After a serious Illinois truck crash, you may have photos, a police report and your memory of what happened. However, some of the most useful evidence may be in the trucking company’s hands. Certain records can help show what happened before the collision and whether the driver or the truck contributed to it.
These five types of evidence may be especially useful:
1. Electronic logging device records
Electronic logging device (ELD) data can show a driver’s driving and on-duty time. These records may help determine whether the driver exceeded federal hours-of-service limits or had been on the road for an extended period before the crash.
2. Onboard electronic data
Some commercial trucks have electronic systems that record information such as speed, braking or engine activity. When available, this data may help explain what the truck was doing shortly before impact.
3. Maintenance and inspection records
Trucking companies must keep certain inspection, repair and maintenance records. These documents can show when the truck was serviced and whether safety problems were addressed. Illinois State Police inspection reports may also document vehicle safety issues found during an inspection.
4. Dispatch and trip records
Dispatch records, trip schedules and related documents may provide details about the driver’s route, work schedule and activity before the crash. They can also help clarify the timeline surrounding the collision.
5. Evidence from the crash scene
Your own evidence also matters. Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks and debris can help document the scene. Police reports and contact information for witnesses may provide additional details about how the crash happened.
Identifying important evidence early can protect your options
Some trucking records are not kept indefinitely. For example, federal rules generally require carriers to retain drivers’ records of duty status and related supporting documents for six months. Identifying important evidence early can reduce the chance that useful information becomes unavailable.
Knowing what evidence to look for can help you better understand what happened. Legal guidance can help identify which records matter most in your situation, who has them and what steps may be available to preserve them.