Data Recording Devices are found in many tractor trailors today. Data retrieved from on board vehicle computers can at times be the only means of ascertaining accident causation under certain circumstances, ie., when fatalities occur. One case involved a sole survivor, the truck operator, who alleged the deceased driver of the passenger car was at fault. The data recorder in his truck proved otherwise.
What you may not know is that legislation limits the period of time that the data contained in the truck recorder must be saved. We have handled cases where the trucking company has destroyed the data outside the six month period even when they were aware of multiple deaths, and pending litigation.
Do not trust the promises of the insurance company that they will retain all evidence and treat the victim fairly. Their bottom line is to save costs, and the trucking company will not voluntarily produce any information unless forced to.
The trucking company and their insurers will be on the scene of the crash at the same time of the investigating police agencies. They are not in a search for the truth, but are looking for reasons, or defenses, why they should not pay.
Please visit our website and contact our law firm. We have vast experience in holding the trucking companies and their insurers accountable. We often find violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which played a role in causing the catastrophy.
Helpful resource links include www.safersys.org. www.fmcsa.dot.gov. www.ntis.gov