Truck accidents in Vermont can have a wide range of causes, from the truck driver’s negligence to the careless behavior of another motorist to serious issues involving the truck or the roadway. When a truck accident occurs, it can result in severe and deadly injuries, especially when occupants of smaller motor vehicles are involved in the collision. Given that truck accidents frequently result in debilitating and fatal injuries, it is particularly important to ensure that the at-fault party is held responsible for the harm they have caused. How can you prove fault in a truck accident, and what type of evidence can you use? You will often be able to use more than one type of evidence, but the kind of evidence that will best support your case will depend upon the cause of the truck crash. The following are examples of evidence that may be useful in various kinds of trucking collisions in Vermont.
Witness Statements from the Scene of the Truck Accident
After a truck crash, witness statements can be an important source of evidence for your truck accident claim. Witnesses may be able to attest to seeing the truck driver engaged in driving behaviors that suggested the driver was distracted or fatigued, or even intoxicated. Sometimes witnesses might be able to report that they saw a truck driver texting while driving, or they observed a truck driver consuming alcohol prior to getting on the road. Witnesses also may be able to confirm that a truck driver was driving aggressively on a road or highway.
Truck Maintenance Records
Sometimes truck crashes happen because the truck was negligently maintained. Truck maintenance records are often used as evidence in these types of cases.
Records of Truck Driver’s Hours of Service
Truck drivers must comply with hours of service regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These hours of service regulations are designed to ensure that truckers are getting enough rest and that they are not on the road for an extended period of time without taking sufficient rest and sleep breaks. Drowsy driving is a serious problem among truckers, and records of a truck driver’s hours of service regulations compliance could be used as evidence in your case.
Breathalyzer Test Results Showing Intoxicated Driving
Under Vermont law, truck drivers and other drivers operating commercial motor vehicles are considered to be “operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor” when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent or higher. This number is lower than it is for regular motorists. Results from a breathalyzer test may be useful evidence in your case if you believe the collision resulted from drunk driving.
Photographs of the Truck Accident Site
Taking photographs of the accident scene following a truck crash is important for filing a claim later on. These photographs may be able to show that a significant hazard or defect in the road caused the crash, or they may be used by an accident reconstruction expert to prove a truck driver’s fault or another party’s fault.
Seek Advice from a Vermont Truck Accident Attorney
Do you have questions about building a truck accident case? Or do you need assistance seeking compensation for yourself or a loved one following a serious trucking collision in Vermont? One of the experienced Vermont truck accident attorneys at our firm can speak with you today about your case and your options. Contact Larson & Gallivan Law online or contact us by phone at 802-327-8458.
