# Why Do Truck Drivers Falsify Log Books? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Federal Regulations for Truck Driver Hours 2. Reasons Why Truck Drivers Falsify Logbooks 3. Dangers of Falsifying Truck Logbooks for Other Drivers 4. Who is Responsible for a Commercial Truck Accident? 5. Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Truck drivers are required to maintain logbooks tracking their work and rest hours. The truck driver logbook should be an accurate record of all driving hours. However, some truck drivers falsify log books to conceal the number of hours they drive without taking breaks or rest periods. ## Federal Regulations for Truck Driver Hours “[Hours of service](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service)” refer to the number of hours a truck driver may be on duty. It also defines the length of rest periods and breaks that drivers must take. The hours of service rules are in place to help reduce the risk of fatigue and drowsy driving truck accidents.  Some of the [hours of service rules](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations) that apply to commercial truck drivers hauling property include: - A truck driver may drive no more than 11 hours after being off duty for ten straight hours - Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour after being off duty for ten straight hours - Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight hours without interruptions - The maximum number of driving hours in seven days is 60 hours (70 hours in eight days) - The maximum number of hours per 7/8 days can restart after taking 34 or more straight hours off duty There are some exceptions to the hours of service rules for truck drivers who work in teams, short-haul drivers, and drivers using sleeper berths.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Reasons Why Truck Drivers Falsify Logbooks Unfortunately, truck drivers have a great deal of incentive to drive longer than allowed by federal law. The trucking industry is extremely competitive. For that reason, [trucking companies](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-trucking-company-accidents/) often set unrealistic deadlines for deliveries. Truck drivers who cannot meet delivery schedules could lose their job. Although trucking companies know that drivers will falsify their logbooks to keep their jobs, they may turn a blind eye. Likewise, independent truck drivers may falsify logbooks to obtain contracts. For example, they may promise delivery dates they know are unrealistic when bidding on jobs.  Monetary gains are the most common reason a truck driver falsifies a logbook. Drivers who are paid by the mile earn more money when they drive longer hours. In addition, drivers who meet deadlines or are early for deliveries may receive bonuses from the truck company.  However, the truck driver is not the only party to gain from falsifying logbooks. Shippers and truckers make more money when the cargo arrives at a destination ahead of schedule. The faster truck drivers deliver goods, the sooner they can take another load.  ## Dangers of Falsifying Truck Logbooks for Other Drivers Drowsy and fatigued driving is a common cause of commercial truck accidents. [Drowsy driving](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving) is a contributing factor in as many as 1.2 million traffic accidents each year. Missing just a few hours of sleep can significantly increase the risk of a car accident.  Driving a semi-truck requires a great deal of concentration. Sitting for long hours and concentrating on the road can cause fatigue. [Tired truck drivers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-tired-truck-drivers-cause-accidents/) are more likely to make mistakes.  Unfortunately, making a mistake while driving a semi-truck can be deadly. Truck accidents cause [catastrophic injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/catastrophic-injury-lawyer/) and [death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/). Injuries caused by a tractor-trailer accident include: - Severe burns and disfigurement - [Amputations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/amputation-injury/) and loss of limbs - [Traumatic brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/truck/) - Injuries to internal organs - [Spinal cord injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/) - Neck and [back injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/back-injury/) - Paralysis - [Broken bones](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/broken-bones/) and fractures A person may sustain several injuries in a truck accident. Many of those injuries may be life-threatening or cause permanent disabilities. The damages caused by a drowsy driving truck accident can total millions of dollars. For that reason, insurance companies and trucking companies aggressively fight these injury claims. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Who is Responsible for a Commercial Truck Accident? The truck driver can be held [liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for causing an accident. The driver may have [fallen asleep](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/falling-asleep-while-driving/) at the wheel because of an excessive number of hours driving. The trucking company may be held liable for damages, especially if the company encouraged drivers to exceed hours of service or ignored violations of federal regulations.  A truck accident lawsuit could result in compensation for [damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) such as: - The cost of medical treatment and nursing care - The cost of personal care and household services - Physical [pain and suffering](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-are-pain-and-suffering-damages-calculated/) - Impairments, disfigurement, and disability - [Loss of income](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-the-difference-between-loss-of-income-and-loss-of-earning-potential/) and benefits - Future [lost wages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-i-be-reimbursed-for-lost-wages-after-a-car-accident/) and diminished earning capacity - Loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of life - Mental anguish and [emotional distress](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-emotional-distress-after-an-accident/) You have the [burden of proving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-burden-of-proof-in-personal-injury-cases/) negligence and wrongdoing that results in [fault](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-determine-fault-after-a-truck-accident/) and liability. That’s why it is wise to seek assistance from a Houston truck accident lawyer. A [Houston truck accident attorney](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/) has the experience, knowledge, and resources to investigate the cause of the truck crash. The lawyer can obtain copies of the logbooks, truck maintenance records, employee records, and other evidence that helps prove the truck driver and trucking company are responsible for your damages. You deserve compensation for injuries and damages caused by a truck accident. Make sure you take the steps necessary to protect your rights after a traffic accident involving a large truck. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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Always a dangerous practice for other vehicles and people on [![10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10-Largest-Trucking-Companies-in-the-U.S.-300x167.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) [10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) Trucking companies are instrumental in keeping the United States running smoothly. Every day, they are responsible for [![Truck Accident Settlements vs. Litigation: Which is Better in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dangers-of-Overloaded-Trucks-in-Miami-FL-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/truck-accident-settlements-vs-litigation-which-is-better-in-texas/) [Truck Accident Settlements vs. Litigation: Which Is Better in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/truck-accident-settlements-vs-litigation-which-is-better-in-texas/) Deciding between settling your claim or taking your case to court is a significant choice. If you or a loved one has --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/why-do-truck-drivers-falsify-log-books/