It can be complicated to prove negligence after a truck accident in Virginia. However, you must prove the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence to obtain the compensation you deserve after an accident. The trucking company’s safety and accident records can be important evidence that can help win your case.
Why Trucking Company Safety and Crash Records Are Important
If the trucking company has a history of causing crashes, this could help you prove how they caused your collision. In addition, these records can help you show that violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations were a cause or contributory factor in your crash. For example, safety records can help develop an understanding of:
- Truck company’s maintenance history and whether they complied with FMCSA regulations
- Previous crash and safety data and crash reports establishing the cause of prior wrecks
- Any federal or state investigations of the company
- Company’s hiring practices and training and supervision of truck drivers
- Truck company’s compliance with federal hours of service regulations
How to Obtain a Trucking Company’s Safety Records
There are several ways to locate a trucking company’s safety and accident records. To search some databases, you would need to know the name of the trucking company, USDOT number, or Motor Carrier Number. Here are some helpful places to start:
- SAFER. The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) will provide you with a trucking company’s snapshot of their safety record and a more detailed report about their inspection, out-of-service records, crash data, safety rating, and more.
- SMS. The Safety Measurement System (SMS) can provide you with data about crash reports and roadside inspections for the last two years and investigations to identify and intervene with trucking companies that pose the most dangers to safety.
It is best to retain an experienced truck accident lawyer to obtain the trucking company’s safety and accident records and analyze them to determine the cause of your crash. They can also obtain other helpful evidence from the trucking company for you. To find out how we can assist you, call us at 757-265-1214 or fill out our online form to schedule your free initial consultation today.
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