Trial Attorney Blog
One of the most devastating events on our roadways is a truck accident.
These collisions frequently cause serious injuries or fatalities because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
In the aftermath, victims and their families are left not only coping with trauma and medical bills but also searching for answers: What caused the accident? Could it have been prevented? Who is liable?
More precise and fact-based solutions to these problems are now feasible because to technology, especially the Electronic Logging Device (ELD).
These devices are required by federal law to be installed in most commercial trucks, and they automatically record a wide range of critical data.
For victims, ELDs may hold the key to understanding exactly what went wrong—and proving it in court.
Below, we’ll explore how ELD data works, the mistakes victims must avoid, and how experienced truck accident lawyers like those at Finch McCranie use it to build powerful legal cases.
What is an ELD and Why Is It Important?
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of technology that is installed in most commercial trucks.
It automatically records important details about the truck and the driver, such as:
- How long the driver has been driving
- When the driver takes breaks or rests
- How fast the truck is moving
- How long the truck’s engine is running
- Where the truck is located throughout the trip
Before ELDs, truck drivers used paper logbooks to record this information, but those were easy to change or fake. ELDs are digital and secure, which makes them much harder to tamper with.
Why is this important in a case involving a truck accident? Because ELD data can show if the truck driver was driving too long without a break, going over the speed limit, or breaking other safety rules.
It gives lawyers and investigators a clear picture of what really happened before the crash.
Common Mistakes Victims Make Regarding ELD Data
Even though ELD information is crucial, many victims—or even their lawyers—do not take prompt or proper action. Here are the most common errors:
Waiting Too Long
ELD systems may overwrite data after a certain period.
Trucking companies often only retain it for six months unless legally compelled to preserve it.
Delay can result in critical evidence being permanently lost.
Not Sending a Legal Preservation Letter
A preservation letter, sent by an attorney immediately after the crash, formally demands that the trucking company secure all relevant electronic data, including ELD logs.
Without this step, companies might “accidentally” lose or destroy the data.
Misinterpreting the Data
ELD reports are not easy to understand. Reading them correctly requires legal and technical expertise.
For example, a “rest period” may appear legitimate on paper, but GPS timestamps might show the truck was still moving—indicating a falsified entry.
Overlooking Correlation with Other Evidence
ELD data should be analyzed alongside dashcam footage, black-box (ECM) records, driver cell phone logs, and vehicle inspections.
Isolated ELD reports often don’t tell the full story unless evaluated in context.
How ELD Data Can Prove Liability in a Truck Crash
It might be difficult to identify the actual cause of a trucking accident.
Thankfully, ELD data frequently offers unambiguous, factual proof that aids in establishing fault. Here’s how:
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Violations
Federal laws require truck drivers to take rest breaks and limit how many hours they can drive.
ELDs automatically track these hours and rest periods.
If a driver skips required breaks or drives too long, the ELD will show it.
This proves the driver may have been too tired to drive safely, making them or their employer legally responsible.
Speeding or Reckless Driving
ELDs often record how fast the truck was going and how it was being driven.
They capture sudden acceleration, hard braking, and route changes.
This kind of data can show whether the driver was being reckless—like speeding in poor weather or braking too late—which helps establish fault in the crash.
Signs of Driver Fatigue
ELD records help identify if the driver was on the road for too long without enough rest.
Patterns like long overnight shifts or back-to-back driving days often appear.
Fatigue reduces a driver’s reaction time and awareness.
When it’s clear from the logs, it becomes strong evidence that the crash may have been preventable.
Mechanical Problems or Neglect
Some ELDs also record engine fault codes and vehicle issues.
They may log repeated warnings, low tire pressure alerts, or overdue maintenance.
If this data shows the truck was unsafe and still put on the road, it could point to negligence by the trucking company or maintenance provider.
What Victims Should Do After a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a commercial truck accident, take the following steps to ensure your legal rights—and vital ELD data—are protected:
Get Immediate Medical Attention: Documenting injuries early strengthens your personal injury claim.
Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer: Your argument could be weakened by whatever you say. Let your attorney handle communications.
Hire an Experienced Trucking Accident Lawyer Promptly: Truck accident lawyers can send preservation letters, retrieve ELD data before it’s lost, and begin investigations right away.
Document Everything You Can: Take photos at the scene, collect contact info for witnesses, and retain any receipts, reports, or medical records.
How Finch McCranie Helps Truck Accident Victims
For many years, victims of severe truck accidents have been represented by Finch McCranie LLP.
We understand not just the legal strategies—but the technology and tactics used by trucking companies to avoid accountability.
Our team takes a comprehensive approach that includes:
Immediate Evidence Collection
To protect driver records, maintenance history, ELD logs, black-box data, and other time-sensitive documents, we send official preservation letters.
Expert Interpretation of Data
Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts and digital analysts to review ELD reports and compare them with witness accounts and physical evidence.
Aggressive Negotiation
We use irrefutable data from ELD logs to pressure trucking insurers into full compensation—covering medical costs, lost wages, future care, and emotional suffering.
Trial-Ready Representation
When necessary, we bring cases to court—presenting ELD evidence in a way that juries can understand and that maximizes our clients’ chance of success.
What Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?
With strong evidence like ELD data, Finch McCranie helps clients pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and hospital stays
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost income and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages, if negligence is extreme
Each case is unique. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to identify all sources of compensation available under Georgia law and federal regulations.
Why Time Matters: ELD Data Won’t Wait
Time is not on your side after a truck crash. Evidence can become more difficult to locate, memories might fade, and data can vanish.
Without immediate legal action, victims may lose the opportunity to obtain the very information that could have proved their case.
For this reason, it’s imperative that you get in touch with a truck accident attorney like Finch McCranie very away.
We know how to take immediate legal steps to preserve the evidence and protect your rights.
Why Choose Finch McCranie LLP?
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Decades of experience in trucking litigation
- Technical knowledge of ELD systems and regulations
- Collaborations with leading accident reconstruction experts
- A proven record of multi-million dollar recoveries
- No fees unless we win your case
We’re not just personal injury attorneys—we’re truck accident lawyers who understand the complex world of federal motor carrier safety laws, digital data, and the aggressive defense tactics used by trucking companies.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents are life-altering. Victims are entitled to justice, accountability, and compensation for their suffering.
But without timely access to ELD data, critical evidence may be lost—and with it, your chance at a successful claim.
That’s why understanding ELD data isn’t just a legal detail—it’s the foundation of your case.
At Finch McCranie LLP, we don’t leave anything to chance. We fight for truck accident victims with urgency, skill, and dedication.
Let us assist you in finding the truth and pursuing the justice you are entitled to if you or a truck accident has claimed the life of a loved one.
Contact our office right away to set up a free consultation. We will start looking into your issue right away before the data disappears.
FAQ’s
After a vehicle accident, when should I get in touch with a lawyer?
Immediately. ELD data and other vital evidence can be lost quickly. Fast legal action helps protect your rights.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be eligible for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and possibly punitive damages.
Who is liable in a truck accident?
The driver, the trucking business, the maintenance provider, or the manufacturer of the parts may be held liable.
What if the trucking company won’t release ELD data?
They’re legally required to preserve it. We issue preservation letters or take legal steps to compel compliance.
How are truck accidents different from car crashes?
They involve severe injuries, federal regulations, and technical data. We specialize in handling these complex cases.