Safety is of the utmost importance when driving an 18-wheeler or other commercial trucking vehicle. When a trucker is irresponsible, and a crash occurs with another automobile, there can be severe, life-changing consequences for everyone involved.
Determining liability can be a complex challenge when dealing with the medical, physical, and financial aftermath of a wreck. It is crucial to analyze every detail to determine the at-fault party. Truckers’ logbooks reveal key information about drivers’ compliance with hours-of-service regulations, performance, and potential negligence.
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we understand the role of logbooks in Walterboro truck accident cases and can take the burden of proving your case off your shoulders. Call our law office today to speak with an experienced and highly skilled tractor-trailer collision attorney.
Logbooks Ensure Trucking Compliance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that trucking companies document drivers’ hours behind the wheel, rest breaks, and other essential activities. These records, which can be digital or manual, ensure truck drivers adhere to rules designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents. They are daily records of a driver’s compliance with legal regulations, which can be shared with governing authorities and employers.
However, it is common for truckers to falsify or fail to complete their logbooks. As a result, obtaining these records is not always straightforward. Companies often try to delay or deny access to them due to the potential damage they could do to their defense. Pursuing these records timely is also of the utmost importance, as federal regulations allow destruction after six months. Whetstone Perkins & Fulda has the tools and knowledge to demand and analyze logbooks, ensuring no detail is overlooked in your Walterboro truck crash case.
How Logbooks Can Help Your Truck Accident Lawsuit
It is vital to prove that the other party was negligent in every personal injury lawsuit, including those regarding truck collisions. There are four elements of negligence that a plaintiff must prove:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
- The at-fault party violated their duty of care to you
- The at-fault party’s conduct caused your injuries
- You endured legally recognized injuries (also called damages) as a result
A logbook can reveal whether a driver exceeded the legal number of driving hours, skipped required rest breaks, or concealed any violations on the day of the accident and in the days and weeks before.
Combining this information with data from GPS devices, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and even cell phone tower site data can paint a compelling picture of fault. Our seasoned legal team knows how to uncover discrepancies in trucking logbooks and hold responsible parties accountable for your accident in Walterboro. Call our law office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Reach out to WPF Law to Learn the Role of Logbooks in Walterboro Truck Accident Cases Today
All truck drivers must comply with the rules of the road and accurately journal the details of their working hours in a logbook. These records could provide valuable insight for insurance carriers or a judge and jury as they make a decision about how much if any, compensation you deserve.
The role of logbooks in Walterboro truck accident cases cannot be understated, which is why companies sometimes make it challenging to obtain them. Our hardworking personal injury attorneys make sure to use these documents to secure the financial recovery owed to our clients. Get in touch with Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today to get started on your case.
