can secure valuable evidence from the truck’s dashcam and its event data recorder (EDR), often referred to as the vehicle’s “black box.” This device holds essential details about the truck’s operational history, including maintenance records, speed, braking data, and the sequence of events before the crash.
Prompt action is critical because the trucking company at fault may already be steps ahead, raising the risk of evidence being misplaced or manipulated. Our legal team is experienced in handling the most complex truck accident cases. We know the opposing side’s tactics and can build a strong case on your behalf using dashcam footage and other vital evidence to protect your legal rights.
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The Role of Dashcam Footage in a Truck Accident Case
Commercial truck accident claims are rarely straightforward. Even with evidence pointing to the truck driver’s fault and the trucking company’s liability, their insurer may claim your own actions contributed to the accident, aiming to minimize or deny your compensation.
Trucking companies often equip their vehicles with dashcams to enhance operational efficiency. However, these recordings can also serve as key evidence to demonstrate that the accident was caused by the truck driver’s or the trucking company’s negligence, including that of third-party vendors.
A commercial truck’s dashcam can capture the following details:
- Your vehicle traveling in its respective lane in the event of a rear-end collision
- Your adherence to the speed limits
- The truck sideswiping your vehicle as it passes
- A truck from ahead veering into your lane
Additionally, dashcam footage can document the immediate aftermath of the crash, including the following:
- Any apologies made by the truck driver.
- Any aggressive behavior from the truck driver.
- Signs of drug or alcohol use based on the truck driver’s behavior.
Dashcam videos are essential in establishing fault, offering indisputable evidence if the footage is clear. It may significantly influence the outcome of your case, underlining the importance of seeking a skilled truck accident lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. as soon as possible.
Other Types of Evidence to Prove Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Beyond dashcam footage, proving liability in a truck accident case often requires a multifaceted approach, employing a variety of evidence types to build a compelling case. The following are key forms of evidence that can significantly strengthen a case against a truck driver or trucking company:
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
Most commercial trucks are equipped with ELDs that record driving hours, ensuring compliance with hours-of-service regulations. These logs can reveal if a driver was on the road longer than legally permitted, suggesting fatigue could have contributed to the accident.
Maintenance Records
Maintenance records can indicate whether the trucking company neglected proper upkeep, potentially leading to mechanical failures that caused the accident.
GPS Tracking Information
GPS data can provide precise details about the truck’s route, speed, and behavior immediately before the accident.
Cell Phone Records
If there’s reason to believe the truck driver used a cell phone at the time of the collision, records can be subpoenaed to prove the driver was texting or calling, thereby contributing to the collision.
Eyewitness Testimonies
Statements from parties who witnessed the accident firsthand can offer crucial insights into how it occurred. Eyewitness accounts can corroborate other evidence or provide new perspectives on the events.
Accident Reconstruction Analysis
Professionals in accident reconstruction can use the available evidence to recreate the circumstances of the crash. Their analyses can help clarify the dynamics of the accident, providing a clearer picture of liability.
Cargo Load Documents
Documents detailing the cargo’s weight, distribution, and securing methods can prove negligence in cargo handling.
Police Reports
Responding officers’ official accident reports often contain a preliminary assessment of fault based on their observations and initial investigation at the scene.
Medical Records
These records can link the accident directly to the injuries, reinforcing claims of the truck’s liability for the damages.
As soon as you contact the lawyers of Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we will initiate an investigation into the truck accident, gathering the necessary evidence to prove the negligence of one or multiple parties.
Speak With the Truck Accident Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
From securing dashcam footage and ELD data to coordinating with accident reconstruction experts, the lawyers of Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. know how to strengthen your truck accident claim. We have over 30 years of experience representing truck accident victims and are prepared to fight for you.
