Accidents involving trucks can be incredibly tragic. These vehicles are the largest on the roads of California. When you combine their size with speed, it can lead to devastating results.
To reconstruct the accident and events leading up to it, investigators and attorneys often turn to the trucking log. Truck drivers are legally required to fill out log books each time they operate the rig. This is governed by Chapter 395 of the regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Even a simple mistake in a log can lead to an investigation by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
The trucking log is important for accident investigations because it might be able to tell a story about what happened. For instance, an attorney reviewing such a log will likely be able to find violations within it if they look hard enough. The log will tell how many hours the driver was behind the wheel prior to the accident, if the driver took the required break and even more.
Should an investigating attorney find violations, or other pieces of evidence that point to the cause of the accident, he or she will be able to use those items when putting together a case for the victim of the accident.
The trucking logs are not only used by attorneys. Officials from the DOT can request logs dating back six months from trucking companies to review them for any issues.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a Pasadena trucking accident? The days and weeks following the accident can be overwhelming no matter the severity of your injuries. Visit our website to learn more about our firm and how we can help you receive compensation.
