Annually, thousands of people are injured in motor vehicle accidents involving large semi-trucks throughout the United States. Tracy Morgan, a popular comedian and television personality, was critically injured and his friend was killed in 2014 when their limousine was rear-ended by a Walmart semi-truck. 

When the crash happened, the truck driver said that he had been up and driving a vehicle for more than 28 hours. Here’s what you need to know about semi-truck accidents and how to secure compensation after an accident.

How Do Semi-Truck Accidents Occur? 

Semi-truck collisions are often caused by driver fatigue, abrupt lack of vehicle control after a tire blows out, speeding, and lane switching. To mitigate truck driver exhaustion, United States law restricts semi- truck operators to 70 hours of driving each week. They will only be able to start a new workweek after completing a mandatory 34-hour rest time. 

Additionally, semi-truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving a day, with a minimum of one 30-minute break that must be taken during that period. Even though  federal regulations specifically regulate driving time to reduce fatigue, semi-truck drivers are under a great deal of pressure to please their superiors and retain a high level of cost-effective productivity for the company. 

Are Trucking Companies Responsible? 

In many cases, both the driver and trucking company can be at fault. That said, fault often lies more with the company than its drivers. Even though the trucking industry is very aware of the dangers of fatigued driving, it continues to oppose changes to safety regulations designed to discourage it. Any policy changes will increase the cost of exporting goods as well as the cost to consumers, according to the industry. 

Furthermore, trucking firms still continue to pay drivers per mile rather than per hour, meaning that a driver is only paid while their vehicle is actually in motion. Regardless of the fact that they are still away  from home and on the job, they do not earn money while sleeping, dining, showering inside a truck stop, or doing something other than driving. As a result, drivers are under pressure to keep going even when they are exhausted and it’s unsafe to do so.

Get the Compensation You Deserve With the Help of a Seasoned Los Angeles Law Firm

An accident with a large truck can be very harmful and alarming. Injury costs, as well as the expenses of related medical attention, can easily add up to more than you can afford. If you or a family member has been hurt in a truck accident, contact a qualified collision attorney as soon as possible. Call the Lewin Law Group today for your consultation at 888.603.0201.