California Driver Related Truck Accident Causes
There are many truck driver related causes for trucking accidents. In some trucking accident cases, the fault may rest solely with the driver, in other trucking accident cases, the truck accident may be caused partially by the driver. Ensuring that all the proper parties are included in any cause of action you may have, is why it is important to ensure that you have excellent representation when seeking compensation for injuries and damage resulting from a truck accident. Some driver related causes include:
- Truck Driver Fatigue
- Aggressive Driving
- Tailgating
- Driver Negligence / Carelessness (including failing to adjust to weather conditions, talking on a cell phone or playing with a radio or TV, smoking, eating, etc.)
- Alcohol and/or Drugs
- Failure to Inspect Truck, Van, and/or Trailer
- Speeding
- Greed
If you have suffered an injury due to a truck driver’s negligence, or some other truck driver cause, you need to contact an experienced California truck accident attorney. We offer free consultations, and work on a contingency basis (which means we don’t get paid unless you do), so you can afford to have one of California’s premier truck accident law firms represent you.
Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is present, and/or responsible for countless truck accidents. Unrealistic scheduling by the agencies or companies that supply the drivers, and truck driver greed are two factors that contribute to the high number of truck driver fatigue trucking accidents in California. Although there are rules and regulations governing the length of time a truck driver can drive, many drivers ignore these rules, or engage in other strenuous activities during their “time off” the road. Truck drivers are expected to adhere to extracting schedules in order to make trucking companies more profitable and competitive. These tough schedules can sometimes keep a driver on the road, even though the driver is tired and suffering from fatigue. In addition, truck driver greed also can play a role. Truck drivers are compensated by the mile and/or by delivering a load. The more the driver drives, the more the driver can make. Some drivers get greedy, and want to increase their pay by driving more than they should. In addition, sometimes a driver will load (or assist in loading) the truck, van, or trailer, either because they are required, or in order to make more money (sometimes loading pay is separate). After the driver has loaded (or helped load) the truck, they get on the road, tired and fatigued. This is an accident just waiting to happen. If you have been injured due to truck driver fatigue, contact an experienced California truck accident lawyer. We offer a free consultation so you can learn how we have the knowledge, experience, and skill to represent your legal interests and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Drugs or Alcohol
There are strict rules and regulations regarding the use of drugs (even over-the-counter drugs or medication) and/or alcohol for truck drivers. Some drugs and alcohol, can impair a truck driver’s reaction time, or impair a truck driver’s judgment and make the truck driver over-react, thus potentially causing an accident. If a truck driver takes a drug (prescription, illegal, or over-the-counter) that affects the truck driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle, then the law prohibits that truck driver from operating a commercial vehicle. That is why you should contact a California truck accident law firm if you have been involved a trucking accident. We have the skills to get the facts, and the resources, experience, and knowledge to ensure you receive world-class representation in truck accident claim. Of course, the consultation is free.
Compensation Plans
Many truck drivers are compensated by the mile. This encourages truck drivers to not only continue driving when they are fatigued, but also to speed. The faster the truck goes, the more money a driver can make in a shorter period of time. Speeding also makes a truck less safe because the faster a truck goes, the more distance a truck needs to stop. Compensation plans are set by the trucking company or the agency that employs the truck driver. It is possible that these entities may also be liable to the truck accident victims, including the truck driver. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, contact a skilled California truck accident attorney for a free consultation to discuss your case. Find out what makes us one of California’s premier truck accident law firms.
Driver Responsibilities
According to California state law and code of regulations, there are a number of duties that California truck drivers and tractor trailer drivers must follow. Click here to read the California laws. Below, an overview of these items includes:
Maximum Driving and On Duty Time
Drivers Record of Duty Status
Alcohol and Zero Tolerance
Drivers Fatigue
Vehicle Condition
A Premier California Truck Accident Law Firm
The Dolan Law Firm
1438 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-636-8160
Toll Free: 888.452.4752
Fax: 415.421.2830
