What Evidence Should Be Preserved Immediately After a Pittsburgh Truck Accident?
A collision involving a tractor-trailer or commercial truck can be very different from an ordinary car accident. One of the biggest differences is the amount of evidence that may exist—and how important it can be to preserve that evidence quickly.
Commercial trucking operations may generate electronic data, driver records, inspection reports, maintenance records, dispatch communications, photographs, video, and other information that can help determine why a crash occurred and who may be responsible.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, preserving evidence should be an early priority.
What Evidence May Exist After a Truck Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, potentially important evidence may include:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) information;
- Engine control module or other vehicle data;
- Driver logs and hours-of-service records;
- Dash-camera or other video;
- GPS and location information;
- Dispatch communications;
- Driver qualification and training records;
- Drug and alcohol testing records, when applicable;
- Vehicle inspection records;
- Maintenance and repair records;
- Photographs of the vehicles and accident scene;
- Cargo and loading records;
- Bills of lading;
- Cell-phone or communication records, when relevant and legally obtainable;
- Police reports and investigative materials; and
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses or residences.
Not every truck accident will involve every category of evidence. The important point is that a serious commercial-truck case may involve evidence far beyond the vehicles themselves.
Why Does Early Preservation Matter?
Some evidence can change, be overwritten, or become more difficult to obtain with the passage of time. Vehicles may be repaired. Surveillance footage may be overwritten. Electronic information may be subject to retention practices. Witnesses' memories can fade.
For that reason, an attorney investigating a serious trucking accident may consider promptly notifying the appropriate parties that potentially relevant evidence should be preserved.
The purpose is straightforward: important evidence should not disappear before the circumstances of the collision can be fully investigated.
The Truck Driver May Not Be the Only Responsible Party
A commercial-truck accident may require investigation of more than the driver's conduct.
Depending on the facts, questions may arise concerning the trucking company, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, training and supervision, or other persons or businesses involved in the truck's operation.
That is another reason evidence preservation matters. The evidence may help identify not only how the accident occurred, but also who may bear legal responsibility for it.
What Should You Do After a Serious Truck Accident?
Your health comes first. Obtain appropriate medical treatment and follow your medical providers' recommendations.
You should also consider preserving photographs, videos, witness information, insurance correspondence, medical records, bills, and other documents relating to the accident and your injuries.
Before giving a recorded statement or signing documents presented by another party's insurance company, consider speaking with an attorney about your rights.
Speak With a Pittsburgh Truck Accident Lawyer
At Frank Walker Law, we represent people and families dealing with the consequences of serious accidents. A trucking case may require prompt investigation before important evidence becomes unavailable.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision involving a tractor-trailer or commercial vehicle, contact Frank Walker Law to discuss the circumstances of the accident and your legal options.
If you found this information helpful, please like and share this article with your network. Someone among your friends, family, or colleagues may need this information after a serious truck accident.
About Frank Walker Law
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.
Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.