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According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 415,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in the United States in 2020. These accidents resulted in 4,444 fatal crashes and countless injuries. When a truck accident occurs, it is crucial to have a team of attorneys on your side to help gather and collect evidence to support your case.
Types of Evidence Collected After a Truck Accident
Evidence collection is particularly important when it comes to truck accidents. Because of the nature of commercial trucks, there are often multiple parties involved in the operation of these vehicles. For example, the truck driver may be an employee of a truck company, and the company may be responsible for ensuring the truck is properly maintained and loaded. Additionally, a manufacturer or distributor may be responsible for defective parts or equipment.
To build a strong case after a truck accident, evidence must be collected quickly and effectively. There are several key pieces of evidence that can assist in determining fault and proving negligence, including:
Driver Logs
Driver logs are an important source of evidence in truck accident cases. These documents contain a record of the driver’s hours, rest periods, and other pertinent information related to their work schedule. They also provide insight into whether or not the driver was compliant with federal regulations.
Maintenance Records
Maintenance records are an important source of evidence in truck accident cases as they provide information on whether or not the truck had recently been serviced and if it met all safety standards at the time of the crash. These documents also reveal if any parts were replaced or repaired prior to the accident, which could help establish liability.
Load Documents
Load documents give insight into what kind of cargo was being transported in the truck at the time of the accident. This can be used to determine if any of the cargo was improperly loaded or weighed, which may have contributed to the crash.
Data from the Truck's Engine Control Module (ECM)
Data from trucks’ Engine Control Modules (ECMs) can help establish the cause of a crash by providing details like speed, acceleration rate, and brake application at the time of impact. This data is invaluable as it can reveal potential violations of applicable laws such as speeding or tailgating.
Justice After Truck Accident Injury with Obenshain Law Group
At Obenshain Law Group, we understand how difficult it can be to try and piece together the events of a truck accident. Our attorneys are experienced in investigating, collecting evidence, and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. We will work with you to seek justice after your injury or loss.
Contact us today at (540) 318-7360 to learn more about how we can help you.
