Truck accidents happen for many reasons. If a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused your crash, you have a right to file a claim for compensation. Trucking companies aggressively defend these claims, however, and may even try to shift the blame to you. Strong evidence is critical for proving your case. Below, our Columbus truck accident lawyer outlines the most important evidence to collect after a crash.
Black Box Evidence to Preserve After a Truck Accident
Preserving any and all physical and electronic evidence after a collision is key. Work with a lawyer who knows how to preserve such elements as the truck’s black box or even the truck itself. Similar to the black boxes in airplanes, black boxes in trucks record vital information about what the truck was doing in the moments leading up to the crash, including:
- The speed of the truck and any variation in the speed
- The gear shifts in the truck
- If and when the brakes in the truck were used
- The length of time the truck driver had been on the road
- The GPS location of the truck
- Any communication between the truck driver and the trucking company
- Reports filed by the truck driver, such as daily inspection reports
Other Essential Evidence to Preserve After a Truck Accident
Apart from black box data, your lawyer will also preserve paper and electronic records that trucking companies are required to store safely, including:
- Roadside inspection reports
- Daily inspection reports
- Maintenance records
- Annual inspection reports
- Repair records
- Testing records
- A history of the truck driver’s employment and training
- The truck driver’s daily logs
- Any complaints involving the truck driver
How to Preserve Evidence After a Truck Accident
A thorough truck accident lawyer will ensure that any available evidence is preserved by immediately issuing spoliation letters to all involved parties, including the trucking company. Spoliation letters inform other parties that they have a legal obligation to preserve evidence that is relevant to the case, even if they would destroy it otherwise.
Trucking companies often dispose of evidence post-crash to evade liability. However, neglecting evidence preservation, especially after receiving a spoliation letter, exposes them to penalties like punitive damages, legal losses, and even potential criminal charges.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Columbus Can Ensure Evidence is Preserved
If you’re suffering from severe injuries, you may not have the energy or the time to collect important evidence and make sure it is preserved properly. At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus truck accident lawyer can take on this task for you and handle your claim’s legal intricacies. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100 or chat with us online to book a consultation and to get more information.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=22&sec=65&sub=148
