ELD Violations in Indianapolis Truck Accidents: Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Commercial Vehicle Crash

In the aftermath of commercial truck accidents, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data has become a crucial element in establishing liability and securing compensation for victims. These federally-mandated devices track commercial drivers' hours of service, vehicle movement, and compliance with federal safety regulations. When ELD records reveal violations—such as exceeding maximum driving hours, falsifying logs, or operating with malfunctioning equipment—they can provide compelling evidence in personal injury claims. In Indianapolis, where major interstates like I-65 and I-70 intersect, ELD compliance is particularly critical for preventing fatigue-related crashes. The data captured by these devices can reveal patterns of non-compliance, maintenance issues, or systemic safety violations that may have contributed to an accident. For injury victims, understanding how ELD data relates to their case is essential, as these records can demonstrate negligence on the part of both drivers and trucking companies.

Legal Rights and Considerations: In Indiana, victims of commercial truck accidents have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit under IC § 34-11-2-4. Key regulations include both federal ELD requirements (49 CFR § 395.8) and Indiana's adoption of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Insurance considerations typically involve both the trucking company's commercial liability policy (minimum $750,000 federal requirement) and potential umbrella coverage. Victims may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages if willful ELD violations are proven. Multiple parties may share liability, including the driver, trucking company, and potentially third-party maintenance providers if ELD equipment was improperly maintained or tampered with. An experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorney can help with all aspects of the legal claim.

Common causes and types of truck crashes include the following. Click the links below to learn how an experienced personal injury attorney can help:

Related Resources: Local Courts:

  • Marion County Superior Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
  • Marion County Circuit Court

Support Services:

  • Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
  • Brain Injury Association of Indiana
  • Indiana Victim Assistance Network

Regulatory Resources:

  • Indiana Department of Transportation Commercial Vehicle Division
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - Indiana Division
  • Indiana Commercial Driver's License Manual
  • Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Resources

Return to the Indianapolis truck accident information page

Most recent accident reports

Date: 
Sunday, December 15, 2024

 

A devastating late-night collision on Indianapolis's northwest side has resulted in one fatality and left two others seriously injured.

Date: 
Friday, December 6, 2024
Type: Car Accident

Fatal Intersection Crash Claims Life of Richmond Woman on U.S. 35 in Randolph County, Indiana

Date: 
Friday, November 29, 2024
Type: Car Accident

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life on Lafayette Road in Indianapolis

Date: 
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Roadway: 
Lafayette Road
Type: Car Accident

Fatal Semi-Truck and Van Collision on State Road 46 in Decatur County Claims One Life

A devastating head-on collision between a semi-truck and a van on State Road

Date: 
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Roadway: 
State Road 46

Fatal Semi-Truck Collision Results in Vehicle Fire on I-65 in Downtown Indianapolis

Date: 
Friday, November 8, 2024
Roadway: 
I-65
Topics: 
Fire

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life on Indianapolis's Fall Creek Parkway Near 38th Street

Date: 
Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Fatal Vehicle Fire Crash on Indianapolis I-465 Claims One Life

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, a tragic accident on Interstate 465 in Indianapolis resulted in one f

Date: 
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Roadway: 
Interstate 465
Type: Car Accident