The Most Important Evidence to Collect After a Truck Accident in Montana
Truck accidents in Montana can cause catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and long-lasting financial consequences. Whether your crash happened on I-90, a rural county road, or in downtown Bozeman, preserving evidence is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights.
At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, PLLC, our Bozeman truck accident lawyers know that gathering the right evidence early can make or break your case. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical evidence to collect after a commercial truck accident in Montana.
1. Information Exchange at the Scene
Immediately after a crash, try to gather the following information from everyone involved:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers
- Insurance and registration details
- Commercial truck information (license plate, USDOT number, company name)
If you’re unable to collect this yourself due to injuries, ask a witness or responding officer for help. This info lays the foundation for future investigations.
2. Accident Scene Documentation
Documenting the crash scene is essential for preserving facts that may fade or disappear over time.
Photos and Videos
Take detailed photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
- Roadway conditions (ice, snow, debris, skid marks)
- Traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
- Vehicle damage, license plates, and company logos
Accident Diagrams
Sketch the scene if possible, including the position of vehicles, direction of travel, and impact points.
Police Crash Report
Request a copy of the official police report. This typically includes:
- Officer observations
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Preliminary fault determinations
Insurance companies often rely heavily on this report during their investigation.
3. Medical Records and Personal Injury Evidence
Even if you don’t feel injured right away, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injuries — such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding — may not show immediate symptoms.
Key documents include:
- Emergency room visits and follow-up records
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
- Treatment plans, prescriptions, and rehabilitation reports
- Medical bills and proof of out-of-pocket costs
Your medical documentation links your injuries directly to the crash and helps quantify damages.
4. Truck-Specific Documentation
Unlike regular car accidents, truck crashes often involve layers of corporate responsibility. The following evidence can help determine liability:
Truck Driver Logbooks
Drivers are required to track their hours of service. These logs help determine whether fatigue or regulatory violations played a role.
Maintenance and Inspection Records
These logs can show whether the trucking company failed to repair faulty brakes, tires, or other critical equipment.
Black Box / Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
Most commercial trucks are equipped with ELDs, which record:
- Vehicle speed
- Hard braking or sudden stops
- Time driven and rest breaks
- GPS data
This electronic evidence can clarify how the crash happened and whether the truck was operating safely.
5. Additional Supporting Evidence
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, additional evidence may include:
- Witness Statements: Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
- Dispatch Instructions: These may show whether the driver was under pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
- Driver Employment Records: Past violations, training history, and disciplinary actions can reveal negligence.
- Drug and Alcohol Test Results: If the driver was tested after the crash, those results may be admissible.
An experienced attorney can send preservation letters to the trucking company to ensure this time-sensitive information isn’t lost or destroyed.
6. Why You Need a Montana Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple parties, including the driver, their employer, third-party contractors, and insurance companies all trying to minimize liability.
At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, PLLC, our Bozeman personal injury lawyers have decades of experience navigating complex truck accident claims in Montana. Our team acts quickly to investigate, preserve evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, don’t wait. Contact Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, PLLC for a free case review. We’ll evaluate your claim, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.