Los Angeles Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer
At Personal Injury Legal Group, our Los Angeles truck driver fatigue accident attorneys are skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable advocates for injured victims. Fatigued driving is dangerous driving—and truck drivers and trucking companies must be held accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash and you suspect that trucker fatigue was a factor, we can help. Contact our Los Angeles law office today for a free consultation with a top California truck accident attorney.
Fatigued Driving is Dangerous Driving: Know the Risks
Fatigued driving is dangerous driving—especially in the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that trucker fatigue is cited as a causal factor in nearly 13% of all tractor-trailer crashes reported nationwide. Why is fatigued driving so dangerous? It dramatically reduces the safety performance of truckers, including because of:
- Delayed Reaction Time: Fatigue slows reaction time, making it hard for drivers to respond quickly in emergencies.
- Impaired Judgment: Fatigue can impair a driver’s decision-making ability, leading to risky behavior on the road.
- Reduced Vigilance: An overly tired truck driver may not be as attentive to the road, missing important signs or signals.
- Microsleeps (Distraction): Extremely fatigued drivers may experience “microsleeps,” brief periods of sleep that last just a few seconds, leading to loss of vehicle control.
An Overview of Federal Regulations (Hour of Service Limits)
In order to combat the serious safety issue of fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established comprehensive hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for all truckers operating in interstate commerce. Most truck drivers and trucking companies that operate in Southern California must comply with the following regulations:
- 14-Hour Driving Window: Truckers must complete their daily driving within 14 hours.
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Truckers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving time.
- 30-Minute Rest Breaks: For each eight-hour period, truckers must take a 30-minute break.
- 60/70-Hour Limit: Truckers may not drive more than 60 (or 70) hours on duty in seven (or eight) consecutive days.
Holding a Trucker and Trucking Company Liable for an Accident
California is an at-fault state when it comes to vehicle accidents. The party found to be responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. In cases involving fatigued truck drivers, both the driver and the trucking company may be held accountable. A truck driver can be held responsible for not adhering to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations or driving while clearly fatigued. Beyond that, their employer (the trucking company) may also bear legal responsibility. All truck accidents that are suspected to be related to driver fatigue should be comprehensively investigated.
Note: California is a comparative negligence jurisdiction. If an injured victim is held partially responsible for their own crash, they will bear a proportionate share of liability for their own damages. Do not let a trucking company or an insurer unfairly blame you for a fatigued driver semi-truck accident in Los Angeles.
Recovering Compensation for a Fatigued Trucker Crash
Following a crash with a semi-truck in Los Angeles, it is imperative that injured victims are able to secure the compensation that they need to pay bills and support themselves. California law allows for the recovery of economic and intangible damages. You may be entitled to monetary damages for:
- Property damage;
- Emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability;
- Physical impairment; and
- Wrongful death.
How Our California Trucker Fatigue Accident Lawyers Can Help
Fatigued driving truck accident claims are notoriously complex. Sadly, you cannot rely on truckers, truck companies, or insurers to look out for your best interests. At Personal Injury Legal Group, we get results for injured victims. When you contact our Los Angeles office, you will have the opportunity to consult with a California semi-truck accident attorney who can:
- Hear your story and answer questions about your fatigue trucker accident claim;
- Investigate the collision—gathering evidence to prove trucker fatigue;
- Handle correspondence with trucking companies and insurance companies; and
- Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum financial compensation.
Hurt in a Collision With a Fatigued Truck Driver in Southern California?
We can help. At Personal Injury Legal Group, our Los Angeles truck accident lawyer has the skills and experience to handle the full range of trucker fatigue accident claims. You deserve the maximum financial compensation. Contact our Los Angeles personal injury attorney today to set up your free, no-obligation initial consultation. From our legal office in Los Angeles, we handle trucker fatigue accident claims in Southern California.
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