Truck accidents can be devastating. When a passenger vehicle collides with a large commercial truck, the aftermath often involves serious injuries, long-term recovery, and complex legal questions. One of the most valuable tools used in investigating these crashes is the Electronic Logging Device, or ELD.

ELDs are now a standard part of commercial trucking in the U.S., thanks to federal regulations aimed at improving road safety. In Massachusetts, these devices have become key pieces of evidence in personal injury claims involving trucks. They can reveal details about driver behavior, hours on the road, and whether safety rules were followed.

If you've been injured in a truck accident, understanding how ELD data works—and how it’s used—can be important for building a strong legal case. In this article, we’ll walk through what ELDs are, how they help prove fault, and what role they play in Massachusetts truck accident claims.

What Are Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)?

An Electronic Logging Device is a piece of hardware installed in commercial trucks that automatically records driving hours. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) began requiring most commercial drivers to use ELDs in 2017, replacing paper logs. These devices connect to a vehicle’s engine and track when the truck is moving, how long it’s been in motion, and when it stops.

The idea is to prevent driver fatigue by enforcing Hours of Service (HOS) regulations—rules that limit how long a trucker can drive without rest. When drivers exceed these limits, the risk of accidents increases. ELDs help ensure compliance and provide a digital record of the driver’s activity.

How ELDs Play a Role in Truck Accident Cases

In personal injury cases involving truck crashes, proving negligence is key. ELD data can support a claim by showing:

• Driver fatigue: If a trucker exceeded their legal driving hours, the ELD log will show it. This can support a claim that the driver was too tired to drive safely.
• Speeding and sudden braking: Some ELDs track speed and abrupt movements, which could indicate reckless driving.
• Driver behavior before the crash: ELD logs provide a timeline of what the driver was doing before the accident—how long they’d been on the road, how often they rested, and whether they were following regulations.
• Vehicle location and route: GPS tracking from the ELD can confirm where the truck was and when, which helps reconstruct how the accident happened.

All of this information can help build a stronger case by providing objective data that supports your side of the story.

Massachusetts Trucking Laws and ELD Requirements

While ELD rules are federally mandated, they apply to most commercial vehicles operating in Massachusetts. The FMCSA rules cover:

• Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds
• Vehicles transporting hazardous materials
• Drivers operating more than 8 days out of any 30-day period

There are a few exceptions—such as short-haul drivers and vehicles manufactured before the year 2000—but most trucks on Massachusetts roads must comply.

In a personal injury claim, failing to comply with these federal regulations can reflect poorly on the trucking company or driver. If it’s shown that they weren’t using an ELD when they were supposed to, that could strengthen your case.

Getting Access to ELD Data

One of the first things a truck accident lawyer will do is send a legal request—often called a spoliation letter—to preserve ELD data. This ensures the trucking company doesn’t erase or overwrite the information.

The data is typically stored for at least six months, and sometimes longer depending on the carrier’s policies. But waiting too long to take legal action could mean valuable data is lost. That’s why it’s so important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident.

Using ELD Data Alongside Other Evidence

ELD logs are just one piece of the puzzle. A strong injury claim will often include:

• Police reports
• Photos from the scene
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Truck maintenance records

When combined, this evidence creates a clearer picture of what happened and who’s responsible. ELD data can back up your version of events—or directly contradict the trucking company’s.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

Navigating Massachusetts truck accident claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced truck accident 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.