Atlanta Commercial Truck Log Book Violation Attorney

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict guidelines for truckers and those who employ them. Among other things, workers must record their hours of service and mileage at the end of each shift. This ensures each worker gets adequate rest and maximizes safety for both the driver and the public. Failure to report times in log books can result in serious punishments, including the revocation of licenses.

There is a difference, however, between neglecting a logbook and falsifying data. Truck drivers or their employers may put their personal profits ahead of the safety of others, which can lead to disaster. If you or a loved one incurred serious injury after a trucking accident, one of the first things we look for is logbook violations with regard to hours of service, mileage, and maintenance.

The truck accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP search for logbook violations using a network of forensic experts and outside investigators. In many cases, logbook violations provide important information about what factors played a role in a crash, especially when we compare them to computer data from the truck itself.

The Importance of Federal Regulation

Commercial vehicle operators must maintain stricter standards than the general public with regard to the operation and maintenance of their vehicles. The driving factor behind these regulations is to avoid preventable accidents. According to the FMCSA, these are the most common causes of truck accidents:

• Driver fatigue. Hours of service rules require restorative sleep between shifts and breaks throughout the workday. Under these rules, truck drivers may only work 14 hours each day, logging 11 hours of active driving. In addition, they must be off-duty for ten consecutive hours before hitting the road the next day. Failure to adhere to these rules can cause a driver to panic and overreact to a situation.
• Use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. A study by the FMCSA found that, of all accidents caused by driver error, nearly half involved use of a prescription or over-the-counter drug. Drivers often turn to caffeine pills, energy drinks, and other pick-me-ups so they can log extra hours. These “remedies” often have short-lived effects followed by a sudden crash in energy, which can be dangerous to other drivers on the road.
• The longer a shift, the more likely it is for a driver to lose focus. Long periods of driving without breaks may also lead to distracted driving from cell phone use or texting. Logbook rules help hold drivers to a higher standard and keep the public safe from driver fatigue. If truckers fail to comply with federal regulations and they cause a crash, they may be legally liable for damages.

Your Next Steps: Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Attorney

The disparity of size between a semi and a passenger vehicle can be a major factor in how serious injuries are after an accident. Truck crashes often lead to painful and debilitating injury. It’s not uncommon for accidents with semi trucks to result in partial or total permanent disability, and such injuries require extensive medical care. A personal injury settlement will help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and address any loss in earning capacity. They also provide recompense for intangible losses associated with an accident like pain and suffering.

After a serious truck accident, call the Atlanta truck accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP at (800) 242-2962, or contact us online. We’re committed to helping victims of negligence receive compensation for their injuries and regain their financial security. Schedule your free initial consultation with one of our firm’s experienced associates or partners. Let us review the specifics of your case and help you decide on your next steps. Take advantage of our contingency-fee legal services today.