Can You Sue a Texas Truck Driver Over Time Logs?

Sharing the road with a big truck can be routine for some, but with a negligent driver on the road, the routine can quickly turn to danger. Did you know that if you were in an accident, you might qualify for compensation? 

Driver logs are one of the tools that a good attorney has to ensure that victims receive financial compensation from responsible parties following a crash.

Regulations for Commercial Truck Drivers

Several laws regulate the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road for work. Their time on the road must follow the rules on Hours of Service (HOS), and the limits on these are:

• No more than 11 hours of driving after a minimum of 10 consecutive hours off-duty between shifts.
• No more than 14 hours of driving.
• Rest breaks are necessary.
• The limit for one week or 7-8 days is less than 60-70 hours.

Passenger vehicles and short-haul drivers have slightly different regulations. But a commercial truck must follow these regulations. If they don’t, and you can prove that failure with the time log, you may have a case.

What Is a Time Log?

Because of the many time constraints surrounding driving, truckers must log their hours for legal purposes. This record is to ensure that they remain accountable for going over the legal limits. Accountability could mean anything from fines to a suspended license.

Many companies have their drivers log using ELDs, also known as electronic logging devices. It uses the engine of the vehicle to determine hours spent driving. 

How Time Logs Protect Us from the Danger of Driver Fatigue

Safety regulations are usually in place for one reason: to prevent human error. Driving is one of the most common places to see human error have horrible consequences. The risk is exceptionally high for those operating a big rig or 18-wheeler in West Texas. 

Logs prevent accidents, and where an accident is present, they display fault. Driving past the regulated limit can lead to fatigue, which can be deadly for a few reasons:

• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Not noticing other drivers on the road
• Accidental speeding
• More prone to road rage/emotional driving

Most of all, a drowsy driver is a negligent driver. 

Logs can be an essential piece of evidence after a commercial truck wreck. As noted, the time logs are required and enforced to prevent fatigue on the road. If the record shows the driver did not rest or went over the max limit on driving, it can work as evidence against them. A fatigued truck driver can be a great danger on the road and can often cause fatal crashes, if you lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact a West Houston wrongful death law firm today.

If you have been the victim of a truck crash, this information from a big rig injury law firm in West Houston could be critical in helping you win your case for financial compensation.

West Houston Time Log Truck Accident Attorney

Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in West Houston

Joe Stephens is a top-rated West Houston car accident attorney, and at The Stephens Law Firm, our priority is seeking justice for you. The financial and physical burden of recovery can make it difficult for victims to feel secure in their finances or health. Trust our team to help you get the monetary compensation that you deserve.