Bruce A. Hooker R.F. Mattei & Associates of CA Insurance Services Sacramento, Calif.

Despite the safety efforts implemented by most waste companies, vehicle accidents are still a reality of the industry. Sometimes the mishaps are the fault of the waste truck driver, while other times the blame lies with the other party. Often, who is at fault is the subject of dispute. Furthermore, damage that appears minor at the time of the wreck often can lead to large liability claims against the waste company at a later date.

Fed up with being assigned blame for accidents that were not the fault of their drivers and with small claims ballooning into large ones, waste companies are becoming savvier at gathering scene evidence. It is important that a waste truck driver gather as much information and evidence as circumstances allow. This information will be crucial to mounting an effective defense against potential liability claims.

Accident scene photography is a useful tool in gathering evidence, and more waste companies are placing disposable cameras in their vehicles for this purpose. In addition to documenting the physical aspects of the scene, photos also help the driver recall the details of what he or she saw. It is important to remember that photos taken at the scene are evidence, and that the quality of the evidence will depend on taking the correct photos.

Keep several points in mind when photo documenting accidents: