A personal injury law firm in Long Island can tell you that truck accident evidence is critical when you are seeking compensation for your injuries. It is even more significant if you are attempting to hold not only the driver liable but other parties, such as the trucking company, as well.
Accuracy of Truck Data and Reports
One of the major differences between a typical accident involving passenger cars and a crash involving a truck is the type of evidence that can be collected. For instance, many trucks now come equipped with an electronic device, similar to a black box, which can provide helpful information.
These devices can record data related to patterns of speed, the length of time the truck was on the road and other pertinent information. However, one of the potential downfalls to this is that the data could be erased.
Therefore, if you were injured in a truck accident, evidence must be immediately preserved. You can do this by contacting Gacovino, Lake & Associates, personal injury law firm in Long Island, as soon as possible.
Another way to collect evidence after a truck accident is through the driver’s report or logbook. These records keep track of how many hours the driver was on the road. It may include stop and start times, or dates and times of the deliveries made by the driver.
You may be able to calculate the amount of time behind the wheel by figuring out the time between each delivery.
These reports are kept by the driver but should be monitored by the trucking company. Sometimes, however, the reports aren’t accurate. Drivers could be logging in the wrong information just to avoid revealing how long he or she was on the road.
With regulations on how many hours a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle, deceptive practices may be used to avoid liability. Again, it comes down to immediately preserving truck accident evidence. This is something with which a personal injury law firm in Long Island can help.
Especially if you are dealing with a small-time trucker who owns his or her rig, the electronic on-board “black box” is a source of contention. Traditionally, the paper log-books have been accepted, wherein the driver records their own drive time, break time, etc.
Independent truckers do not appreciate bearing the cost of an electronic on-board record keeper, as they can run thousands of dollars. In a case like this, an attorney will know how to proceed.
Avoiding Inaccurate Truck Data and Reports
One of the ways you may be able to avoid inaccuracy in your truck accident evidence is through a spoliation letter. This is something an attorney will compose and send to the trucking company. It is designed to keep the company from destroying any evidence.
A spoliation letter lets the company know that legal action is being taken. It also issues a demand that all evidence (which is usually listed in the letter), is preserved. If there are documents related to the accident, such as a police report, those may be attached to the letter.
Generally, the letter includes information pertaining to the fact the plaintiff has acquired legal counsel. Along with that are basic facts related to the truck crash, such as date and time and what happened regarding the actual accident.
Contacting an Attorney for Help
Although there may be a great deal of information available that can help your case, unfortunately, there is also the possibility it could be destroyed. You may be able to reduce the risk of this happening by consulting a personal injury law firm in Long Island as soon as possible.
The longer you delay seeking legal help, the greater the chance of losing vital truck accident evidence may be. Steps may be taken immediately to protect your legal rights and your claim by calling an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. We can be reached at 1-800-246-HURT (4878).
