Truck drivers are a common sight on the city streets, whether you are cruising down US 101 or navigating I-280. While these trucks provide an essential service, transporting goods throughout the state and country, their large size can also pose a significant risk to other vehicles on the road.
Additionally, truck drivers face several challenges behind the wheel. Fatigued truck drivers in San Jose accidents frequently contribute to severe crashes, often resulting in life-altering injuries. A truck wreck attorney could help investigate the incident, collect evidence, and fight for compensation on your behalf.
Truck drivers are at a higher risk of driving while fatigued than other drivers for several reasons.
Federal law allows truck drivers to drive up to 11 hours during a 14-hour shift. However, long hours may lead to road haze and fatigue even under the limit. Some drivers may feel pressured to continue driving because of strict deadlines or poor weather conditions. Drivers paid by the mile often try to maximize their time on the road, even when they are too exhausted to drive safely.
Truck drivers may face inadequate sleeping conditions on the road, leading to insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality. Many truck drivers choose to sleep in their vehicles, often at noisy and distracting truck stops. Furthermore, unfamiliar locations or potentially unsafe areas can further hinder their ability to get quality sleep, increasing the risk of driver fatigue.
While truck drivers can only spend a set number of hours on the road, they often have additional responsibilities even after they complete their trip. They may need to unload cargo, conduct inspections, and perform other critical tasks that can cut into their rest time, leaving less opportunity for quality sleep.
Even when truck drivers are ill, they may feel pressured to complete their routes because of a lack of alternative drivers available. Illnesses increase the risk of drowsiness, particularly when drivers take common over-the-counter medications for cold and flu symptoms, making it harder to stay awake while driving.
Some trucking companies schedule driving shifts late at night when roads are quieter to avoid traffic delays. However, this can increase the likelihood of fatigue, especially for drivers who typically work during daytime hours.
Understanding the common causes of fatigued truck drivers in San Jose crashes is crucial for holding the right people accountable.
Even if truck drivers are not fatigued when causing collisions in San Jose, injured individuals have the right to pursue compensation from their insurance companies. However, if fatigue is suspected to have played a role in a truck driver’s negligence, the lawyers at Solution Now Law Firm could investigate the trucking company’s policies and requirements. For instance, they could examine whether the company over-pressured the driver or denied necessary breaks.
If the trucking company acted negligently, injured individuals may have grounds to file a claim against them directly. Depending on the extent of their injuries, this could increase the compensation they can recover.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, working with an attorney who will fight to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation is crucial. Our truck accident lawyers could review the accident details to investigate the cause of the driver’s fatigue and determine who contributed to the accident.
Injuries from fatigued truck drivers in San Jose accidents can have long-lasting impacts. Reach out to Solution Now Law Firm for a free consultation. Our team operates on a contingency basis, so you only pay if we win your case. With streamlined communication and a commitment to quick turnarounds, we offer dedicated legal support and swift resolutions.
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Solution Now Law Firm
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