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Evidence Guide
Evidence for Commercial Vehicle Accidents | Attorney Raffi Naljian
Accidents involving commercial vehicles—delivery trucks, company cars, work vans—require specific evidence that may not be relevant in typical car accidents. Attorney Raffi Naljian explains what documentation can strengthen your claim against commercial drivers and their employers. Acting quickly is essential as companies may try to limit evidence preservation.
Hit by a commercial vehicle?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Commercial vehicle accidents can involve employer liability, fleet insurance policies, and company safety records. Raffi Naljian understands how to investigate commercial vehicle cases and preserve evidence that companies might try to hide or destroy. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
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What to Do Next
- 1Document the commercial vehicle's company name and logo
- 2Photograph the vehicle number or fleet ID
- 3Get the driver's information and employer details
- 4Note if the driver appeared to be working
- 5Preserve any delivery receipts or paperwork
- 6Act quickly—companies may access vehicles immediately
- 7Consider sending a spoliation letter to preserve evidence
- 8Consult an attorney who can investigate the company
Evidence Checklist
- Commercial vehicle company identification
- Driver's employee information
- Fleet number or vehicle identification
- Photos of company logos and signage
- Driver's logs and hours of service records
- Vehicle maintenance records
- GPS and telematics data
- Company safety policies and training records
- Previous complaints against the driver or company
- Commercial insurance policy information
Companies have more to lose—act quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not noting the company name and vehicle number
- Waiting too long—evidence can be destroyed
- Assuming the company will preserve evidence
- Not pursuing employer liability
- Missing the commercial insurance policy
- Focusing only on the driver, not the company
- Not requesting preservation of electronic data
How the Process Typically Works
1
Immediate Documentation
Capture company ID, vehicle info, driver details
2
Preservation Demand
Send letter demanding evidence preservation
3
Company Investigation
Research employer's safety record
4
Discovery
Obtain logs, maintenance records, GPS data
5
Liability Analysis
Determine employer and driver responsibility
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Medical expenses for injuries
- •Lost wages and earning capacity
- •Vehicle damage costs
- •Pain and suffering
- •Punitive damages if company was negligent
- •Future medical care
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the company liable for their driver's actions?
Generally yes, if the driver was acting within the scope of employment. This is called vicarious liability and typically provides access to the company's commercial insurance.
What are driver logs and why do they matter?
Commercial drivers must keep logs of their driving hours. Violations of hours-of-service rules can indicate driver fatigue and company negligence.
How do I preserve electronic evidence?
Send a formal preservation letter immediately. Many commercial vehicles have GPS, cameras, and telematics that can be overwritten if not preserved.
What if the company destroys evidence?
Destroying evidence after notice of a claim can result in legal penalties and adverse jury instructions. Document your preservation request.
Why is commercial insurance different?
Commercial policies typically have higher limits than personal auto insurance, potentially providing more compensation for serious injuries.
Time-sensitive evidence may be at risk.
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.