Regulations for Drivers and Driver Log Books

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has set regulations for driver and motorist safety, including setting limitations on the number of hours commercial truck drivers can be on the road consecutively before a mandated rest. The Department of Transportation allows commercial truck drivers 11 consecutive hours of driving, after which they are required to stop and rest for 10 consecutive hours. They may resume driving after the 10-hour break but then cannot exceed 14 consecutive hours. Over the course of seven to eight days, commercial truck drivers may not exceed 60 to 70 hours of driving.

All these hours must be accurately recorded in a driver’s logbook, and in the event of an accident due to driver negligence, having a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who knows your rights and can confidently hold the at-fault parties accountable is essential.

Why Truck Drivers Forge Log Books

Simply put, most commercial interstate truck drivers are paid by the mile or paid by the load, meaning the more they drive, the more money they can earn. In some cases, truck drivers may not be paid by their employers for time spent loading or unloading their trucks, which is time that can be counted toward their allotted driving hours and limits.

In the event that truck driver negligence causes an accident, a driver may attempt to avoid legal penalty by falsifying their logbooks. To be clear, any logbook error or discrepancy, whether done intentionally or not, is breaking the law.

How do Falsified Log Books Impact the Settlement Process?

The settlement process for any accident injury first begins with establishing fault, which is a complex legal process and is best handled by an experienced truck accident attorney. In the case of a truck accident, it is imperative that a victim’s legal team request and preserve a driver’s logbook as evidence as soon after an accident as possible. If it is found that a driver forged or falsified their driving hours in the time surrounding the crash, then there may be clear grounds for determining the truck driver as the at-fault party of an accident. Once fault is determined, a victim’s legal team can appropriately pursue compensation for injuries.

Call Kajy Law and Get The Help You Need

Kajy Law’s Truck Accident Team has a documented history of success with helping truck accident victims like you receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We’ll do everything in our power to win your case while providing the care and support you need along the way.

Call 877-KAJY- CARES or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.