What Kind of Evidence is Used in a Truck Injury Case?
Being injured in a collision with a semi-truck is one of the most jarring things that can happen to a person. In the aftermath of a truck accident case, victims are often distressed about how they will be able to recover from the incident — physically, emotionally, and financially.
If the truck driver was at fault for the collision, an injury victim may choose to pursue legal action in the hopes of receiving compensation for their pain and suffering. Truck accident cases present an opportunity to prove the negligence of the driver (and their employer) through the investigation of legally required records of their travels.
Trip Logs and GPS Information
Federal regulations mandate that anyone who drives a commercial 18-wheeler must keep a record of their trips. There are maximum caps on the hours a truck driver can travel in a day, so this record-keeping is a way to identify any violations. The hour caps are in place to protect others on the road against the dangers a fatigued driver can cause: If a trucker drives for too long, they can get tired, and make mistakes as a result. Proof that there was a violation or long hours driven without any brakes, can be used as evidence of a driver’s negligence. Or, if the driver was ordered to work long hours by their employer, the trucking company could be liable. Data from a GPS can also be used as proof that driver fatigue contributed to an accident.
Maintenance Records
In addition to documenting their driving hours, truckers are also required to keep records of any maintenance that was performed on their vehicle. Commercial 18-wheelers are subject to regular safety inspections and tune-ups and must address any issues promptly. Keeping a semi-truck in running order is the responsibility of drivers and their employers, so any negligence related to maintenance could be the fault of a trucking company too.
Maintenance issues can also be attributed to defective truck parts. Designers and manufacturers are responsible in these cases — an investigation into their production and safety testing processes could uncover proof of negligence.
Black Box Data
The “black box” is a device in trucks that gathers information about the vehicle’s operations: Data on driving time, speed-driven, seat belt use, airbag deployment, and other elements are all stored in the black box. This data can be used as another way to prove driver fatigue or maintenance issues as a factor, but can also provide insight into what the driver was doing when the accident happened.
The experienced legal team at B&D Law Group understands the complexities of truck accident cases. We are prepared to apply our knowledge to your case and tailor our strategy to your individual needs. Contact us now to discover your options!
We are available for free consultations via phone at (888) 977-2238, or you can schedule an appointment through our message form.