Recorded Engine Data Can Help Defend Claims
Lawyers, Safety Director Outline System’ Use at ABA Meeting
NEW ORLEANS — Sophisticated recording devices built into modern trucks and diesel engines can generate information that plaintiff’s attorneys can use to force fleets and their insurance companies to pay massive settlement claims.
However, lawyers and safety experts here said the data also can exonerate drivers and carriers when they are innocent.Dean Newell, safety director at Maverick Transportation, strongly endorsed the use of recording and safety systems, saying that “70% of accidents are caused when a car is at fault, but trucks pay for 90% of the accidents. . . . We employ the technology to put the odds in our favor.”Newell, who took part in a panel discussion here March 8 that was part of an American Bar Association transportation meeting, said some of the systems he uses are electronic control modules in diesel engines, lane-departure and collision warning systems and braking with anti-rollover systems. After reviewing for the lawyers the system readouts and safety capabilities, he offered the caveat that “these technologies are tools, but they are not substitutes for skilled drivers.”For the full story, see the March 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.