Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Fatigue in Jackknife Accidents: What You Should Know
Jackknife accidents—where a tractor-trailer folds in on itself like a pocketknife—are among the most dangerous types of truck crashes. Often involving multiple vehicles and catastrophic injuries, these accidents are frequently linked to truck driver fatigue. Fortunately, with the mandatory use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in commercial trucks, victims of jackknife accidents now have a powerful tool to help prove negligence in personal injury claims. Our Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorneys at Mainor Ellis are here to help with your personal injury claim.
What Are ELDs and Why Do They Matter?
Electronic Logging Devices are federally mandated tools installed in most commercial trucks. These devices automatically track key data such as:
- Hours of service (HOS)
- Driving time
- Vehicle movement
- Engine hours
- Rest and sleep breaks
ELDs replaced paper logbooks to ensure more accurate and tamper-resistant tracking of a truck driver’s compliance with federal regulations, particularly those designed to prevent fatigue.
How Fatigue Contributes to Jackknife Accidents
Fatigue is a leading cause of jackknife crashes. Tired drivers experience slower reaction times, poor judgment, and impaired motor skills—all of which can contribute to a loss of control. When a fatigued driver brakes suddenly or swerves, it can cause the trailer to swing out and jackknife, endangering everyone on the road.
Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), commercial drivers are limited to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- A 14-hour driving window per day
- A mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
Violating these limits significantly increases the risk of fatigue-related accidents—and can be revealed through ELD data.
Using ELD Data in Personal Injury Claims
In a jackknife accident lawsuit, ELD records can be a critical piece of evidence to establish whether the truck driver or company violated federal hours-of-service rules. This data may show:
- Excessive driving hours without sufficient rest
- Manipulation of duty logs
- Patterns of fatigue or drowsy driving
For example, if a driver was on the road for 14 straight hours before causing a jackknife accident, their ELD logs can demonstrate clear regulatory violations—supporting your case for negligence or even gross negligence.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable
ELD data doesn’t just implicate the driver—it can also expose the trucking company. Many companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, implicitly encouraging them to violate rest rules. If ELD records show repeated violations or falsified entries, the company may face liability for negligent supervision or enforcement of unsafe practices.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Trucking companies and their insurers often act quickly to protect themselves after a jackknife crash, and they may be reluctant to share ELD data. That’s why you need an experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorney to:
- Issue legal demands to preserve ELD evidence
- Analyze and interpret the records with expert support
- Build a strong claim to maximize your compensation
Contact Mainor Ellis Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife accident, don’t let critical evidence slip away. At Mainor Ellis, we understand the complexities of truck accident litigation and know how to leverage ELD data to hold negligent parties accountable. Call us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices
