Operating a heavy commercial vehicle is difficult, so drivers need to be alert and awake to maintain control. Unfortunately, some operators try to extend their working hours and fail to get the proper rest they need, increasing the risk of a collision. Due to the size and weight of their vehicles, fatigued truck drivers in Fresno accidents often leave victims with severe injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a truck, a semi-truck wreck lawyer can explain your legal options, including filing a claim to recover financial compensation. At Dunnion Law, our attorneys have been helping victims hold trucking companies and their drivers accountable for their irresponsible actions for over 50 years.
Tractor-trailers are designed to haul cargo over long distances, making them heavier and more powerful than regular passenger cars. This means that truck operators must have significantly more skill than other drivers, requiring them to undergo training and earn their commercial driver’s license.
With this certification, truckers must also comply with certain rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Some of these regulations are intended to prevent truck driver fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents in Fresno.
Specifically, truck drivers are allowed to be on duty for only 14 hours a day, 11 of which may be spent operating their vehicles. After this, the driver must take at least 10 hours off to rest and recover before starting again. Similarly, truckers may only drive for 60 hours over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight days. If you suffered harm in a collision with a tired trucker, a lawyer can examine the facts and determine who was at fault.
In addition to the operator, commercial transportation companies must ensure that their employees comply with FMCSA’s rules. Despite these regulations, some truck drivers in Fresno continue to work overtime, leading to fatigue and increased crash risks. In these cases, not only could the driver be at fault, but their employer may also share some responsibility for their employees’ actions.
This can benefit your injury claim, as these companies are required to carry liability insurance under separate FMCSA rules. Through filing a claim against the company’s insurance policy, you can recover compensation for your losses, including:
Insurers are likely to prioritize their own profits over your well-being. An adjuster may try to settle the matter as quickly as possible and at minimal cost to the insurance company. Accepting a settlement offer could end your claim, and if it is insufficient or your injuries worsen, there may be no other option.
That is why having skilled legal representation is essential to prevent the trucking company and its insurers from taking advantage of you. Whether negotiating with the company or taking the claim to court, an attorney can fight for a fair outcome.
Fatigued truck drivers in Fresno accidents are a cause for concern. There is always a risk of such crashes occurring despite the rules that exist to prevent them. If you sustained injuries in a wreck like this, our lawyers at Dunnion Law can help you recover compensation from the company’s insurance.
Since 1975, our firm has been helping people recover their lives following a crash. Contact us to schedule a free case consultation to get started.
