Fatigued Truck Drivers in San Bernardino Accidents

Fatigued truck drivers in San Bernardino are a common safety concern. When a trucker becomes fatigued while driving, they may easily get distracted and suffer impairments similar to those experienced by drunk drivers. This often results in swerving or drifting in and out of their lanes, putting every other vehicle in serious danger.

If a fatigued trucker has injured you, seek the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney at Valero Law Group today.

What Are the Hours of Service Regulations for Truck Drivers?

Exhausted truck drivers pose a significant crash risk on San Bernardino roadways, and national laws are in place to address the issue. The regulations on hours of service dictate when truckers can operate their rigs, and any violations of these limits can lead to legal liability in ensuing truck accident claims.

Some of the primary hours of service requirements include:

• Driving Limits: Truckers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty
• On-Duty Limits: Drivers may be on duty for up to 14 consecutive hours, but must have at least 10 consecutive hours off before beginning a new shift
• Rest Breaks: After eight consecutive hours of driving, truckers are required to take a 30-minute break. This break can include any non-driving activity, such as fueling or loading
• Weekly Driving Limit: Drivers may not exceed 70 hours of driving within seven consecutive days or 80 hours within eight consecutive days. They must take at least a 34-hour off-duty period before restarting a new work cycle

The trucking industry is particularly fast-paced, and some trucking companies and their drivers often prioritize profits over safety. This approach dramatically increases the risk that tired semi-truck drivers in San Bernardino will cause collisions.

If a drowsy truck driver causes an accident, liability may rest entirely with the driver, or it may also extend to the trucking company that employs them. Because truckers operate within the scope of their employment, trucking companies are generally responsible for the actions of their drivers while on duty.

Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, complex fractures, spinal cord damage, paralysis, and damage to internal organs. Compensable losses can include:

• Medical expenses, which may extend well into the future, can increase with the passage of time
• Lost income, which can decrease earnings over the course of a person’s career, can have a financial and emotional impact
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering that can intensify and exceed other losses
• Permanent disabilities or disfigurement

A skilled San Bernardino lawyer can work diligently to prove the extent of an injured person’s damages incurred from a wreck involving a tired commercial truck operator.

Speak With a San Bernardino Attorney if You Were Injured in a Collision With a Tired Semi-Truck Driver

Fatigued truck drivers pose a serious risk on San Bernardino roads. Driver fatigue is a form of impairment that can lead to catastrophic accidents, making these cases especially dangerous. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Valero Law Group have a proven track record of helping clients navigate complex claims and secure favorable outcomes. If a drowsy truck driver has injured you, contact our firm online or by phone today to discuss your case.