This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by JR Krebs following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. JR Krebs, the Founding Partner, has years of legal experience as a Personal Injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced truck accident lawyers help victims build strong claims after serious truck crashes in Alabama. Winning a truck accident case depends on one thing above all else—evidence. Trucking companies and their insurers often move fast to protect themselves, so it’s critical to collect and preserve proof before it’s lost. Every photo, report, and log entry can help establish who was at fault and how the crash occurred.
Traffic Safety Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 114,552 large trucks were involved in injury crashes in 2023, resulting in 153,452 people injured and 5,472 fatalities nationwide (NHTSA, 2023). In this guide, we explain what types of evidence can make or break a truck accident claim.
Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accidents. These crashes often involve commercial trucks, multiple drivers, and several layers of insurance coverage. Each trucking company must follow strict federal safety regulations, and even a small violation can prove negligence. Strong evidence helps our legal team show exactly how the crash happened and who caused it. It also strengthens the case when negotiating with the trucking company’s insurance company for a fair settlement. In short, reliable proof is what allows us to recover full compensation for truck accident victims.
In any personal injury claim, the victim has the “burden of proof.” This means we must provide clear evidence that the truck driver or company acted negligently. To win, we gather documents, reports, and testimony that connect their actions to your injuries. Our experienced attorneys know what to look for and how to preserve key details like driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data. The stronger the evidence, the easier it is to establish liability and recover damages through a truck accident lawsuit.
To succeed in a truck accident case, we must show four key elements:
At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we use every piece of crucial evidence to meet these legal standards and fight for the justice our clients deserve.
Building a successful truck accident claim requires collecting a wide range of evidence. At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand that each piece of proof helps us show who caused the crash and how it happened. Together, these details allow us to prove negligence, document damages, and recover compensation for our clients. Because evidence can disappear quickly, our legal team works fast to preserve it before trucking companies or insurers can alter or destroy it.
A police crash report is one of the first key documents in any truck accident litigation. It includes citations, witness names, and descriptions of the crash scene and vehicles involved. This official record often helps establish who violated traffic laws or federal safety regulations.
Medical records and expenses confirm the extent of your injuries and the cost of your medical care. These documents help link the accident to your treatment and show your financial losses. Detailed medical proof strengthens your legal claim and helps calculate full compensation.
Eyewitness statements and accounts from nearby businesses add valuable outside perspectives. They help confirm driver behavior, unsafe driving, or actions that caused the crash. Witnesses can also fill gaps left in the police report.
Photos, dashcam footage, or surveillance from nearby businesses provide visual evidence of the accident scene. This material helps accident reconstruction experts determine the truck’s speed, braking, and position at the time of the accident. Visual proof can also show road conditions, weather, or improper loading that contributed to the crash.
Truck accident cases involve more complex evidence than standard car crashes. Commercial trucks are subject to strict federal law and safety rules, so multiple sources of data help prove fault. Our experienced truck accident attorneys collect and analyze this evidence to hold trucking companies and drivers accountable. Each document or device record provides critical evidence supporting your case.
ELDs track a truck driver’s hours on duty, rest breaks, and total time behind the wheel. If a driver violated federal driving-hour limits, this data helps prove fatigue and negligence.
Maintenance logs and inspection records show whether the truck was properly maintained. Problems like brake failure or worn tires can reveal long-term neglect by the trucking company.
The truck’s black box data records the vehicle’s speed, braking, and steering seconds before the crash. This evidence is essential for accident reconstructionists and helps prove how the accident occurred.
Employment records detail the driver’s background, training, and past violations. These records can expose negligent hiring or poor supervision by the trucking company. Our legal team reviews these files closely to establish liability.
Many key records are under the trucking company's control, making it vital to act quickly after a crash. Companies are legally required to preserve evidence, but some may try to delete or hide data that could prove negligence. At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we immediately send spoliation letters to ensure that all maintenance logs, black box records, and cell phone data are preserved. We also work with the investigating agency to collect reports, alcohol testing results, and other critical documents.
Our goal is to gather every piece of proof—from employment records to dashcam footage—that supports your truck accident case. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact our legal team today. We will fight to protect your rights and build a strong case for full recovery.
