Trucking Company Records Review

Reviewing Company Records to Expose Negligent Actions

Much of the information that exposes trucking companies to negligence claims is available from the trucking company's records.

For instance, the company may be negligent by performing the following actions:

• Hiring drivers without first performing a thorough background check
• Improperly training drivers or hiring drivers who are inexperienced
• Keeping unqualified drivers on staff after flagrant mistakes (ex: drug abuse)

This information can be obtained by examining the truck driver's company file, which would reveal whether the company:

• Made a sufficient investigation into the driver's criminal background and driving record
• Performed mandatory drug and alcohol testing
• Ensured the driver had taken required driving skills tests

How Our Trucking Accident Lawyers Handle Claims

In handling a truck accident claim, our lawyers inspect a complete driving record for the driver from every state where the driver has held a commercial driver's license. We will obtain and inspect the accident report from law enforcement agencies and motor carrier inspection reports from public safety agencies. We then investigate all of the records from the trucking company in order to determine whether they acted negligently and should be held accountable for our client's injuries. Ultimately, we review every relevant piece of information and evidence in order to build the most compelling case.

Driving Records, Accident Reports & Inspection Reports

The information trucking company records may reveal can dramatically influence the outcome of your claim.

For example, trucking companies and drivers have a duty to inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. A company or driver's failure to fulfill this obligation to keep the large commercial vehicle in proper working order and safe condition can be determined by analyzing the company's maintenance records and records of the driver's required safety and equipment checks performed before, during, and after each trip. If a driver's drowsiness is an issue, crucial evidence could be obtained from a company's delivery schedules, which may have encouraged unsafe driving. Evidence could also be gained from the trucker's logbook, which would show how many hours the driver worked, as well as the length and frequency of breaks.

In recent years, information from the "black box" has become helpful in determining the cause of crashes. It can provide information about the truck's speed and brake use at the time of impact. However, because this data is recorded in loops and is frequently erased, it is important to move quickly to preserve this valuable evidence. That's why you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately to protect your right to recover compensation.

Contact Arnold & Itkin immediately to request your free consultation!