Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have become a central piece of evidence in truck accident claims throughout Vermont. These systems, which monitor drivers’ hours and vehicle movements, are required under federal law for most commercial truckers. When a collision occurs, ELD data can reveal key details that influence liability, timelines, and even settlement outcomes.

For Vermont residents involved in a truck accident, knowing how ELDs are used in legal claims can significantly impact the success of a case.

What Are Electronic Logging Devices and Who Uses Them?

Electronic Logging Devices are tamper-resistant systems that automatically track a commercial truck driver’s hours of service (HOS), vehicle movement, engine activity, location, and miles driven. They replaced paper logbooks in most fleets after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented the ELD mandate in 2017. This rule applies to nearly all interstate commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds, including those that regularly travel through or within Vermont.

Drivers must use ELDs to ensure compliance with HOS regulations, which limit how many hours a driver can operate without rest. Violations of these limits often lead to fatigue-related crashes — a leading cause of commercial vehicle accidents.

Why ELD Data Matters in Vermont Truck Accident Claims

When a truck accident occurs, the plaintiff (or their attorney) must prove that the truck driver or trucking company acted negligently. ELD records can serve as impartial, time-stamped documentation that helps answer critical questions:

• Was the driver operating beyond their legal service hours?
• Did the truck move erratically or stop abruptly prior to the crash?
• How long had the driver been on the road without a break?
• Was the vehicle idling excessively, suggesting fatigue or distraction?

In Vermont, where rural highways and changing weather can complicate accident reconstruction, these insights are especially valuable.

Key Legal Uses of ELD Data in VT Personal Injury Lawsuits

1. Proving Driver Fatigue or HOS Violations

Truck driver fatigue is often difficult to prove through witness testimony alone. ELDs make this easier by showing exactly when a driver started, rested, and stopped driving. If the logs reveal that a driver exceeded their legal HOS limits, it can support allegations of negligence.

2. Establishing Timeline of Events

Accurate time and location data from ELDs allow lawyers to build a minute-by-minute sequence of events. This can be compared against witness accounts, traffic camera footage, or surveillance video to support or challenge a version of the story.

3. Supporting Claims Against Trucking Companies

In many Vermont cases, the trucking company — not just the driver — may be liable. If a company encouraged or ignored HOS violations, or failed to maintain an ELD system, this can indicate systemic negligence. ELD data often exposes such patterns.

How Vermont Law Interacts With Federal ELD Requirements

Although ELD regulations come from the FMCSA, Vermont courts routinely use this data during discovery and litigation. Attorneys must formally request the data early, as ELDs are only required to retain records for six months. If the trucking company fails to preserve that information, it may be held accountable under Vermont’s spoliation of evidence laws.

Furthermore, Vermont’s comparative negligence rule means that even if a plaintiff is partly at fault, ELD records can still help prove that the majority of liability rests with the truck driver or employer. For instance, if the logs show the truck was speeding or operating during hours when the driver should’ve been off-duty, this information could reduce a plaintiff’s share of fault.

Chain of Custody and Data Integrity in VT Accident Investigations

To be admissible in court, ELD data must be authenticated and unaltered. Vermont attorneys often work with forensic experts to ensure that the chain of custody is intact — meaning the data has not been tampered with or modified after the crash.

This is especially important if the trucking company attempts to argue that the device malfunctioned or the data is incomplete. Courts are generally skeptical of such claims unless they are backed by credible technical explanations.

When ELD Data Conflicts With Other Evidence

Occasionally, ELD data may contradict other pieces of evidence — such as a driver’s testimony or even police reports. When this happens, Vermont attorneys typically prioritize the ELD logs, given their objectivity and precision. For example:

• A driver might claim they were stopped at the time of the crash, but the ELD shows movement.
• A trucking company may deny a pattern of overtime driving, yet the logs indicate multiple violations across weeks.

Such discrepancies can be used to impeach witness credibility and shift the direction of the case.

Limitations of ELDs in VT Trucking Claims

While ELDs provide extensive information, they are not infallible. Some key limitations include:

• No video recording – Unlike dashcams, ELDs do not capture visual footage of events.
• Limited driver behavior insights – ELDs don’t detect texting, drug use, or other distractions.
• Potential for device malfunction – Though rare, technical errors can affect data accuracy.

Because of this, ELD data should always be used alongside other forms of evidence such as accident reconstruction reports, driver cell phone records, and medical evaluations.

Steps to Take After a Truck Crash in Vermont

If you are involved in a truck accident in Vermont, it’s important to act quickly to preserve and obtain ELD data. Key steps include:

• Contact a personal injury attorney immediately
• Request a preservation letter be sent to the trucking company
• Avoid negotiating with the insurer until ELD logs and other records are reviewed

The faster this evidence is secured, the stronger your potential claim may be.

Conclusion

Electronic Logging Devices are reshaping how Vermont truck accident claims are investigated and litigated. From uncovering driver fatigue to exposing company-wide safety violations, ELD data often provides a roadmap to liability. But to use this information effectively, legal teams must act fast, navigate both state and federal procedures, and combine ELD insights with other key forms of evidence. For injured victims, this data could be the difference between an uphill battle and a fair outcome.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Vermont truck accident claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.