How Video Cameras in Trucks can Help Injured Accident Victims
There is a relatively new trend in commercial trucking involving video cameras in the trucks. Many commercial trucks have had cameras facing the road for some time, however, many companies have recently been installing cameras that face the driver. Some of the larger trucking companies have instituted this practice, thereby increasing the pressure to do so throughout the industry. [1]
While truck drivers are speaking out against these cameras and claiming they are an invasion of privacy, the cameras can be an extraordinarily useful tool in the event of a collision. According to a study published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),[2] truck driver error is a primary cause of accidents involving commercial vehicles. The accident can cause catastrophic injuries to motorists and often lead to legal claims.
In order to obtain proper compensation following a truck accident, an injured victim must sufficiently prove that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. Proving driver errors can often be difficult, especially because drivers are not usually forthcoming in admitting their mistakes or wrongdoing. Cameras, however, will record the truck driver’s every move and can provide concrete evidence of the following acts of negligence:
- Texting or other distracting activities
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Drinking or using drugs inside the truck
- Aggressive driving behaviors
Combined with the cameras focused on the road and the information provided by the truck’s event data recorder, this technology can provide a clear picture of what actually caused the accident. In addition, in-truck cameras may deter negligent behavior because drivers know they are being recorded, so they may serve to reduce the number of truck accidents and injuries significantly.
An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer can help
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a commercial truck accident, it is important to have an attorney on your side with the knowledge and resources to handle this type of complex case. At the Whiting Law Group, Ltd., we understand how to prove truck accident claims and know how to use technological evidence when necessary to help you recover. Please call our Chicago truck accident attorneys today at 312-372-1655 for help.
[1] http://fortune.com/2015/05/26/driver-facing-truck-cameras/
[2] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/research-and-analysis/research/large-truck-crash-causation-study
