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Why Do Attorneys Research Truckers’ Employer Records?

Published on Jun 10, 2022 at 8:09 pm in Truck Accidents.

Why Do Attorneys Research Truckers' Employer Records?

When a truck driver is involved in an accident, attorneys often research the driver’s employer records as part of their investigation on behalf of a motorist who was hurt in a truck crash. This is because a trucker or its employers can be held liable for accidents that occur.

There are many reasons why a truck driver’s employer records might be relevant to a tractor-trailer accident investigation. For example, if the employer has a history of safety violations, this could suggest that they were aware of the dangers their employees were facing and did not take adequate steps to protect them. Alternatively, if the employer failed to comply with federal regulations, this could suggest that they were negligent in their duties and contributed to the accident.

A truck accident lawyer can build a case against an employer by investigating its safety record and compliance with federal regulations, helping their clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Reasons Attorneys Research Trucker Employer Records

There are many reasons why an attorney might choose to research a trucker’s employer records. Some of the most common reasons include:

To Determine Their Safety Violation History

One reason is to determine whether the trucking company has a history of safety violations. If the tractor-trailer operator has been cited for safety violations in the past, then this may point to potential liability for a crash. A violation history also helps to establish a pattern of negligence on the employer’s part.

Investigate Driver Training and Qualifications

Another reason an attorney might research an employer’s records is to investigate the driver’s training and qualifications. Truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a tractor-trailer. To get a CDL, drivers must pass a written exam and a skills test. The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, during which the driver must identify any potential safety hazards with the vehicle.

If the employer did not properly train the driver or check their qualifications, they may be held liable for the accident.

Determine if the Employer Followed Federal Regulations

Trucking companies are subject to federal regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). These regulations govern everything from the maximum number of hours a driver can work to the maintenance of the vehicles. If the employer violated any of these regulations, they may be held liable for the accident.

For example, the DOT requires trucking companies to keep records of their drivers’ hours of service. These records help to ensure that drivers do not exceed the maximum number of hours they are allowed to work in a day or week. If the employer did not keep proper records, they may be held responsible for an accident that occurred as a result of driver fatigue.

Investigate the Employer’s Overall Safety Record

Another reason to research an employer’s records is to investigate their overall safety record. This includes looking at the number of accidents and violations that the company has been involved in over a period of time. If the company has a history of accidents and violations, they are more likely to be responsible for the accident.

What Types of Records Will an Attorney Request?

There are a variety of records that an attorney may request when investigating an employer. These records can help establish a pattern of negligence on the employer’s part and help prove their liability in the accident. Some of the records that an attorney may request include:

Driver’s Logs

This log includes information on the number of hours the driver has worked and the amount of rest they have had. This information is important in determining whether the driver was fatigued at the time of the accident.

Maintenance Records

Another type of record that an attorney may request is the maintenance records for the vehicle. These records include information on the last time the vehicle was serviced and any repairs that were made. This information is important in determining whether the vehicle was safe to operate at the time of the accident.

Inspection Records

The inspection records for the vehicle are also important in determining its safety. These records include information on the last time the vehicle was inspected and any defects that were found. This information is important in determining whether the vehicle was safe to operate at the time of the accident.

Employment Records

The employment records for the driver are also important in determining liability. These records include information on the driver’s training and qualifications. This information is important in determining whether the driver was properly qualified to operate the vehicle.

Accident Records

The accident records for the company are also important in determining their liability. These records include information on any accidents that the company has been involved in. This information is important in determining whether the company has a history of accidents.

Violation Records

The violation records for the company are also important in determining their liability. These records include information on any violations that the company has been involved in. A truck accident lawyer may request a trucker’s motor vehicle report and any other documentation necessary to ascertain whether they have violations in their personal life as well.

These are just some of the records that an attorney may request when investigating an employer’s liability in a truck accident. These records can be critical to proving liability in a  truck accident case.

What To Do if You’re Involved in an Accident With a Truck Driver

If you are involved in an accident with a truck, it is important to know what to do. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.

An experienced truck accident attorney will know how to investigate the accident and will be able to obtain the necessary records to prove the employer’s liability.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a truck, contact our experienced lawyers at Prince Law Firm. Our attorneys have been helping truck accident victims for decades, and we can help you too.

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