Because of their weight and size, commercial trucks are much more dangerous in accidents than standard passenger vehicles. During collisions, big trucks can cause serious damage to other automobiles on the road and severe injuries to both passengers and drivers.
If you were injured in a big truck accident, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. We know you’re facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future, and we want to help you get compensation for your pain and suffering. Call our California truck accident attorneys at (800) 400-2374 or fill out a free online form to get in touch with our law firm today.
California Truck Driving Rules and Regulations
The trucking industry is subject to many rules and regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to keep truck drivers and other motorists safe on the road. However, those rules are often broken in order to keep deliveries ahead of schedule and maximize profits. For example, drivers must maintain strict schedules depending on the type of truck they operate:
- Passenger-Carrying Trucks
- 10-hour limit: Drivers are allowed a maximum of 10 hours on the road per day after eight consecutive hours of rest.
- 15-hour limit: Drivers are allowed a maximum of 15 hours on the road per day after eight consecutive hours of rest.
- 60/70-hour on-duty limit: Drivers are allowed a maximum of 60/70 hours on the road in seven to eight consecutive days of driving.
- Property-Carrying Trucks
- 11-hour limit: Drivers are allowed a maximum of 11 hours on the road after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour limit: Drivers are allowed a maximum of 14 hours on the road after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 60/70-hour on-duty limit: Drivers are allowed a maximum of 60/70 hours on the road in seven to eight consecutive days of driving.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
FMCSA regulations are designed to prevent many common causes of truck accidents. The causes of trucking accidents in California can be different for every accident, but some of the most common reasons why truck accidents happen include:
- Sleep-deprivation and drowsy driving
- Over-loaded trailers
- Poor truck maintenance
- Speeding and reckless driving
No matter what conditions caused your truck accident, you can count on the California truck accident lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers to give your claim the attention and resources it deserves.
Get a Lawyer for Your California Truck Accident
Trucking companies have legal teams dedicated to protecting their business. If you’re involved in a truck accident, the trucking company’s lawyer or insurance provider may contact you and try to get you to accept a lowball settlement offer. Having a lawyer on your side can help ensure you aren’t victimized twice—first by the accident and a second time by the insurance company. But it’s important to make sure you hire the right lawyer for you and your family.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we have more than 35 years of experience advocating for injury victims in California. We offer the No Fee Guarantee®—our promise that if you don’t win, you pay nothing. So contact us today and get the peace of mind you deserve after your accident.
