Documents Needed for Your Truck Accident Claim
Building a strong truck accident case requires thorough documentation. Here's everything you should gather to maximize your compensation.
Don't Worry About Getting Everything
Your attorney will help you obtain many of these documents. This list helps you understand what's important and gather what you can. The earlier you start, the better.
🚨 Accident Scene Documentation
- Police Report
Request a copy from the responding police department. Contains crucial details and officer observations.
- Photos/Videos of the Scene
Vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, weather, skid marks, debris.
- Truck Driver Information
Name, license, employer, DOT/MC numbers from the truck.
- Witness Information
Names, phone numbers, addresses, and written statements if possible.
- Insurance Information
Trucking company's insurance carrier and policy number.
🏥 Medical Documentation
- Emergency Room Records
Initial examination, diagnosis, and treatment from the day of accident.
- Hospital Admission Records
If hospitalized, all records from your stay.
- Doctor's Notes & Treatment Plans
All follow-up visits, specialist consultations, and prescribed treatments.
- Diagnostic Imaging
X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and radiology reports.
- Physical Therapy Records
All PT sessions, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
- Prescription Records
All medications prescribed due to accident injuries.
- Mental Health Records
If you've experienced PTSD, anxiety, or depression following the accident.
- All Medical Bills
Every invoice from hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, and therapy.
💰 Financial & Employment Documentation
- Pay Stubs (Past 2-3 Years)
Establishes your earning history before the accident.
- Tax Returns (Past 2-3 Years)
Especially important if you're self-employed.
- Employer Statement
Letter documenting missed work days and lost wages.
- Disability Documentation
If you've applied for or received disability benefits.
- Vehicle Repair Estimates/Bills
Or total loss documentation for property damage claims.
- Out-of-Pocket Expense Receipts
Mileage to appointments, medical equipment, home modifications, etc.
🚛 Trucking Company Records
Note: Your attorney will obtain these through the discovery process. They're critical for proving negligence.
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data
The truck's "black box"—records speed, braking, hours of operation.
- Driver's Hours of Service Logs
Electronic or paper logs showing driving hours and rest periods.
- Driver Qualification File
CDL, medical certificate, employment history, violations.
- Drug and Alcohol Test Results
Post-accident testing and employment screening history.
- Truck Maintenance Records
Inspection reports, repair history, and defect documentation.
- Cargo Loading Documentation
Bills of lading, weight tickets, loading procedures.
- Company Safety Records
Prior accidents, violations, FMCSA inspection results.
📝 Personal Documentation
- Daily Journal
Document your pain levels, limitations, emotional state, and how injuries affect daily life.
- Photos of Injuries
Take photos regularly to document healing progress and visible injuries.
- Family Member Statements
How the injury has affected your ability to care for family, participate in activities.
- Pre-Accident Photos
Photos showing your active lifestyle before the accident.
Need Help Gathering Documentation?
An experienced truck accident attorney can help you obtain critical evidence and build the strongest possible case.
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