An expanding economy has created an increased need for commercial truck drivers in North Carolina and throughout the country. These drivers are often required to spend long hours on the road to meet their employer’s needs. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there was an increase in most types of large truck and bus accidents between 2016 and 2017. This data indicated that there was a 10% increase in the number of accidents that resulted in fatalities.
It also indicated that there was a 5% increase in the number of accidents that resulted in injuries. Ideally, truck fleet owners will take proactive measures to limit their liability if their vehicles are involved in an accident. For instance, it may be a good idea to subject a driver to a drug or alcohol test if a crash caused a death or serious injury.
Electronic control module data could help exonerate a driver in an accident case. This is because it may tell investigators how fast the driver was going just prior to the crash or if that person attempted to brake or swerve before it occurred. While data can be stored for several months at a time, it can also be easy to delete if a driver or other party isn’t careful.
Individuals who were hurt in an accident caused by truck driver negligence may be entitled to various forms of relief. For instance, it may be possible to obtain compensation for hospital bills, lost wages or lost future earnings. Accident victims who are interested in learning more about their rights after a crash may want to consult with an attorney.