Top 10 Questions to Ask a Truck Accident Witness

Truck accidents in California

Truck accidents are some of the most destructive crashes that can occur on the roadway. Catastrophic Injuries Involving Commercial Trucks Because they are so large and heavy, commercial trucks are capable of causing catastrophic injuries, devastating property, and even wrongful death. After a truck accident, the statements of eyewitnesses can be everything when it comes to helping establish fault, bolstering your case and ensuring you’re able to obtain the maximum financial compensation you are entitled to.

Beverly Hills Injury Firm knows how important it is to obtain consistent evidence from the very start. Here are the top 10 questions to ask a truck accident witness so that you’re ready when working with your law firm.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

#2. Where in the Vehicle Were You during the Accident?

The perspective of a witness is crucial. Were they in a vehicle near him? On the sidewalk? Was it coming up behind the truck, or from the opposite direction? Their point of view helps confirm or deny the credibility of what they witnessed.

#3. Did You Witness the Truck Driver Acting Recklessly Just Before the Collision?

Many crashes occur due to truck driver negligence. An eyewitness that saw texting, dangerous lane changing, swerving, driving too fast or too slow could be valuable evidence that the driver was negligent or broke the traffic laws.

OUR CLIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST

GET STARTED

OUR CLIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST

GET STARTED

#4. Was the Truck Labeled or Marked in Any Way?

Is there a business logo, plate number, or USDOT number the vehicle had? This information is important in cases where the trucking company claims no liability or the vehicle left the scene.

#5. Did You hear Anything unusual Prior to or at the Time of the Impact?

Occasionally, witnesses remember hearing the screech of tires, the roar of an engine or the screeching of brakes just before the crash. Such sound evidence can help demonstrate that the truck driver did not respond in time, or acted aggressively.

#6. DID YOU NOTICE ANY MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE?

An observer may have noticed excess weight carried loosely in the bed, flat tires, or smoke coming from the vehicle’s engine. That information can buttress allegations of inadequate vehicle maintenance or an improperly loaded trailer, both of which can be evidence that should make a trucking company legally responsible.

#7. Was the Truck Following Traffic Laws When the Accident Occurred?

Ask if they observed the truck run a red light, ignore a stop sign, demonstrate excessive speed, or block a crosswalk. Any of these actions can be used to prove that the driver was negligent or reckless.

We offer free consultations

GET STARTED

We offer free consultations

GET STARTED

#8. Did You Witness the Accident?

Post-crash behavior matters. Did the truck driver stop to assist victims, pull over and make a phone call or acknowledge fault in any way? Was any evidence tampered with or did anyone attempt to flee? This information could help your case.

#9. Did anyone ay the scene capture videos or photos?

These days, you have many passersby taking phone videos. Ask whether the witness photographed the vehicles, damage, injuries, license plates or road conditions. A vague even blurry picture might end up being an important part of your evidence.

#10. Can I Take Your Contact Information?

Always obtain the witness’s full name, phone number, email, and address (if available). Your lawyer will use this to secure a statement, generate questions for a deposition or secure your attendance in court if needed.

Navigating the Legal Process

Truck accidents are more complex than car accidents and may result in various parties being responsible for the injury, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance company or sometimes the manufacturer. A reliable eyewitness can help your case in the following ways:

- - - - Describing negligent driver behavior
      - Conditions to confirm Condition for unsafe road or weather conditions
      - Recognizing problems with the vehicle or the load
      - Date and injury claims accomplished when you need them

Insurance companies often try to minimize the extent of your injuries, or the fault of their insured in order to pay the least amount possible. Strong, third-party evidence might be just the leverage your lawyer needs to bring the other side to the negotiating table with a more complete and generous offer.

What to Do After a Truck Wreck

Dial 911 and get to an emergency room.

Take pictures or video of the scene.

Identify and talk to any and all witnesses in the vicinity.

Do not tell the insurance adjusters anything.

Contact Beverly Hills Injury Firm for free consultation.
Semi-Truck Accidents Cases are Complicated and High Stakes. With large insurance policies and strong trucking companies on the other side, victims need an aggressive legal team that understands how to push back.
Our Beverly Hills Injury Group has the experience, expertise, and track record to take on commercial carriers and corporate insurance companies. We’ve obtained millions for victims of:

- - - - Jackknife truck accidents
      - Underride collisions
      - Rear-end crashes
      - Rollovers and multi-vehicle pileups
      - Fatigue-related and distracted driving accidents

Let our knowledge service you.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, call Beverly Hills Injury Firm for a consultation. We provide free consultations, and you don't pay us unless we take on and win your case.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

FOUNDER & TRIAL ATTORNEY

Meet Shawn Mangoli

“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”

FREE CONSULTATION