Los Angeles Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

How Does Fatigue Cause Truck Accidents?

Truckers are expected to spend long hours behind the wheel, and many factors can cause a truck driver to become fatigued while driving.

Some of the most common causes of truck driver fatigue include:

• Driving for too long without a break
• Driving for too long without a proper rest period
• Driving during a normal sleep period
• Driving while taking medications that cause drowsiness
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving while suffering from a sleep disorder

When a truck driver is fatigued, their ability to safely operate their vehicle is significantly impaired. Fatigue can cause a truck driver to lose focus, have a slower reaction time, and even fall asleep at the wheel. When any of these things happen, the trucker is at a high risk of causing a serious accident.

Truck Driver Fatigue Regulations in California

Because truck driver fatigue is such a common and dangerous problem, California has put in place many regulations that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow in order to prevent fatigued driving.

Some of the most important truck driver fatigue regulations in California include:

• Truck drivers must not drive more than 11 hours in a single day
• Truck drivers must not drive more than 60 hours in a week
• Truck drivers must not drive more than 70 hours in an 8-day period
• Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 hours
• Truck drivers must take a 34-hour break after driving for 60 hours in a week
• Truck drivers must take a 34-hour break before restarting a new 8-day period

It is important to note that these are just a few of the many truck driver fatigue regulations in California. The state has put many laws in place to ensure that truck drivers are properly rested before getting behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many truck drivers and trucking companies fail to follow these rules, which can result in a serious accident.

Who is Liable for Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents?

One of the most difficult parts of a truck driver fatigue accident claim is determining who is liable for the accident. In some cases, the truck driver is liable because they failed to follow the state’s truck driver fatigue regulations. In other cases, the trucking company is liable because they forced the truck driver to work for too long without a break or proper rest period. In other cases, the trucking company is liable because they failed to properly train their truck drivers on the state’s truck driver fatigue regulations.

Some of the most common parties that are liable for truck driver fatigue accidents include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loading company
• The truck manufacturer
• The truck maintenance company

Because determining liability in a truck driver fatigue accident case can be so difficult, it is important to work with an experienced truck accident attorney. An attorney can help you determine who is liable for your accident and how much your claim is worth.

How Can I Report a Fatigued Truck Driver in California?

If you see a fatigued truck driver on the road, it is important to report it to the proper authorities. Reporting a fatigued truck driver can help prevent a serious accident from occurring, which can save lives. When you see a fatigued truck driver on the road, you should report it to the FMCSA.

When you call the FMCSA’s hotline, you should be prepared to provide them with as much information about the truck driver as possible. This should include the truck driver’s name, the trucking company they work for, the truck’s license plate number, and the location where you saw the truck driver. You should also provide the FMCSA with a description of the truck driver and the truck.

How Can a Los Angeles Truck Driver Fatigue Attorney Help?

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued trucker, you need to work with an experienced truck accident attorney. An attorney can help you file a personal injury claim and fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

At Wisner & Baum, our Los Angeles truck driver fatigue attorneys have the skills, experience, and resources needed to take on trucking companies and their insurance providers. We can help you fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. We can also help you get the justice you deserve. If you have been injured in a truck driver fatigue accident in Los Angeles, do not hesitate to contact the team at Wisner & Baum.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our truck driver fatigue attorneys, call our law office at (855) 948-5098 or fill out our online contact form today.