Truck drivers are required to comply with hours-of-service laws to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. However, truckers only make money when they are driving and many trucking companies turn a blind eye when drivers stay on the road longer than they should.
At the law firm of McCarthy Weisberg Cummings in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, our lawyers represent people who have been injured in truck accidents. One of the first issues we will investigate is whether the driver violated hours-of-service law.
Investigating the Driver Logbook
Drivers are required to maintain a logbook to record the hours they drive each day and each week as well as the time they spend resting. Logbooks are sometimes called "cheat sheets," as drivers are known for creating false logbook entries to show they were resting when in fact they were on the road.
Our lawyers will compare the logbook entries with other evidence such as diesel fuel receipts, toll road receipts and truck GPS records, if the truck is so equipped. If fuel use shows that the truck was on the road when the driver claimed to be resting, your case of liability against truck driver will be a lot stronger.
Some trucks are equipped with electronic logbooks, which automatically records the amount of time spent driving the vehicle. GPS units also automatically record information such as truck speed, location and braking.
If you have been injured in a truck crash, our lawyers will also investigate the driver's motor vehicle records for evidence of past violations.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorneys
For a free initial consultation with one of our Harrisburg attorneys for injuries caused by truck driver fatigue, call 717.260.3646 or contact us online. We represent clients in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding cities, including Carlisle.