To win a commercial truck accident case, we must prove negligence with solid evidence. Negligence means the driver, trucking company, or maintenance crew failed to act safely. Common negligent acts include driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or distracted driving. Sometimes, poor truck maintenance records or inspection failures show that safety rules were ignored. Every piece of evidence must connect these acts to the accident caused and the injuries that followed. At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we use these facts to hold trucking companies and negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
In many truck accident claims, expert witnesses play a key role in explaining complex evidence. Accident reconstruction specialists help us understand how the crash occurred and who was responsible. Medical professionals explain how injuries affect long-term health and recovery. Trucking safety consultants review company practices and inspection records to identify violations. Economists calculate future medical costs, lost wages, and reduced earning ability. With their input, our legal team builds a strong case that connects negligence to the damages our clients suffered.
Today, digital proof often plays a major role in truck accident litigation. Dashcam videos, GPS data, and surveillance footage help show how the accident happened. Telematics and fleet management software can reveal driver behavior, truck speed, and route timelines. We also review cell phone records to determine if distracted driving was involved. By combining digital evidence, witness statements, and black box data, we can accurately reconstruct the crash and strengthen your legal claim.
In truck accident cases, timing is critical. Physical and digital evidence can disappear quickly due to repairs, weather, or record deletions. Eyewitness accounts also fade with time, making it harder to prove fault later. That’s why we encourage victims to contact Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible after a commercial truck accident. Our legal team immediately begins collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and securing crucial documents, such as maintenance logs and inspection records. Acting fast helps preserve key proof before it’s lost forever.
Even strong cases can weaken if key steps are missed. After a truck crash, victims often make avoidable errors that harm their claims.
Common mistakes include:
At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we guide clients through every part of the claims process to avoid these mistakes and protect their right to fair compensation.
We follow a clear, proven approach to build each truck accident case. Our legal team begins by collecting and organizing all critical documents, including police reports, employment records, and truck maintenance records. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to analyze evidence and establish negligence.
Using this information, we negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to cooperate, we prepare a comprehensive trial presentation backed by expert testimony and digital proof. Our experience with Alabama law and the courts enables us to fight for truck accident victims across the state effectively.
At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring skill, compassion, and determination to every case we handle. Our experienced truck accident attorneys have helped many victims recover the compensation they deserve after devastating crashes. We offer personalized legal services, transparent communication, and a strong commitment to justice.
Clients never pay upfront fees—our work is based on contingency, meaning we only get paid when we win. With our deep knowledge of commercial truck accident cases and Alabama law, we stand ready to protect your rights and help you rebuild after a serious crash.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Alabama?
You generally have two years from the date the accident occurred to file a legal claim. Acting quickly helps us collect evidence and protect your rights.
What if the trucking company destroys important records?
We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence. If the trucking company deletes records, it can face penalties under federal law and weaken its defense.
What happens if both drivers share fault?
Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule. This means if you share any fault, it may affect your ability to recover compensation—but our attorneys work to minimize its impact.
Can I claim compensation for future medical care?
Yes. Our experienced truck accident attorneys include all ongoing and future medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation costs when calculating fair compensation for your injuries.
How much does it cost to hire Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you.
How long do truck accident cases usually take?
Each case is different. Some settle within months, while complex commercial truck accident cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take longer to resolve.
At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping truck accident victims recover full and fair compensation. Our legal team knows how to handle trucking companies, insurers, and the complex evidence needed to prove negligence. We offer personalized attention and work to ensure every client feels supported at every step of the claims process.
We handle all truck accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. To get started, schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim with our experienced attorneys. Don’t let crucial evidence disappear—contact Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers today to start building your truck accident case.
J.R. is dedicated to providing personalized representation, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. He tailors his strategy to the unique challenges and needs of each client and case, ensuring focused and individualized attention.
His practice mainly covers Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, including car and 18-wheeler accidents, slips and falls, dog bites, defective products, and wrongful death. He also handles commercial disputes on contingency, with experience in contracts, construction, and probate. For any dispute headed toward litigation, J.R. develops an aggressive strategy to maximize your recovery through negotiation, arbitration, or trial.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
