Sacramento Truck Accident Attorneys

Unrealistic Schedules & Trucking Accidents in California

Truck driving companies can be held liable for damages that occur as a result of a truck accident that occurred because they impose unrealistic schedules and goals on their truck drivers. Despite both federal and state laws that regulate how many hours truckers are supposed to drive in any one 24-hour period, many truck drivers continue to drive without adequate rest because they are pressured to stick to unrealistic schedules.  Some truck drivers have even turned to controlled substances in order to stay awake and in many such instances, this type of behavior has had horrific results. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes rules and regulations which govern commercial vehicles and the trucking companies that operate such vehicles.  Such rules and regulations are designed to make interstate highways safer.  In January of 2004, FMCSA implemented new “hours-of-service” regulations for truck drivers which increase the required off-duty period both daily and weekly.  Under the new rules, interstate commercial truck drivers are restricted to driving for no more than 11 hours (or 14 hours from the time they start a duty shift) at a time and then they are required to take a 10-hour break.  In addition, truck drivers are not allowed to drive once they have accrued 60 work hours during any 7-day period or 70 work hours during any 8-day period.  However, there is a “restart” provision that does allow truck drivers to drive again after 34 hours of off duty, allowing truck drivers to log up to 77 hours in 7 days or 88 hours in 8 days.  Despite these rules, many truck drivers continue to drive for more than 11 hours at a time and for more than 60 hours in a one-week period.   

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers receive proper driving training which includes knowing that they are to take certain breaks.  If a trucking accident occurs because of lack of training or a truck driver’s failure to drive safely, then the trucking company may be held liable.  At the Sacramento Truck Accident Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate our cases in order to determine if lack of training as well as any other negative factor may be the cause of the accident.  Our Sacramento truck accident lawyers have the experience and the resources to successfully litigate truck accident cases.  For years we have helped truck accident victims receive compensation for such damages as medical bills, lost wages, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and more. 

Contact a Sacramento truck accident attorney regarding your claim and compensation!