Truck Driver Logs
Operators of commercial motor vehicles must follow federal regulations regarding breaks, hours of service, and maintenance of their vehicles. Failure to abide by the rules not only represents a violation of federal law, it also endangers public safety. Victims who incur injury as the result of driver negligence may be able to collect compensation for the damages that result. If you or a loved one suffered harm in an accident with a semi-truck, contact Fine Law Firm today to schedule a free review of your legal options.
Why Choose Fine Law Firm?
- Our law firm has more than 40 years of experience in truck accident law, in which we have maintained a 99% success rate for clients.
- We take a client-centered approach to your case by maintaining close personal contact and responding quickly to inquiries.
- We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you will not owe attorney’s fees unless we achieve a settlement on your behalf.
The Importance of the Logbook
When a truck accident occurs, one of the most important pieces of evidence exists in the form of a logbook. The documents that truck drivers must file before and after a shift can provide insight into the circumstances surrounding a crash. Specifically, a logbook violation could lay the groundwork for negligence and help victims file a personal injury claim that helps them gain compensation for their losses.
Modern trucks also have an electronic logging device, which serves a similar function to an airplane’s black box. It records how much time a driver spent behind a wheel, if he or she took breaks, and notes other driver behavior such as speed. As such, the logbook can be a valuable tool in providing evidence.
Common Logbook Violations
Logbook violations exist in many forms, but some of the most common involve hours of service. Every 24 hours and before and after shifts, the driver must provide information in the logbook that details their Hours of Service and break times.
- A driver may only drive 11 consecutive hours every 14 hours. A thirty-minute rest break must occur every 8 hours.
- Drivers may only work 70 hours over 8 days.
- Drivers must log the mileage they drove over a 24-hour time period.
- Driver must provide a daily report regarding vehicle inspection, including any malfunctions or worn parts.
Many logbook violations contribute to driver fatigue and increase the likelihood of an accident. Unfortunately, some trucking companies prioritize profits over safety and create a culture where drivers must break Hours of Service to improve performance.
Why You Need an Attorney
Trucking accidents involve matters of federal law and regulation. As such, they often require the help of an attorney to settle successfully. Due to the complexity involved, an attorney is necessary for several reasons.
- An attorney can help determine the parties liable and hold them accountable for negligence.
- He or she can evaluate the full worth of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.
- He or she will demand fair compensation for both your material and immaterial losses. A fair settlement not only involves compensation for medical bills and lost wages, but intangible losses such as physical pain, suffering, and loss in life quality.
If you or a loved one recently incurred injuries or suffered other harms in a truck accident, contact the New Mexico attorneys at Fine Law Firm and schedule a free initial consultation.