The Role of Logbooks in Irving Truck Accident Cases
If you were hurt in a semi crash, you need to gather evidence to prove your case against the trucker responsible for the collision. One of the most important types of evidence to understand is the role of logbooks in Irving truck accident cases.
A skilled 18-wheeler wreck attorney could help you further understand the types of evidence needed in your case, including understanding these journals.
What is a Rig Operator’s Logbook?
A logbook is a written history of the hours an 18-wheeler driver worked while driving the trailer. The log contains the company names, addresses, on-duty hours, hours sleeping, off-duty hours, and number of hours driving. Semi operators must maintain one journal that accurately records the trip information. All drivers must keep a logbook, except those who stay within 100 miles of home or return home within 12 hours.
These journals remain subject to Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier’s Safety Administration (FMCSA). DOT can audit logbook records for three years beyond the expiration or cancellation of the trucker’s license or agreement. The audit period also lasts for three years beyond the replacement of the equipment.
Once retained, an accomplished attorney in Irving can take steps to obtain the journal for evidentiary purposes after a big rig crash.
What Evidence Can a Trucker’s Journal Provide a Claimant?
A logbook is essential in obtaining critical information about the truck driver’s status at the time of an Irving collision. Further, it could show if the rig operator was not following requirements properly. The DOT rules prohibit workers from:
- Driving more than the hours-of-service driving requirements
- Working over the hours of service on-duty requirements
- Working in violation of the break rules for truck drivers
If a semi operator is found violating these rules at the time of a crash, they could be found personally responsible for the plaintiff’s losses because they chose not to follow safety precautions.
How Do Driving Logs Help Irving Personal Injury Cases?
The FMCSA designed its rules to promote safety on the roads. A worker who violates any of these rules might unintentionally prove their negligence in an 18-wheeler collision case. For example, the log shows the number of miles that the worker drove in 24 hours. An Irving attorney can study the information in the log to determine whether the trucker’s violation of FMCSA rules contributed to the accident.
Enlist an Attorney Familiar with the Role of Logbooks in Irving Truck Accident Cases
To create a successful claim using the role of logbooks in Irving truck accident cases, it is critical to seek an attorney with the experience and skills needed to obtain the log before anyone can tamper with this vital evidence.
If injured by the commercial truck driver’s negligence, contact one of our office immediately. Our experienced attorneys start working right away by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses and the parties involved in the wreck.
Contact our injury attorneys today for a free consultation. Our team could review the particulars of your case and assess the appropriate path for you to pursue. We want to help resolve your case for the compensation you deserve.