Electronic logging devices (ELDs) in the trucking industry have revolutionized the way we investigate and litigate trucking accidents. By tracking a driver’s every move, ELDs provide a wealth of information that can make or break a case.
What can ELD data reveal about an accident?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) gave its final rule about ELDs in 2015, and in the years that followed, it has become an important technology in recording truck monitoring. ELDs generate a treasure trove of data, including:
- Speed and location: ELDs use GPS technology to track a truck’s speed and location in real time. This data can help investigators determine whether a truck was speeding or out of its designated lane at the time of a crash.
- Driving time and rest breaks: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates strict rules on truck drivers taking breaks. ELDs automatically log these hours, revealing any violations that may have contributed to an accident.
- Brake application and engine diagnostics: Before the collision, were the brakes defective, or were there engine malfunctions? An ELD can record this data and provide crucial insights into the truck’s mechanical condition before the accident.
The court can determine what happened before, during, and after an accident using the date from an ELD, which can either confirm or contradict eyewitness accounts or driver statements.
Can ELD data be used in court?
In Kentucky, ELD data plays a key role in trucking accident cases. The court views it as a business record, so it must follow specific rules to be used as evidence. To use ELD data in court, you must properly check it and ensure it meets business record requirements. Both sides can ask for ELD data during a lawsuit as part of the discovery process. Understanding the legal issues when you give or request this data is important.
Protecting your business after a trucking accident
Trucking accidents often involve severe injuries and complex legal issues. A thorough investigation into the cause of the accident is crucial to ensure the plaintiff does not charge your business for something it is not liable for. Legal guidance will help you analyze ELD data that may be vital to your case.