Reviewing Truck Company Records After an Accident
The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau believe in building strong cases for their clients. We’ve helped the people of Daytona Beach, FL in countless lawsuits that involve truck accidents, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death. Our attention to detail and diligence offers clients peace of mind during extremely difficult times.
When examining evidence in a large truck accident, it’s important to review any and all records that may be pertinent to the case. Below are just a few records that may come into play during a truck accident lawsuit.
Records on Driver Safety
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps detailed records of drivers and any citations or moving violations they’ve accrued behind the wheel. Trucking companies consult these records when hiring a truck driver. These DMV records may reveal that the truck driver has a history of dangerous behaviors or recklessness behind the wheel; the driver may have even had their license suspended for these actions. The trucking company may have been negligent in hiring an unsafe driver given this information.
Hiring Records at the Trucking Company
On the note of hiring truck drivers, the hiring records at a trucking company can be checked as well. These hiring records may reveal that a truck driver did not have the proper experience or training to be dong their job. In such cases, a trucking company may have been negligent in deciding to employ an under-qualified truck driver.
Records on Driver Performance
Once hired by a trucking company, a driver tends to have a performance record kept by their employer. This includes regular evaluations of job safety as well as general employee evaluations. If a driver has a consistent record of poor performance, complaints, and other kinds of problems, there could be questions about why that driver remains employed with the company.
Records on How Bad Drivers Were Disciplined
Related to driver performance issues, trucking companies will likely have records about any disciplinary actions taken against a truck driver. These records may also reveal that a truck driver who does their job poorly was not subject to any disciplinary measures, which may lead to questions why this was the case.
Delivery Schedules for Truck Drivers
Truck drivers need to work long hours in order to make deliveries on time. There is usually a schedule for these deliveries kept at trucking companies. A review of these records may reveal unrealistic or even unsafe demands of truck drivers, forcing them to work longer than the law permits. Practices such as these increase the risk of driver fatigue and make collisions far more likely.
Vehicle Maintenance and Service Records
The fleet of trucks kept by a company require regular service and maintenance to ensure they function properly. That goes for tire rotations and changes, fluid checks, and monitoring the steering and brake systems. Maintenance records could reveal that a vehicle was not properly checked, or has gone too long without a tune up. This lack of maintenance may have contributed to a collision.
Building a Strong Case
During the discovery phase of a truck accident lawsuit, an attorney can note all of the evidence and documents provided and build a strong case for you and your loved ones. As the litigation process progresses, your lawyer can also determine if it is better to take a legal settlement or go to trial.
Contact the Lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau
To learn more about your legal rights and options following an accident with a large truck, be sure to contact our team of injury accident attorneys today. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau are here to help you in your time of legal need.