The truck accident lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are well versed in helping victims of truck accidents. Victims frequently have questions in the aftermath of a crash involving a truck in New York City, wondering if they should have done anything differently. One of the most common questions: Should I take photographs at the scene of the accident? Our attorneys offer our perspective below.
It is very difficult to plan for what one should do if involved in a New York City truck accident. Our reactions, when under a stressful situation like a truck crash, are not the most lucid. Often, we regret failing to do common-sense things after an accident. None of this is surprising because rarely does someone think clearly after a violent, scary collision with a truck.
That being said, photographs at the scene of a New York City truck collision can be extremely significant to your case. The Truck Accident Lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy have handled many cases where clients were permanently injured as a result of a truck driver’s negligence. All too often by the time accident reports are filled out and witnesses are deposed, stories have been “massaged” to downplay or eliminate the culpability of the truck driver. It becomes a concerted effort by an insurance company to avoid financial responsibility for the accident and your injuries. Factors such as where in the intersection the impact occurred and the extent of the property damage can be extremely telling when certain steps are taken.
Photographs of the vehicles as they were positioned at the moment of impact, if at all possible, can be extremely vital especially for the reports and testimony of accident reconstruction experts. Knowing exactly where the collision occurred often tells the story regarding who was at fault. For instance, if the claim is based on a truck making an improper turn in front of oncoming traffic, it is essential to know where in the intersection the impact occurred. Photographs of the scene may also show skid marks which can be used to figure out the time and distance that a driver had to react. It may also establish the speed of the drivers.
Additionally, defendant truck drivers often downplay the severity of the impact, even when they are clearly at fault – such as a hit in the rear of a stopped vehicle, a pedestrian knock down or a negligent side-swipe. Negligent truck drivers will insist that they only tapped the victim’s car or that they were barely accelerating at the time. Photographs of the damage as it appeared at the scene can dramatically rebut these claims by showing the damage to the vehicle and sometimes the crash debris strewn about in the street. This is very effective proof that we as trial lawyers find very persuasive to juries.
Photographs taken at the scene of an accident involving a truck in New York City can be vital to proving a civil case. These pictures often times support the age old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. People ask, what should I try to photograph? The answer is simple. Take as many photographs as possible, including photos of the scene, the area, street signs, traffic signals and signs, road markings like skid marks, debris in the road, the position of the vehicles involved, the property damage, license plates and any injuries.
However it is important not to lose sight of the most important thing: Truck crashes can cause serious injuries and sometimes even death. If you are seriously injured at an accident and in need of immediate medical attention, you should not risk further injury by attempting to photograph the scene.
If you or someone you know has been the victim in a New York City Truck Crash, you need experienced and talented attorneys that know how to win your case and get yu everything you are entitled to under the law. The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy have a long history of achieving record results for drivers and pedestrians injured due to the negligence of commercial vehicle operators. In fact, they have recovered over $700,000,000 in verdicts and settlements for injured victims. If you have any questions, or are interested in a free consultation, you may contact us at 212-736-5300. To learn more about these New York City truck accident lawyers, please see www.blockotoole.com.