How fast do I need to act to preserve truck evidence?
Faster than in any other kind of crash case.
Why. Federal regulations set retention periods for various carrier records, and some are measured in months rather than years. Once a period lapses, destruction is routine rather than wrongful. The vehicle can be repaired and returned to service within days, potentially losing event data.
What a preservation letter should identify specifically: ECM and event data recorder downloads, electronic logging device records, driver qualification file, hours-of-service records and supporting documents, dispatch and communication records, maintenance and inspection records, drug and alcohol testing records, in-cab and dash camera footage, GPS and telematics data, the bill of lading and cargo documentation, and the vehicle itself for inspection.
Third-party footage disappears faster. Businesses, traffic cameras, and residential systems commonly overwrite within days.
What happens if you wait. The carrier's investigators have their data and you don't have yours.
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