Can You Look Up a Safety Record for a Trucking Company?

Tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks are the foundation of Ohio’s economy. Still, while these vehicles are necessary, they also cause the most serious accidents that result in severe injuries. You have a lot to focus on after a truck accident, with the main priority being treatment and your recovery progress. However, there are many legal details to think about, as well, and one of these is proving your claim. To do that, you may have to access the safety record for the trucking company.

Why are Safety Records Important After a Truck Accident?

Most people do not think much about the safety record of a trucking company, even after an accident has occurred. However, after any crash involving a commercial truck, the safety records of the trucking company can provide valuable evidence for your claim. The safety records can indicate if a company has a history of not complying with federal safety regulations. When that is the case, it is easier to prove liability and claim the full damages you deserve.

Trucking companies, and the insurance companies that cover them, commonly dispute accident claims. They do not want to pay out fair settlements that will help accident victims. Instead, they try to shift blame to the accident victim so they can retain more of their profits. When you have the safety records that show they have a history of negligence, it is much more difficult for them to deny or reduce your claim.

How to Obtain the Safety Records of a Trucking Company

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry and the agency holds trucking companies to extremely high safety standards. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for trucking companies to take shortcuts in an effort to maximize the amount of cargo they transport and make more money. To combat this, the FMCSA has created The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System. This system provides trucking industry service providers, as well as the general public, with safety information about certain trucking companies.

To access a company’s safety history, follow the below steps:

• Visit the SAFER System at the FMCSA website.
• Using the search function provided, search for a specific trucking company using the USDOT Number, MC/MX Number, or the company’s name.
• A ‘Company Snapshot’ will appear, which has all of the relevant information within it.

Once you have the snapshot of the company, you can also click on the ‘Licensing and Insurance’ tab to see the insurance information of the company, which will tell you how much coverage is available for the accident.

Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Toledo Can Gather Evidence for Your Case

After an accident is not the time for you to gather the evidence you need for your case. It is a time for you to focus on your recovery. It is for this reason that our Toledo truck accident lawyers at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, are dedicated to helping our clients with the legal aspect of their claim, and we want to help you, too. If you have been hurt, call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.