Truck Driver Fatigue

The sheer size and weight of most commercial trucks mean that when they are involved in a crash, it is often the occupants of other vehicles that suffer the most severe injuries. At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, our experienced truck accident attorneys aggressively represent the interests of those who have been hurt in crashes involving large trucks. We believe that by holding truck drivers and transport companies responsible for their actions and negligence, we can make the streets and highways of California safer for everyone.

According to estimates from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue plays a role in at least 13 percent of all trucking accidents. Fatigue can affect a driver in many ways and can easily lead to a crash. Perhaps the most dramatic type of fatigue-related accident is one in which a driver falls asleep at the wheel, but there are countless others. A driver who is fatigued, for example, may experience slowed decision-making and reaction time, which could result in an otherwise preventable crash.

There are federal regulations that set guidelines regarding hours of service, rest periods, and other factors that could affect a driver’s level of fatigue, but it is up to each driver and trucking company to follow the rules. Unfortunately, it is possible for a driver to remain in full compliance with such regulations and still experience fatigue and drowsiness behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are often on the road for many hours at a time, and they can cover hundreds of miles in a single day. As anyone who drives long distances knows, fatigue can set in very quickly and without warning. When a crash occurs as the result of truck driver fatigue, the driver and the transport carrier may be financially liable for any injuries that occur.

At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we are committed to helping truck accident victims obtain the compensation they need to rebuild their lives after a crash. Our team of skilled attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident so that we can build a case designed to maximize recovery. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements related to truck accidents for our clients. Each of our successes has helped and will continue to help make California roadways safer.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash caused by a fatigued driver on Highway 17, Highway 152, Highway 101, Highway 1, or any other road in Northern California, contact our office. Call (408) 289-1417 to schedule a free, confidential consultation today. There are no fees unless you collect compensation. Our firm has successfully handled truck accidents throughout the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area, including but not limited to Highway 17, Highway 152, Highway 101, Highway 1, Highway 680, Highway 580, and Highway 5.