Black box data
Much like commercial airplanes, a truck has a "black box" that records all vital data such as the truck's location and the speed it was traveling at during the time of the crash. This information could be critical to your claim, as it can provide undeniable proof of speeding and violating traffic laws. Disputing the data revealed from a black box will be hard for the trucking company's insurance to do when they have concrete evidence of liability laid out in front of them.
Hours of service log
As a requirement by law, most truck drivers must keep a record of their hours. This is called the "Hours of Service" log. If a driver falsifies the information in this log, or fails to record it, there can be serious consequences. Sadly, because drivers are usually on such a tight schedule, they often skip mandatory breaks, which can lead to a sleepy driver at the wheel and easily result in an accident. It's important to note that trucking companies are only required to keep these logs for a limited time, so it is incredibly important that you obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. Electronic devices are often involved in recording this data, and thus it is critical to have expert attorneys working on your side.
Recorded maintenance
Any work or servicing that the truck underwent could be of importance to us. These records could indicate problems with the vehicle, or defects, that contributed to the crash. They could also indicate negligence on the trucking company's side if these errors existed but were not serviced or if the truck did not undergo recommended routine maintenance.
Hiring history
A trucking company has a responsibility to hire drivers who will not put others at risk on the road. A hiring record can easily show if a new, inexperienced driver was at the wheel that day. The same is true of a truck driver with a history of carelessness behind the wheel, or a history of substance abuse. The trucking company may be responsible for letting a negligent driver loose on the road. Someone without proper training in truck driving is a hazard to everyone, as is the case with a driver who has a history of carelessness, and it is the company's responsibility to make sure that their drivers are properly screened in all respects.
Take action today
If you or a loved one have been in a truck accident, you need representation now. In Dover and Portsmouth, there is a law firm you can trust to be on your side when these unfortunate incidents occur. Contact us and our dedicated truck accident attorneys will be waiting to give you a free, private consultation about your case.
