According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers must maintain a detailed logbook that tracks their time, off-duty hours, and other information about their work activities. These records ensure drivers follow guidelines, encourage them to stay safe, and reduce the risk of accidents. If you get into a truck accident in Arizona through no fault of your own, logbooks can be a valuable piece of evidence because they contain information about inspections, miles traveled, and hours of service.
At Feller & Wendt, we understand the crucial role logbooks can play in your truck accident claim, so we work hard to obtain these records and use them to prove liability. They can show if a driver has been overworked or neglected federal regulations. With our years of experience and proven track record of success, you can trust us to build a strong claim and fight aggressively for your rights, even against major trucking companies. We leave no stone unturned, considering every detail and giving you the personalized attention you deserve.
4 Logbook Details That Can Help Prove Liability in Your Arizona Truck Accident Claim
The FMCSA sets many guidelines that truck drivers and companies must follow to protect public safety and avoid accidents, including mandatory breaks and maximum driving hours. Truck drivers keep a record of this information in their logbooks, which contain valuable details that can help prove liability, including the following:
Inspection Reports
Before trips, truck drivers must conduct inspections, document the results, and make any needed repairs. Therefore, a logbook may reflect if a driver operated their truck despite finding damage or improperly maintaining parts.
Hours of Service
The FMCSA has hours-of-service limits focusing on when and how long truckers can drive. These limits include a 14-hour window and 11-hour driving limit, as well as a 60/70-hour weekly limit. A truck driver must document their driving hours in their logbooks, so if they violated these hours-of-service limits, they or their carrier could be responsible for your injuries.
Number of Miles
Logbooks and electronic logging devices (ELDs) contain the number of miles a truck driver travels in 24 hours. With this information and the number of hours a driver traveled, we may prove they violated FMCSA regulations by driving too long and too far.
Off-Duty Hours
In addition to regulating truck drivers’ working hours, the FMCSA also mandates they take at least a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving. If a driver failed to record a break in their logbook, they may have neglected this requirement, resulting in fatigue that caused the accident and your injuries.
Contact the Reputable Arizona Truck Accident Lawyers at Feller & Wendt Today
Sustaining injuries in a truck accident due to another party’s negligence can be overwhelming, and you may not know where to start in seeking the justice you deserve. With the help of the skilled team at Feller & Wendt, you can focus on recovery while we gather evidence, like logbook records, to hold the liable party accountable and secure fair compensation. We have many years of experience providing unparalleled legal services to Arizona truck accident victims, giving us the knowledge and resources to manage your case successfully.
We understand the impact injuries from a truck accident can have on your life, so we conduct a thorough investigation to build a strong claim and fight for your rights. Our legal team takes a personalized approach, creating a plan based on your unique needs and circumstances. This commitment to excellence gives you the best chance of achieving maximum compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (480) 702-2277 or fill out our contact form.
