Over the years a debate has ensued between Fleet Owners about the necessity to install inward and outward facing cameras on all commercial tractor trailers. Safety directors have become proponents of installing these cameras, believing they are vital tools for commercial drivers going forward, outweighing any privacy or other concerns drivers and/or Fleet Owners may have. Over the last two years nationally recognized trucking companies have installed such cameras on their tractor trailers. The belief is that truck drivers were getting blamed for accidents where they were not at fault. With that being said, the same argument holds true if the truck driver is at fault. These cameras ultimately serve as a silent witness because they tell an unbiased full and complete story as to how the accident happened. If injured in a trucking accident, it is vital for you to immediately contact an attorney who can prepare and send a preservation letter to the applicable commercial carrier so that any video footage is saved. The longer you wait, the greater likelihood the video footage is destroyed! Carriers have been known to record over unfavorable footage, or simply fail to save it without a preservation letter. These cameras, if present, can be your most valuable witness at trial. The cameras may show evidence of the truck driver’s negligent behavior, forcing the driver’s employer and/or applicable insurance carrier to take notice and effectively manage the risk in those situations. The camera provides an honest, up-front evaluation regarding exposure, and never lies!
If you have any questions regarding this issue please call Bordas and Bordas and we will be happy to discuss.
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