Trucking Company Logbook Violations: How Falsified Records Endanger Atlanta Drivers

Truckers are required to follow strict federal hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue-related crashes. These rules exist for a reason: tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes, putting other road users at risk.

Despite this, some trucking companies falsify or manipulate logbooks to keep drivers on the road longer than legally allowed. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers help victims uncover logbook violations and prove when a trucking company chose profits over safety.

How Logbook Violations Increase Atlanta Truck Accident Risks

Georgia truckers often face pressure to meet demanding delivery deadlines. However, Georgia follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, which set limits on the amount of time they can spend on the road.

In general, truckers can spend up to 11 hours driving, providing they’ve had at least 10 hours off, with a total weekly limit of 60 hours. However, trucking companies often push drivers to work beyond these limits and penalize them for taking days off or breaks. This increases the risk of:

• Fatigued or drowsy driving, reducing reaction time;
• Falling asleep behind the wheel;
• Speeding to make up lost time, which increases crash severity;
• Improper lane changes due to reduced alertness;
• Poor decision-making;
• Failure to maintain a safe following distance.

To cover up the fact they flouted regulations and put motorists at risk, trucking companies may try to alter logbooks and other records.

Evidence To Prove a Trucking Company Hid or Manipulated Hours-of-Service Records

Under the Georgia Code, you have the right to hold those at fault accountable when Atlanta truck accidents happen, even if your own actions were partly to blame. In truck crashes caused by drowsy driving, the trucking company can also be held accountable.

As trucking companies rarely admit wrongdoing and may try to destroy or hide evidence, gathering information quickly is critical. Evidence we can use to support your claim includes:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data, which records driving hours automatically;
• Dispatch records and delivery schedules, showing unrealistic timelines;
• Fuel receipts, GPS data, and toll records, which contradict official logs;
• Communication logs between the driver and the trucking company;
• Witness statements from other drivers or roadside inspectors.

Having this evidence can make or break an Atlanta truck accident claim.

Suspect Drowsy Driving Played a Role in a Crash? Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Right Away

Drowsy driving often plays a role when truck accidents in Atlanta happen, and the trucking company may be partially to blame. However, logbooks, dispatch records, and other important evidence tend to disappear quickly. To build a strong claim, contact Shiver Hamilton Campbell right away.

Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers have extensive experience in these cases and know how to obtain the electronic data, records, and expert analysis needed to expose falsified logs and hold negligent trucking companies accountable. We provide trusted legal guidance to clients in Alpharetta, Decatur, Marietta, Savannah, St. Simons Island, and all of Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties. Request a consultation today.

Sources:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations

georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf