Beverly Hills Fatigued Truck Accident Lawyer

Fatigued driving in the commercial trucking industry is a major problem that puts everyone on the road at risk. When truck drivers get behind the wheel without enough rest, they can easily lose focus, react slowly, or even fall asleep while driving.

This is especially dangerous for smaller vehicles, which often face the most severe consequences when involved in accidents with large trucks.

At Nagelberg Bernard Law Group, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have. Our Beverly Hills fatigued truck accident lawyer is dedicated to helping victims of truck driver fatigue secure the compensation they need for their injuries, medical bills, and other expenses.

What is Truck Driver Fatigue?

Truck driver fatigue happens when drivers stay on the road longer than they should without taking the necessary breaks to rest. This condition makes it harder for drivers to stay alert, make decisions, and react quickly to changes on the road.

Facts About Driver Fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), drowsy driving is a leading cause of accidents in the trucking industry. Drivers operating large trucks for long hours are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel, which leads to accidents.

The Role of FMCSA in Reducing Fatigue

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations to help reduce driver fatigue by limiting the hours truck drivers can be on the road. These include:

• 11-hour daily driving limit
• 70-hour limits per work week
• Mandatory 30-minute break after every 8 hours of driving

However, even with these rules, some drivers and companies ignore them, leading to dangerous situations. The pressures of the trucking industry often cause non-compliance with these regulations, putting others on the road at risk.

Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue

Several factors contribute to truck driver fatigue, making it a major issue in the industry:

• Unrealistic Delivery Deadlines: Tight schedules force drivers to keep driving, even when they’re exhausted, to meet delivery times.
• Pay Structure: Truck drivers are usually paid by the mile, which motivates them to drive longer hours and take fewer breaks.
• Substance Abuse: Some drivers use alcohol, drugs, or stimulants to stay awake, but these substances can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents.
• Health Issues: Conditions like sleep apnea prevent drivers from getting good rest, leading to chronic fatigue.
• Reckless Behavior: Drivers may push their limits to compensate for delays caused by traffic, road conditions, or bad weather.

These causes contribute to accidents that could be avoided if drivers were properly rested and followed safety regulations.

Signs and Symptoms of Drowsy Driving

Fatigued truck drivers often display warning signs that they are too tired to drive safely. Common symptoms of drowsy driving include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent yawning or struggling to keep eyes open
• Missing turns or exits
• Weaving in and out of lanes
• Feeling irritated or overly tired

Truck drivers must recognize these signs and pull over before an accident occurs. However, many push through the fatigue, putting everyone on the road in danger.

Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can cause truck drivers to make mistakes that lead to serious accidents, including:

Rear-End Collisions

A tired driver may fail to brake in time, crashing into the vehicle in front of them. Fatigue slows down their reaction time, meaning they don’t hit the brakes as quickly as they should. This type of crash is especially dangerous on highways where trucks are moving at high speeds, leaving little room for error.

Rollovers

When a fatigued driver loses control, their truck may tip over onto its side or roof. Large trucks are heavy and tall, which makes them more likely to roll over if a driver swerves or makes a sharp turn. These accidents can block roads and cause even more crashes, putting other drivers in harm’s way.

Side-Impact Crashes

Also called T-bone accidents, these occur when a truck strikes the side of another vehicle. Fatigued truck drivers might not notice a car crossing in front of them at an intersection, leading to a side-impact collision. These crashes are often severe because the side of a car offers less protection than the front or back.

Head-On Collisions

Fatigued drivers sometimes veer into oncoming traffic, leading to head-on collisions. This can happen if a driver falls asleep at the wheel or drifts out of their lane without realizing it. Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of accidents, especially when a large truck is involved.

These accidents often result in severe injuries for those involved, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles. Trucks are much bigger and heavier than regular cars, so the damage and injuries from these types of accidents are often much worse for people in smaller vehicles.

Liability in Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents

Determining liability in a truck driver fatigue accident can involve multiple parties:

• Truck Drivers: Drivers are responsible for staying alert and following regulations. If they choose to drive while drowsy, they can be held accountable for any accidents they cause.
• Trucking Companies: Companies that pressure drivers to skip rest breaks or violate hours of service regulations may also be held liable.
• Manufacturers: In some cases, faulty equipment, like malfunctioning brakes or broken electronic logging devices, can contribute to driver fatigue.
• Other Parties: Sometimes, third parties, such as maintenance crews or other drivers, share responsibility for the accident.

As Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our team at Nagelberg Bernard Law Group knows how to investigate these accidents and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Legal Rights of Victims

If you’ve been injured in a truck driver fatigue accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Recovery for damages to your vehicle and other property.
• Emotional Trauma: Compensation for the mental anguish you may experience as a result of the accident.

In the case of a fatal truck accident, families can also file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

How Nagelberg Bernard Law Group Can Help

At Nagelberg Bernard Law Group, our Beverly Hills truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of fatigued truck drivers get the compensation they deserve. Truck accidents caused by tired drivers can be complicated, but we know how to build a strong case.

First, we investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering important evidence like driver logs, black box data from the truck, and witness statements. This helps us understand exactly what happened.

Our team also works to prove that driver fatigue played a role in the accident. We look at hours of service records and other data that show whether the driver had been on the road too long without enough rest. Once we have a solid case, we take on the insurance and trucking companies, negotiating on your behalf to ensure they don’t shortchange you.

If they won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take the case to court and fight for the maximum compensation possible. We’re here to support you through the entire process and ensure you get the justice you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Drowsy Driving Accident

If you’ve been in a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver, there are a few steps you should take:

1. Document the Scene: Take notes and photos and collect witness information at the accident site.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor to ensure no hidden injuries.
3. Consult an Attorney: Contact a fatigued truck accident lawyer near me in Beverly Hills to protect your rights and start building your case.

Why Choose Nagelberg Bernard Law Group?

We’ve been handling truck accident cases for decades, including those involving driver fatigue. Here’s why we’re the best fatigued truck accident attorneys in Beverly Hills:

• Experience in Trucking Accident Cases: We have extensive experience in handling complex truck accident cases, including those involving fatigued drivers.
• Proven Results: Our clients have received significant compensation for their injuries and losses.
• Personalized Attention: We take the time to get to know each client and provide one-on-one support throughout the case.
• No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee: With our no-win, no-fee fatigued truck accident lawyers in Beverly Hills, you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Contact Our Beverly Hills Fatigued Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver, don’t wait. Contact Nagelberg Bernard Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Our team of Beverly Hills fatigued truck accident lawyers is here to fight for your rights and guide you through this difficult time.