If a reckless commercial truck operator caused your crash, you have legal rights and protections. Personal injury laws allow you to file a claim and pursue compensation for your losses. Understanding the claims process and the evidence required to prove fault and secure compensation is crucial.
The role of logbooks in Memphis truck accident cases could be essential for your suit. While transporting goods and cargo, truckers must follow the federal Hours of Service regulations, which aim to reduce accidents by preventing fatigued truckers from driving. Contact the Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs to schedule an appointment with an attorney to review your case and learn more.
What Is a Logbook?
Logbooks’ role in Memphis truck collision claims can be immense, as they are essential evidence that can prove fault and win compensation. Trucker logbooks are record-keeping tools that allow truckers to document their daily route, time behind the wheel, and breaks, and can provide evidence if needed to establish compliance with guidelines.
The Hours of Service requirements in the trucking industry mandate the maximum hours truck operators can drive, complete other duties, rest, and remain not working to reset the next week. Failing to follow federal laws can lead to trucker fatigue and increase the potential for severe collisions. The logbook is a key piece of evidence in personal injury claims since it can demonstrate that the driver is at fault and liable for damages and losses caused in the wreck.
Hours of Service
This federal rule for the commercial trucking industry seeks to prevent driver fatigue by limiting their hours behind the wheel and requiring adequate rest. Trucker fatigue significantly contributes to crashes involving commercial trucks.
The times vary, depending on whether they work 60- or 70-hour workweeks, but most drivers are limited to 11 hours of truck operation after 10 hours of not working. They must also take breaks for at least 30 minutes after driving for eight hours.
Electronic Logging Devices
In recent years, most commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, are equipped with Electronic Logging Devices, or ELDs. These devices automatically track all the information that truckers used to record manually and increase roadway safety by preventing errors or tampering. When an 18-wheeler has an ELD, the driver only must keep a manual logbook if it is malfunctioning.
Logbook Rules and Regulations
Tennessee regulations require truckers with commercial driver’s licenses to adhere to the federal hours of service regulations. The nationwide trucking industry, road, and highway safety organization—the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration—requires truckers to follow the Hours of Service rules, including keeping an up-to-date and accurate logbook that documents their hours of operation, other on-duty task completion, and time for relaxation.
The agency aims to prevent drivers from operating heavy commercial vehicles, which are challenging to operate, without adequate rest. David and Elissa understand the Memphis trucking industry and logbooks’ place in crash cases. They obtain the necessary documents to review them and determine if the driver was compliant at the time of the collision.
Contact a Knowledgeable Memphis Attorney To Learn More About Logbooks’ Part in Truck Wreck Claims
If a reckless truck operator caused a crash in which you suffered bodily harm, you have the right to hold them legally and financially responsible. You must understand the regulations and evidence required to establish fault to successfully prove liability and secure a just settlement.
Speak to a hard-working and knowledgeable lawyer to learn more about the role of logbooks in Memphis truck accident cases. Contact the Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs to schedule your free and informative consultation.
