How to Use Electronic Logbooks to Prove Negligence in Truck Accidents

In the wake of a truck accident, it’s vital that you and your attorneys be able to demonstrate fault committed by the truck driver, their operating company, or both. This may be the only way for you to recover the funds you need to pay for sudden medical bills, lost wages, and more.

One key piece of evidence in a truck accident claim may be an electronic logbook. Learn more below.

What’s an Electronic Logbook?

Truckers are required to note their miles and hours driven in logbooks to ensure they stay within the hours-of-service regulations put in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Historically, these logbooks involved truckers manually logging their entries into a notebook.

However, the FMCSA recently implemented an electronic logging device (ELD) rule that was congressionally mandated as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). Electronic logbooks differ from traditional logbooks in that they automatically track truckers’ miles and hours driven. This makes it easier for truckers to keep track of when they need to take a break as mandated by the FMCSA.

Additionally, electronic logbooks’ entries provide accurate records for vehicle operating data and driver activity. A major problem in the trucking industry was the forgery of manual logbooks. Either due to pressure and intimidation from the operating company, truckers’ own financial motivations, or something else, a dangerous trend existed in the trucking industry where truck drivers would falsify manual logbook entries. Electronic logbooks make it much more difficult to get away with forgery.

Using Electronic Logbooks as Evidence in a Truck Accident Claim

Since electronic logbooks’ entries are more trustworthy and accurate than manual entries, they can serve as key pieces of evidence in a truck accident claim. Electronic logbooks can be used to prove whether a truck driver violated the hours-of-service regulations. This may, in turn, demonstrate negligence by the truck driver and/or the trucking company, which would make these parties liable for accident victims’ damages.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, our Los Angeles trial attorneys are here to help. We have a strong track record of success in such cases, and we have helped countless clients recover the compensation they deserve. Learn how we may help you, too.

Call Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP at (866) 634-4525 to schedule a free consultation.