Southern California Accident Blog

Drowsy Truckers Cause Many California Truck Accidents

Driver fatigue is listed as one of the top ten causes of truck accidents.  Truckers are under enormous pressure to deliver their loads on time.  This pressure comes not only from the trucking companies, but also the shippers.  When unforeseen delays, such as traffic jams, poor weather or road closures, put these truckers behind schedule, they often make the fatal mistake of continuing on without a break or rest.

Drowsy truckers cause countless truck accidents in California.  A tired trucker has a slower response to hazards on the road and often is too slow in reacting to a near accident.  As a result, the driver may crash his big rig, which can weigh up to 80,000, into another vehicle, causing a catastrophic outcome.  California big rig accidents can lead to serious and permanent injuries.  In some cases, a Southern California truck accident can cause death.

There is something known as hours-of-service that truckers are supposed follow.  It is a federal guideline that sets the amount of hours a trucker is allowed to travel without taking a break.  For the most part, California law follows this federal regulation, but there are some exceptions.

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County or other area in California, you should contact a California truck accident attorney at Steinberg & Spencer at 1-800-350-8888 for a free legal consultation.