Fatigued Truck Drivers in Palm Springs Accidents
Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of serious and often fatal accidents on highways. Commercial trucks frequently travel long distances through desert heat and congested traffic, increasing the likelihood of drowsy or overworked truck drivers. When fatigued truck drivers in Palm Springs accidents are responsible for mistakes made while driving, the consequences for other motorists can be devastating.
If a tired truck driver has injured you in a crash, you may be eligible to file a claim. The attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group could help you understand your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable under California law.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
Truck drivers are at a high risk of becoming dangerously fatigued while driving due to their long hours on the road, sometimes without sufficient breaks.
Even when they feel tired, they may choose to continue driving because of pressure from their employers or fear of missing deadlines. Unfortunately, when commercial truck operators in Palm Springs push through exhaustion like this, it increases the risk of a serious crash. Pulling over and resting when fatigued is not just responsible, it is a safety requirement.
How Fatigue Leads to Truck Crashes
Fatigue reduces a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Sleep deprivation impairs reaction time, decision making, and coordination, all of which are necessary for safe driving. This makes drivers more likely to:
- Miss traffic signals or signs
- Swerve between lanes
- Follow other vehicles too closely
- Fail to yield or check blind spots
- Fall asleep while driving
Truck accidents are particularly dangerous because of the vehicle’s massive size and the potential for transporting hazardous cargo. A momentary lapse in attention by a weary truck driver can cause multi-vehicle pileups, rollover crashes, and high-speed collisions, especially on large highways such as I-10 near Palm Springs.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
If an individual sustains injuries in an accident involving a tired 18-wheeler driver in Palm Springs, they may be eligible for financial compensation. The law allows injured people to file personal injury lawsuits and insurance claims to recover damages caused by truck accidents. Recoverable damages in such cases include:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
California follows a comparative fault system, meaning that the injured party’s compensation may decrease if they were partially responsible for the accident. For instance, if a determination finds them 25 percent at fault, the system may reduce their total award by that percentage.
Who Could Be Held Liable?
Several parties may be liable for damages in a collision involving a fatigued semi-truck operator in Palm Springs. The primary claim is against the truck driver, but in many cases, their employer may also be held accountable.
Employers could be liable for the negligent actions of their drivers if the conduct occurred within the scope of employment. For example, if a truck driver falls asleep while making a scheduled delivery, the employer could be held responsible. These claims could aid in holding irresponsible employers or companies accountable for pressuring their workers.
Additionally, the state allows for negligent hiring claims. This means an employer may be held liable if they failed to properly screen a driver or overlooked warning signs, such as a known medical condition or a history of fatigue-related incidents that should have disqualified the driver from being hired.
Talk to a Palm Springs Attorney Today About Injuries Sustained in a Collision With a Tired Semi-Truck Driver
If a truck driver caused you harm, you should not bear the consequences alone. Cases involving fatigued truck drivers in Palm Springs accidents can be confusing when multiple parties may be at fault, and you may be suffering from moderate to severe injuries. At Walter Clark Legal Group, we understand the complexity of truck accident cases and the stress you may be facing.
Our legal team is here to assist you in seeking full compensation and protecting your rights from the start. Our top priority is to secure the compensation you deserve and to hold those responsible accountable for mistakes made on the road. Schedule a free consultation today to explore your legal options after a fatigued truck driver accident.
