Evidence Checklist After a Truck Wreck

Authored by Bradley A. Pistotnik — well-known and highly experienced Wichita truck accident lawyer; author of the book “Truck Accidents Kill,” and an authoritative speaker on trucking safety.

Coverage: Wichita Metro (Sedgwick County & surrounding communities) and “Western Kansas,” defined here as any county west of a north–south line that runs ~10 miles east of Topeka, bounded by Nebraska (north), Oklahoma (south), and Colorado (west).

At the Scene (If Safe)

• Photos/video: vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, signs, signals, weather/light.
• Truck identifiers: USDOT/MC numbers, carrier name, trailer number, license plate.
• Witness names, phone numbers, and brief statements.

Medical & Work

• All ER/urgent care records, imaging, prescriptions, and referrals.
• Work notes: missed time, wage info, job description; FMLA/HR correspondence.
• A simple daily symptom journal (pain, sleep, limits).

Truck-Specific Records to Preserve

• ECM/telematics event data and downloads; ELD/RODS and supporting documents (49 CFR §395.8(k), §395.11).
• Dispatch messages, bills of lading, load plans, weight tickets.
• Driver qualification file, training records, and company safety policies.
• Maintenance/inspection/repair records and DVIRs (49 CFR Part 396).
• Third-party camera footage (dashcams, storefronts, DOT cams) before it cycles.

How We Use This Checklist

• Send preservation letters day one; coordinate downloads and inspections.
• Build a liability narrative tied to FMCSR and real-world practices.
• Document economic and non-economic damages with credible, consistent records.

For immediate steps after a collision, see our guide on what to do after a truck accident in Wichita. Learn more about preserving critical black box (EDR) data in truck accidents. Understanding Hours-of-Service & other trucking rules helps identify violations early.

Injured in a truck crash in Wichita or Western Kansas? Call Bull Attorneys for a free, confidential consultation. 24/7. We move fast to preserve ELD/telematics and black-box evidence. Call us at 316-684-4400.