What Truck Companies Do After an Accident
Truck companies have a lot at stake if their drivers cause an accident. According to the Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ), jury verdicts have increased by 335% from 2012 to 2019. Of that amount, 70% are for punitive damages. As a result, some fleets take precautions to protect themselves from lawsuits stemming from an accident. According to the CCJ article, here are some of the steps that truck companies may take to reduce their legal liability:
- If safety managers have a concern about a driver, they may be advised not to put it in writing, since it would be difficult to defend a carrier whose safety officer has noted concerns.
- While a truck’s camera system will show footage from the accident, some fleet consultants recommend not sharing video from inward facing cameras, which can show fatigue, distraction and other risky behaviors.
- In the event of an accident, truck drivers may be provided with specific training to not discuss responsibility with anyone.
- Truckers may also be given a hotline to call from the accident site, which connects them with a representative who guides them in how to answer every question at the scene.
- Companies may dispatch legal counsel directly to the accident site, depending upon its severity.
- Before a police officer arrives, truckers may use “exoneration cards,” something placed in their accident kit, which instructs them to seek out witnesses who will sign the card and corroborate their stance of not being at fault.
Only experienced truck accident lawyers fully understand the intricacies of a truck accident case and can build you an effective case. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a commercial truck and would like to speak with a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney, please contact us to arrange a convenient time to speak.