Understanding How 18 Wheeler Logbooks in Oregon Trucking Accidents Can Help Prove Big Rig Wrecks
Truck drivers drive long days and nights, many times on little sleep. On top of that, those long days and nights are highly pressured—truck drivers are expected to meet difficult deadlines, with much on the line otherwise. Trucking accidents happen often. Accordingly, trucking accidents will require evidential support from both parties involved. A longstanding regulation in the trucking industry is that drivers maintain written driving logbooks. More recently, electronic logging devices (“EDL”) or electric control modules (“ECM”) have been installed in truck drivers’ vehicles, to ensure those logbooks are accurate, as well as provide more information about drivers’ trips. What many may not realize is that both logs can serve as vital evidence. In take, 18 wheeler logbooks in Oregon trucking accidents can really help prove cases by establishing liability for victims. Contact our Portland trucking accident attorney to review these logs if you have been in a trucking accident.
Hours-of-Service Logbooks
Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), the government entity that governs truck driving, truck drivers’ activity must be recorded. There are two major ways in which truck drivers’ activity can be tracked: the driver’s own written logbook; and the vehicle’s EDL. Both tools are critical pieces of evidence that a driver can supply his or her attorney with, to more effectively pursue a claim against the other party. With respect to written driving logbooks, truck drivers are required to submit the following information every 24 hours:
- Total driving hours (called hours-of-service (HOS))
- 11 straight hours during a 14 hour period was the standard, but now, drivers can drive more. See: http://cklegal.com/truckers-can-drive-more-under-covid-19-regulations-portland-lawyer-explains-covid-trucking-risks/
- Rests must be given if the driver requests rest—10 hours straight is mandated
- Hours worked over the past week
- Again, regulations used to permit drivers to only work 70 hours or less over an eight day period. This is no longer the case—drivers can drive more than 70 hours. Often time this occurred before the regulations change regardless, and will surely continue today.
- Total mileage covered in the past 24 hours
- Time off
- Outline days off and any time that was not spent driving for work
- Daily vehicle inspection report
- Any malfunctions that were found and corrected
- Date of
- ID for the vehicle
Electronic Logging Devices: What to Know About Them in 18 Wheeler Logbooks in Oregon Trucking Accidents
An EDL, in contrast with a driver’s own written driving logbook, is an electronic device that is installed in each vehicle. The EDL also tracks HOS, amongst other items, in an effort to obtain more accurate findings. Many times, it is cited that personal logbooks can be easily doctored, to hide excessive driving, or too many breaks, for example. EDLs also track the driver’s speed, time off, and if they are exceeding their regularly scheduled shifts. For the driver, it can provide an estimated time for their trip, and other GPA related statistics that can aid in their driving performance.
What may prove more important from both logging methods, if in a trucking accident, are their evidential value. Specifically, both logging methods could be highly useful evidence in a trucking accident because it could essentially recreate the scenario at issue. Further, it would show the driver’s actions—when he or she took breaks; when he or she stopped his or her shift; or what speed the driver was going, for example. It is always critical to ensure that both the personal logbook and EDL match up. Our Portland trucking accident attorney is ready to speak with you about your trucking accident and 18 wheeler logbooks in Oregon Trucking Accidents.
We Can Help You With 18 Wheeler Logbooks in Oregon Trucking Accident
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of a trucking accident or collision contact the Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take Trucking accident cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
