A lawyer cannot effectively investigate and conduct discovery in a trucking accident case without basic understanding of current technology. When such advanced systems are utilized, electronic operation records are created which may be helpful to either the plaintiff or defense in the event of a crash.
Counsel for both sides in truck wreck litigation must seek to obtain and properly interpret such records. Qualcomm is the leader in providing communication, tracking and management technology for the trucking industry, which companies can use to assure driver compliance with hours of service, speed, and other FMCSR mandates. OmniTRACS includes two-way text messaging between driver and dispatcher, automatic tracking of truck locations by Global Position Satellite (GPS), while TrailerTRACS uses GPS to monitor positions of trailers. OmniEXPRESS provides a more affordable version of digital wireless communication with trucks, TruckMAIL an Internet-based mobile communication system, and OmniOne a voice and data communication system between dispatchers and drivers. JTRACSPro monitors engine operation to detect maintenance issues early, while SensorTRACS monitors speed, RPM’s and idling, enabling a trucking company to supervise driver performance and compliance.
In addition, truck manufacturers have begun to incorporate computerized lane guidance, rollover advisor and collision avoidance systems in order to improve safety. Plaintiffs’ counsel should send a detailed records preservation letter to the trucking company, rather than to the insurer.

The Shigley Law Firm represents plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases statewide in Georgia, and in other states subject to the multijurisdictional practice and pro hac vice rules in each state. Ken Shigley was designated as a “SuperLawyer” in Atlanta Magazine and one of the “Legal Elite” in Georgia Trend Magazine. He is a Certified Civil Trial Advocate of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Chair of the Southeastern Motor Carrier Liability Institute and former chair of the Georgia Insurance Law Institute. He particularly focuses on cases arising from truck wrecks and accidents (tractor trailers truck wrecks, semi truck wrecks,18 wheeler truck wrecks, big rig truck wrecks, log truck wrecks, dump truck wrecks).