Hit by a commercial truck? Preserve evidence before it disappears.

A commercial truck case can involve dispatch decisions, delivery pressure, unsafe maintenance, overloaded cargo, negligent hiring, or hours-of-service issues. That is why a serious truck crash should not be evaluated like a routine fender bender.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration publishes crash data and safety information that can help explain why truck and bus crashes require specialized investigation.

Trucking companies may have driver qualification files, inspection reports, repair logs, GPS data, telematics, dashcam footage, and electronic control module data. A lawyer may need to send a preservation letter quickly so those materials are not deleted in the ordinary course of business.

If you can safely do it, take photos of the truck cab, trailer, company logo, DOT number, plates, cargo, and road scene. Those details can later identify the correct company and insurance coverage.

Truck crashes can cause major trauma, but they can also cause injuries that worsen over time. A person may leave the scene thinking they are sore and later develop radiating pain, headaches, numbness, or difficulty working.

Medical records should explain not only the diagnosis, but also how the injury affects work, driving, sleep, household tasks, and family care.