• Successful DataQs involve the carrier carefully checking the facts, regulations, and official interpretations; putting together a well-thought-out narrative; and providing important supporting documentation and pictures.

The keys to filing a successful DataQs challenge involve a carrier doing its homework and being able to support its arguments. This involves:

• Checking the facts. The carrier should make sure it knows what actually happened. This means interviewing all involved and investigating, not just taking someone’s word for it.
• Checking the regulations and official interpretations (use an outside source if not sure about the regulations and interpretations involved).
• Putting together a well-thought-out argument to be used in the narrative.
  • The carrier should make sure it is clear on what it is challenging.
  • Be specific, not general.
  • Reference correct regulations and interpretations.
  • State facts, not opinions.
  • Be clear, concise, and accurate.
• Rounding up supporting documents to upload. Driver rosters, vehicle lists, a copy of the regulations involved, statements from the driver or a mechanic, and the report involved (crash or inspection) are all examples of supporting documents.
• Rounding up any pictures that support the argument. A picture is worth a thousand words! Remember, drivers have smartphones. Don’t forget to ask the driver for any pictures.

When developing a case for DataQs, the carrier should remember that it needs to prove to the investigator doing the review that the event did not occur, the officer involved was in error, or that the event actually involves someone else. Once the information has been submitted, the investigator will review the paperwork that is on file at the state and discuss the event with the officer involved. To sum up, the carrier must build a solid case!