Preserving evidence after an accident is among the first steps you should take to protect your trucking company. It can be the difference between resolving a claim quickly or getting pulled into a long, expensive legal battle. Questions often arise about what happened, who was at fault and whether the trucking company flouted the law.
The clearer your records are, the easier it is to answer those questions with facts rather than guesswork. Here’s what you need to act on immediately after a crash.
Driver logs and related data
Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain hours-of-service records. Don’t wait for a subpoena to retrieve such information. Secure driver logs showing how long the driver was on the road, when they took breaks and whether fatigue may have been to blame. This can help disprove unfounded claims.
Vehicle maintenance records
A worn tire or faulty brake can quickly become the focal point of a personal injury lawsuit. Keep your maintenance records organized and up to date. This includes inspection reports, repair logs and maintenance schedules. Such documentation can help prove the vehicle was in safe operating condition.
Dashcam and onboard video footage
If your truck was equipped with cameras, you may have critical evidence of the crash. Dashcam video can show traffic conditions and whether the other driver contributed to the crash. Act fast on this. Many systems overwrite footage in a matter of days.
Black box data
Your truck’s electronic data recorder holds valuable information that could help your case: speed, braking, throttle position and more. This data is often time-sensitive and may require a professional to extract, so you shouldn’t wait to secure it.
Personnel files and hiring practices
Keep a copy of the driver’s application, motor vehicle record (MVR), employment history, drug and alcohol test results and any certification or training record. These records can show that your company followed proper hiring procedures and provided adequate safety training.
Gathering proper evidence is only half the work done. You need to know how to use it effectively and strategically to strengthen your position. That’s where qualified legal guidance comes into play. Remember, it’s not just about having the facts. It’s about putting them to work for you.