Hours of Service Violations in California: When a Fatigued Truck Driver Causes a Big Rig Crash

Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of trucking accidents on the road today. With truck drivers succumbing to the pressures of getting a load to its destination despite unrealistic timelines, they become pushed to their limits and often keep driving even though regulations deem otherwise. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations have imposed strict guidelines to regulate driver hours specifically to address fatigue in truck drivers and yet drivers are faced with unrelenting pressure to ignore those in order to get their load to a destination on time.  But these regulations are not always followed.  If you or a loved one were injured by a fatigued truck driver, ask our Los Angeles fatigued truck driver accident lawyer for help.

Truck Driver Fatigue Causing Accidents

Hours of service regulations (HOS) have limits on the number of hours that a driver can spend behind the wheel of a truck before they must take a break. Drivers are required to keep a log book to note those hours. But fatigued truck driver accident lawyers consistently uncover, accidents still continue to occur due to driver pressure and subsequent falsification of driving hours to hide the infractions of HOS requirements.

The pertinent HOS regulations that must be followed include the following:

• 24 hours clocks, with 14 hours “on shift” to drive and 10 hours “off shift” of no driving
• Maximum of 11 hours driving during a 14-hour shift
• Maximum of 8 consecutive hours of driving before a 30-minute rest break is required
• Maximum of 60/70 hours on duty in a 7/8 consecutive day period.

Violations of HOS Regulations Can Result in Liability

If you have been involved in an accident with a big rig truck, you should get the advice and representation of a Los Angeles fatigued truck driver accident lawyer in California. If it was found that your accident was caused by HOS violations, it could help your claim for compensation for your damages. For more information and a FREE case review, contact us today at (888) 588-1777.  We are ready and willing to help.