Sacramento Truck Accident Attorneys
Driver Exhaustion & Trucking Accidents in California
Driver exhaustion/fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents. The National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that driver exhaustion accounts for between 30 and 40% of all truck accidents and about 30% of all fatal truck accidents. In a survey conducted in 2003, almost 20% of truck drivers admitted that they had fallen asleep while driving at least once in the previous three-month period. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation have set rules and regulations restricting truck drivers from driving long hours without rest, many of them simply disregard these rules and regulations. They continue to drive beyond the maximum allotted time and oftentimes they find themselves overcome with driver fatigue.
Trucking companies sometimes expect their truck drivers to adhere to unrealistic scheduling in order to maximize profitability and stay competitive. Such schedules sometimes keep drivers on the road even when they are exhausted and should be resting. In addition, because a truck driver’s compensation is most often dependent upon the distance covered (pay per mile) and/or the delivery of the load, truck drivers will drive longer in order to make more money. No matter the reason, when a truck driver overtaxes him- or herself by driving without rest, then driver exhaustion sets in and accidents happen.
A Sacramento Truck Accident Attorney Can Help!
As an experienced Sacramento truck accident law firm, we will investigate as to whether or not driver exhaustion was a factor in the accident. Our highly-skilled Sacramento truck accident attorneys will review the driver’s log to determine the number of hours he or she had been driving prior to the accident and check with DOT records as well. In addition, we will depose the driver in order to establish his or her periods of rest and the types of activities that he or she engaged in while not driving. (All of these can help determine if driver fatigue was a factor of the accident.) If it is determined that driver exhaustion was a contributing factor, then our experienced Sacramento truck accident attorneys will fully examine whether or not the driver’s working conditions caused the driver’s lack of rest, thereby making the trucking company liable as well. Drivers who are paid by the mile or by the load have a financial incentive to drive long hours without resting and often trucking companies will encourage drivers to work longer hours so that they will make more money.
Our highly-skilled Sacramento truck accident attorneys understand that your immediate goals are to get your medical bills paid and to make sure that you do not suffer financial loss. When you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to have legal experience by your side in order to ensure that these goals are met. As a leading Sacramento trucking accident law firm, we can provide you with the legal representation you need and deserve.
Contact a Sacramento trucking accident lawyer regarding your claim today!