Showing that California drivers have been negligent
Trucking is a serious industry in California, and it comes with a lot of responsibility. Semi drivers are held to a higher level of responsibility than most drivers, due to the rules and regulations that govern the way that they can operate their vehicles. These include things like:
– Keeping a log of the hours driven and stops made.
– Having specific certifications, some of them in the medical field, that are valid and up to date.
– Using safe driving practices, which are often referred to as exercising “reasonable care” while on the job.
– Only driving for a set amount of hours per day.
When these things are broken, it can lead to accusations of negligence. For instance, a driver could spend two extra hours on the road, even though he is growing tired, because he may be paid based on the amount of miles covered. Pushing it and driving while tired can help him earn more money. Some drivers have even been known to alter their logs in an effort to hide this.
If that driver then falls asleep at the wheel and slams into another car, he has broken the regulations that are set out for truckers, and it can lead to charges for negligence. For those who have been injured, this is important because it can help them show that they have a right to compensation for their medical bills, which they may be able to get from that driver or the company depending on the circumstances.
If you want to learn more about how all of this works and your own legal rights, especially after an accident, please check out our Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer page.