An automatic onboard truck recording device can be used by a plaintiff to establish the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company. Before these devices became the industry standard, truck drivers would record their time on the road into a handwritten logbook. These days, in addition to the logbooks, driving hours are electronically logged through an onboard recording device. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) decides the number of hours that a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle. FMCSA regulations are intended to reduce accidents caused by fatigued truck drivers.
HOW CAN AN ONBOARD RECORDING DEVICE HELP MY CLAIM?
Automatic onboard trucking devices can be used to show that a driver exceeded their allowed driving hours. If the recording record shows there was a violation, it can be significant to your injury or damage claim. The device’s data can be used to show the number of times a truck stops and can help substantiate that the driver was traveling recklessly.
Truck driver violations can be used by a skilled attorney to establish the liability of either the trucker or their employer. Because the trucking company is usually responsible for their employee’s actions, obtaining information from the onboard recording device is critical to your case.
Data that can be found on an onboard recording device includes:
- Driver Violations
- Loading Times
- Fuel Stops
- Rest/ Sleep Breaks
The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep backup copies of electronic files. These copies should be stored in a safe location.
CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY
Accessing an onboard recording device can sometimes be difficult. This is why hiring an experienced attorney is important. At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we know how to get trucking companies to turn over their automatic onboard recording devices. Furthermore, we know that a truck’s recording device is not the only type of evidence that can be used to make your claim successful. Our Walnut Creek team of lawyers can help you collect different kinds of evidence for truck accident claims. This includes personnel files, traffic accident reports, and other pieces of evidence you might need for your case.
Call (925) 275-5592 to get started on your free consultation today.