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The three most common reasons truck drivers falsify log books in New Jersey are:
- Earn more money
- Get home faster
- Pressure from employers
Unfortunately, falsifying log books can lead to drowsy driving accidents. Driving too long without breaks or sleep is a common cause of truck accidents. Our New Jersey personal injury attorney assists truck accident victims to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies liable for the damages they cause.
What Are Hours of Service for Commercial Truck Drivers?
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) sets rules and regulations for the trucking industry. Hours of service regulations restrict the number of hours a truck driver may operate a commercial truck without breaks. Some of the driving rules for commercial truck drivers include, but are not limited to:
- A maximum of 11 hours of driving time after being off duty for ten continuous hours
- A maximum of 14 hours of driving after the 14th consecutive hour being on duty after ten hours off duty
- Must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight consecutive hours
- A maximum of 60 hours driving time within seven days or 70 hours driving time within eight days
- Driving periods restart after the driver takes 34 or more consecutive hours off duty
New laws were enacted to help restrict a truck drives ability to falsify log books. However, as with most laws, there are ways to get around the law if someone truly wants to falsify log books.
Drowsy Truck Accidents Cause Traumatic Injuries
The injuries caused by truck accidents can be catastrophic for the victims. Non-occupants (i.e., other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists) make up over three-fourths of the truck accident injuries and deaths.
Injuries caused by commercial truck accidents include:
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations and paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal organ failure and damage
- Crushing injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
Truck accident victims often sustain permanent disabilities and impairments. They may have significant disfigurement and scarring. In addition, life-threatening injuries may result in wrongful deaths.
Seeking Damages for a Drowsy Truck Driving Accident
The truck driver, trucking company, and other parties could be liable for a truck driving accident. Our legal team carefully reviews the log books in each truck accident to identify false records that could have contributed to the cause of the truck crash. Proving causation and fault are key elements of holding parties liable for damages.
The parties who contributed to the cause of the truck accident could be liable for damages, including:
- Past and future costs of medical treatment, including surgeries, hospitalizations, therapy, and long-term care
- Loss of income and benefits, including future lost wages and decreases in future earning potential
- Disfigurement, scarring, disabilities, and impairments
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Reduced quality of life
Families may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit when the truck accident causes the death of their loved one.
Contact our New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
Truck accident cases can be very complicated and involve multiple parties. Trucking companies and their insurance providers have substantial resources to fight claims. Don’t be pressured into accepting a settlement agreement without talking with a lawyer. Call our law office to schedule your free case review with an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer.