Commercial vehicle accidents are an unfortunate reality in the State of California. California’s ports of entry and interstate freight corridors carry some of the heaviest commercial truck traffic in the Country. Despite being only 4 percent of registered vehicles, California disproportionately accounts for between 7% to 12% of fatal crashes Nationwide. California ranks #2 in the Nation, second only behind the State of Texas for the highest numbers of fatal accidents involving large commercial trucks and buses. Roads and highways across the state are filled with large commercial vehicles and as a result of their large size, these vehicles pose a dangerous risk to those with whom they share the roads. A traffic accident involving a large commercial vehicle will usually lead to serious injuries and, unfortunately in some cases, death.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that between 2015–2025, there were 153,681 large commercial trucks and buses involved in collisions on California roadways, resulting in 5,358 fatalities and 71,693 serious injuries. California accounts for about 7.5% of all reported truck and bus accidents nationwide. Over 2015-2025, California’s reported record volume is roughly 285% above the average across the 51 U.S. States and Wash DC.
Commercial Vehicle Regulations
A majority of drivers will be nervous when there is a large commercial vehicle near them, and this is for good reason. Large commercial trucks weigh a considerable amount of weight and they are capable of causing serious damage in the event of a collision. As a result of their potential for catastrophic damage, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration heavily regulate the industry. The administration has outlined a wide-variety of rules and regulations as it pertains to the trucking industry. One of the most important guidelines set by the administration is one that outlines the amount of hours a truck driver is allowed to operate the vehicle. Based on this rule, the following information applies:
- Large commercial vehicle drivers are only allowed to work a period of up to 14 hours, in which 11 of those hours are for the sole purpose of driving. Any remaining time will need to be spent on rest breaks and meals.
- Once the driver’s shift is over, he or she must take a rest break of a minimum of 10 consecutive hours.
- All truck drivers will also need to take time off work in regular intervals. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that days off will depend on individual trucking companies. Trucking companies that are open 7 days a week will allow a driver to work a maximum of 70 hours within an eight-day time frame before he or she can take a minimum of 34 hours off. Trucking companies that are open less than 7 days a week, the driver is allowed to work 60 hours before he or she will need to take a minimum of 34 consecutive hours off.
As rigid as these regulations are, commercial vehicle operators are often caught breaking these rules. In many situations, it is the truck company who pressures the truck driver to break the rules in order to save them money and produce faster deliveries.
After a Trucking Accident, Speak to a Well-Versed Personal Injury Attorney
Unfortunately, many truck drivers are motivated to cut corners in order to meet their quotas. These careless shortcuts often result in catastrophic accidents, where an unsuspecting person suffers serious, life-changing injuries or is otherwise killed.
If you or someone you love has suffered an accident that was caused by a large commercial vehicle operator, you should know that there may be an opportunity to recover compensation from the negligent driver. Obtain legal counsel from an attorney who is well-versed in the regulations that govern the trucking industry.
The truck accident attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are highly regarded in the field of personal injury accidents. With decades of experience, the firm is well positioned to vigorously defend a victim’s right to fair compensation. To learn more about your legal rights and remedies, Contact the attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation today. There is NO CHARGE for the initial consultation.
