Truck accidents are often more serious than other types of motor vehicle accidents. The size and speed of a semi-truck, combined with often hazardous roadway conditions, can cause life-changing injuries and death.
Accordingly, truck accident legal cases are more serious too. Truck accident litigation often involves special evidence not used in other motor vehicle accident cases. Here are some types of important evidence in truck accident cases.
The “Black Box” and GPS Data
A truck’s black box is a device that records key information about the vehicle, storing data about the location of the accident and the vehicle’s status. Digital data recovered from the truck’s black box can be used by the police, accident investigators, lawyers and insurers.
Black boxes are not required by law, but most trucks have them anyway as part of the vehicle’s engine component system. Many large trucking companies also use satellite systems to track their trucks on the road, and information from those systems can also be used as evidence.
The Hours of Service (HOS) Log
Truck drivers operating commercial motor vehicles are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to limit the time they spend behind the wheel. The truck driver’s logbook—often called the hours of service (HOS) log—tracks the maximum amount of time drivers are permitted to be on duty, including driving time and rest breaks.
The HOS log can be used as evidence to show that the driver did not take the legally required rest breaks and may have been exhausted behind the wheel at the time of the accident.
Trucking Company Records
Trucking company records can also be used as evidence in a truck accident case. These include maintenance and service history records that may reveal manufacturing defects or failure to properly maintain the truck. They can also include employment records that may reveal a driver’s history or employment issues and subsequent disciplinary actions.
Witness Testimony
Witnesses at the scene can also provide important testimony about what happened during the truck accident. Your attorney may attempt to identify the witnesses to the truck accident so they can testify on your behalf in court.
Talk With an Attorney About Your Truck Accident
If you or someone you care about has been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to preserve access to this important evidence by taking quick action. Otherwise, witness memories fade and log books become lost.
Get started by calling the team at Ted B. Lyon & Associates for a free and confidential consultation. Our Dallas law firm has extensive experience in truck accident litigation. Call 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message to get started.
