Why are truckers required to keep records of their driving habits in Florida?

Tampa, FL – Various different regulations and safety measures have been taken by the government of Florida and the federal government to try to prevent traffic issues and accidents involving trucks. One change that has affected drivers who work for trucking companies is the need to keep an electronic log that contains many important pieces of information. This electronic record is now required by law, and it can provide valuable evidence in case there is ever an accident. 

Required forms of electronic record keeping

Electronic logging devices that must be used on all trucks collect and record crucial data. This can include the amount of time that the vehicle has been driven and the engine is running, where the vehicle has been, the current location of the tuck, and the total number of miles driven within a certain timeframe. This technology replaced logs that were completed by hand and on paper. Some drivers were simply able to install logging software on their smartphones to comply with this regulation when it was adopted. 

Vehicle maintenance

In addition to record of the driver’s route and actions, the vehicle itself needs to follow other stringent sets of regulations. This generally includes maintenance at regular intervals to detect problems with brakes, tires, and other parts that can experience sudden issues on the road. If the trucking company skips out on maintenance, they can be subject to various sanctions or sued by accident victims. 

Lawsuits against trucking companies

If a truck driver causes an accident and they are sued, a number of inquiries may take place. This can include looking at the driver’s behavior in the time period leading up to the crash, their records of brake time and driving hours from their record keeping devices, the driver’s background and former history of incidents and accidents, and if any relevant traffic laws or trucking regulations were violated. All of these areas can potentially provide evidence of negligence that will be used by the plaintiff at trial or during settlement negotiations. 

Costs of a truck accident

One of the reasons why records and safety regulations are so important to the trucking industry is due to the large costs associated with truck crashes. An average collision involving a semi truck with both vehicle damage and cargo loss can be valued at between a few hundred thousand and a million dollars worth of total costs. Victims who were hurt can ask for these amounts from the trucking company or their insurance provider. 

Truck accident lawyers on USAttorneys.com

Anyone who needs a lawyer after a truck crash can find one in the Tampa, Florida area on USAttorneys.com. The site is a comprehensive web directory of licensed legal professionals throughout the United States.