What Do Electronic Logging Devices Mean for Your Truck Accident Claim?
Commercial truck drivers have to follow more rules and regulations as compared to other motorists on the road. Electronic logging devices were mandated by the federal government in 2017 to automatically monitor the number of hours spent by commercial drivers behind the wheel. These ELDs can prove to be invaluable to your accident claim.
An experienced truck accident attorney in Mississippi can help you gather the necessary evidence from the ELD to strengthen your claim.
Overview of Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
An electronic logging device automatically records the hours of service (HOS) and driving time for drivers of commercial trucks. It’s also responsible for recording data on the truck’s movement, engine, and miles driven.
Dispatchers, drivers, and managers routinely use real-time information from the ELD to check the status. This is to ensure the trip is compliant with industry regulations, adheres to required inspections, and supports schedule planning.
The ELD is connected to the vehicle’s engine, which allows it to gather the necessary information. The information is then uploaded automatically to the fleet management software. The federal ELD mandate requires commercial drivers to use these devices when preparing RODS or the HOS records of duty status. This is as per the Federal Highway Administration’s MAP-21 Act.
The rule sets the design and performance standards for ELDs that must be registered and certified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It also determines the documents that drivers are required to keep to meet the guidelines.
Effect of ELDs on Your Truck Accident Claim
ELDs are a logical step in ensuring that truck drivers get the rest they require for performing their duties in a safe manner. The federal rule ensures the collection of data regarding the following:
- If the truck is in motion
- Display the driver’s logged hours
- Maintenance schedule of the truck
This data can prove to be invaluable in a truck accident claim. ELDs help in increasing the accuracy of the data recorded and can be used in court if the claim goes to trial. The ELD can provide data about the driver’s service hours. It can show whether the driver was complying with the HOS regulations at the accident time or not.
ELD data can also show whether the truck was in motion and the speed at which it was traveling when the accident occurred. The best part about the data collected by an electronic logging device is that it is impartial. The data can help strengthen your side of the story and the claim when negotiating with the insurance company.
ELD Data can Strengthen Your Mississippi Truck Accident Claim
Your attorney can locate and accurately explore records of the truck before the crash by using electronic logs. The electronic log aids attorneys and accident reconstructionists in spotting violations and helps in identifying dangerous practices that may have played a role in the accident.
This may include:
HOS violations
HOS rules were put into force to keep overworked and tired commercial drivers off the roads. The rules stipulate the number of hours a commercial truck driver can work and mandatory rest breaks in between. When these rules are violated by drivers and companies, it increases the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue.
This is a notorious issue in the trucking industry where deadlines and profit maximization often result in trucking operators and drivers pushing past the rules for making deliveries. Studies show that fatigue driving has a similar risk profile to driving with BAC over the legal limit.
Inspection and maintenance rules violation
Several regulations enforced by the FMCSA require truckers and companies to inspect and maintain their fleet in a routine manner. These mandated maintenance and inspection rules are usually based on mileage. Your attorney may be able to prove a violation if the electronic logs show the truck was traveling excessive distances without maintenance or inspection. They may also be able to connect the violation with the accident.
Other possible violations
Electronic logs may be used for shedding light on other possible violations depending on the type of truck involved. For instance, the truck may be plying where it was not allowed to. Logs may show the truck was carrying harmful substances where it was typically prohibited. The electronic logging device can also be used for showing whether the truck was traveling at excessive speeds or not.
Direct investigation
Electronic logs can prove to be invaluable in providing information that directs investigations. It can show whether there was any ongoing problem with the truck or the driver was fatigued. It can also show if the trucking company addressed such concerns or openly encouraged the behavior.
Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys in Mississippi are Ready to Help You
Reviewing electronic logs is just one of the many ways the experienced truck accident lawyers at Gardner Law Firm help establish a strong personal injury claim on behalf of injured victims. We can help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve by investigating your truck accident and gathering the necessary evidence.
We are happy to provide you with a free case evaluation. Call our office today or reach out to us online.
