The Role of Logbooks in Truck Accident Investigationsv

When investigators review a truck accident, the logbook often becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence available.

What Trucking Logbooks Record

Modern trucks rely on electronic logging devices, but the purpose remains the same. Logbooks track:

• Hours spent driving
• Break periods and off-duty time
• Total miles traveled
• Time spent loading, unloading, or inspecting the truck
• Start and end times for each shift

These details establish a factual timeline. They show how long the driver was behind the wheel, whether rest periods occurred, and whether the day’s hours appear reasonable based on the route.

Why Logbooks Matter in an Investigation

Investigators use logbooks to determine whether fatigue or poor scheduling contributed to the truck crash. A logbook that shows extended driving hours, skipped breaks, or unrealistic mileage raises immediate concerns. Even when the entries look normal, investigators still check for accuracy by comparing the logbook with additional records. Common issues include:

• Entries that do not match GPS data
• Breaks that appear too short for the route
• Missing or incomplete sections.
• Sudden changes in duty status

Any inconsistency may indicate that the logbook does not accurately reflect the driver’s activity.

What Logbooks Can Reveal About the Crash

Logbooks can expose unsafe practices that contributed to the collision. These may include:

• A driver operating beyond reasonable limits
• Missed rest periods
• Scheduling practices that pushed the driver too hard
• A pattern of long shifts with minimal breaks
• Sudden shifts in hours that suggest inaccurate reporting

These patterns help explain whether the driver was fatigued, distracted, or under pressure at the time of the crash. They also help identify whether management failed to supervise the driver’s activity or allowed unsafe habits to continue.

How Logbooks Work With Other Evidence

Logbooks become more powerful when paired with supporting documentation. Investigators often compare the logbook with:

• GPS tracking records
• Fuel receipts and toll records
• Weigh station tickets
• Dispatch messages
• Surveillance or dash camera footage
• Data from the truck’s onboard computer

When these records align, investigators gain a clear timeline.

How Logbooks Are Preserved After a Truck Accident

Preserving a truck driver’s logbook becomes a priority immediately after an accident because these records can be altered, deleted, or overwritten through normal company operations. Investigators and attorneys typically act quickly by sending written preservation requests, known as a spoliation letter, to the trucking company. This puts the company on notice that it must secure the electronic logging device data, any backup files, and any paper logs still in use.

If the company ignores the letter or destroys records after receiving it, courts may impose sanctions for the failure to preserve evidence. Penalties can include fines, exclusion of certain defenses, or instructions that allow a jury to assume the missing evidence would have been unfavorable to the company.

What Happens When Logbooks Are Missing or Altered

In these situations, investigators turn to secondary evidence to rebuild the driver’s timeline and determine what occurred before the crash. They may review electronic control module data, fuel purchases, weigh station records, or communication logs to fill in the gaps left by a compromised logbook. Evidence of alterations or missing records can also be used to prove negligence and ultimately, a truck driver or company’s liability.