What evidence should you secure after a truck accident?
Editor • July 12, 2024
In 2022, approximately 161,000 large-truck crashes occurred on U.S. highways, causing thousands of injuries and fatalities. These staggering numbers underscore the importance of understanding your rights if you ever find yourself in such an unfortunate situation.
When navigating the aftermath of a trucking accident, there are two pieces of evidence that can help you strengthen any legal action you may pursue.
Truck black box data
Modern commercial trucks come equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM), or the “black box.” This device records a wealth of information, including the truck’s speed and acceleration. It also captures brake application, engine performance and even the impact and direction of the crash.
The black box data can provide invaluable insights into the circumstances surrounding an accident, potentially revealing unsafe behavior by the driver or trucking company. This evidence is crucial in strengthening your case, as it can help establish liability and fault.
However, it is vital to act quickly to preserve this critical evidence. ECMs have limited storage space and will automatically overwrite previous recordings once they reach capacity. Moreover, trucking companies may deliberately delete the data following an accident.
The driver’s paper trail
Alertness is a critical factor in a truck driver’s line of work. This is primarily why truck drivers in the U.S. are subject to strict guidelines limiting the number of hours they spend on the road without taking mandatory rest breaks.
A truck driver’s logbook provides a detailed record of their activities leading up to the accident, such as hours of service, rest breaks and sleeper berth provisions. This information can be a critical factor in building your case.
Protecting your rights and moving forward
Truck accidents can be life-altering, not just due to the sheer size and weight of these massive vehicles. The impact on victims and their families often extends far beyond physical injuries, affecting their emotional well-being and financial stability. By understanding what evidence to gather after an accident, you can take a crucial step in protecting your rights and rebuilding your life.
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