• Companies or their hired investigators must gather routine data as part of the accident investigation process.

The gathering of accident data is perhaps the most critical step in any accident investigation. Data must be gathered quickly and properly. The accident investigator must use a systematic plan to get all the relevant information, including:

• The driver’s report
• Witness statements
• Vehicle inspection reports/records
• Drug/alcohol tests
• The insurance company’s report
• Police reports
• Photographs/sketches of the scene
• Any video/dash cam footage that might be available
• Driver records (including hours-of-service records, shipment paperwork, driver file, etc.)
• Electronic logging device and/or GPS records
• Measurements taken at the scene
• Hazmat report (if applicable)