Evidence That May Strengthen Your Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Claim

When a trucker falls asleep behind the wheel, they put everyone around them at risk of serious injury or even death. Thankfully, those who do end up getting hurt—or their surviving loved ones—are usually entitled to take action in the aftermath.

If you were recently hurt in a large truck crash and you think drowsy driving was to blame, you may also have grounds for a claim. In order to recover a payout, though, you’ll have to present sufficient evidence of liability.

While the facts of the case will certainly influence what kinds of evidence you’ll need, the most valuable pieces of proof will likely include the following:

1. Driving Logs

As long as they haven’t been altered, the trucker’s driving logs could serve as the foundation for your claim. If these logs indicate an hours of service violation—i.e., if the trucker failed to take adequate breaks between shifts to rest—it’s reasonable to assume drowsiness played a role in the wreck.

2. Black Box Data

Information from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR) could further bolster your argument of an hours of service violation. EDRs, or what are more commonly called “black boxes,” log all kinds of operational variables.

Since black box data is far more detailed than the information included in driving logs, it may also reveal what happened in the seconds leading up to the crash. And if this data shows the trucker failed to do anything to prevent the collision—if they didn’t even apply the brakes, for example—you can probably make the case that they fell asleep behind the wheel.

3. Statements from Accident Reconstruction Experts

Accident reconstruction experts are highly trained professionals who can usually determine what caused a wreck by evaluating footage from the scene. If you managed to photograph the aftermath of the crash, your legal team will give these images to such professionals to review.

4. Eyewitness Testimony

When it comes to truck accident claims, testimony from those who actually witnessed the incident can prove invaluable, especially when it corroborates the victim’s own telling of events. Potential eyewitnesses include other motorists—and their passengers—who were in the vicinity at the time. Cyclists and pedestrians who were nearby may also be able to speak on what happened.

If you recorded the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses before leaving the scene, give this information to your legal team. If not, don’t worry; there are other ways to get in touch with eyewitnesses. For example, responding officers may have noted their contact details in the official police report.

Discuss Your Case with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Minneapolis

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we know just how devastating truck accident injuries can be. If you were struck by a commercial driver who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel at the time, we’ll help you gather the evidence needed to hold them accountable. To schedule your free case review with a truck accident attorney in Minneapolis, call 800-770-7008 or complete our Online Contact Form.