Unpaid Rest Breaks And Truck Safety
At the Simpson Law Group, we know that truck safety is a major concern of drivers in this state. If you need a San Diego truck accident attorney, you can count on our team to secure the compensation you deserve.
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Unpaid Rest Breaks And Truck Safety

Posted By Simpson Law Group LLP Trial Attorneys Posted in:Truck Accident

February 23 2019

When it comes to safety on the roadways, there are many state and federal laws regarding the safe operation of large commercial trucks. We have just learned that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said that state trucking companies do not have to provide paid rest and meal breaks for their drivers.

Why does this matter?

It matters because truck drivers say that paid breaks and meals help improve safety on the roadways. Major trucking companies fought against paid rest breaks because it cost them money. They certainly do not seem to care much about safety.

At the Simpson Law Group, we know that truck safety is a major concern of drivers in this state. If you need a San Diego truck accident attorney, you can count on our team to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Can Happen?

Before December, truckers in California were treated like regular hourly employees. This meant that they got paid for:

  • A 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours
  • 10-minute rest breaks every 4 hours

While this rule still applies to drivers who only operate in California, we know that most drivers cross state lines.

When it comes to truck accidents, we know that fatigue plays a role. Drivers need to be alert at all times, which is why they are only allowed to drive a certain amount of hours daily. Paid breaks encourage more rest and kept drivers more alert.

We do know that there are other causes of truck accidents. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or those who are distracted by their phones or other devices, can cause major accidents. Trucking companies should always reinforce driver safety to all of their employees.

Truck companies must also ensure that their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent vehicle failure. One main cause of truck accidents are problems revolving around the failure of one or more of the following systems:

  • Tires/wheels
  • Steering
  • Brakes
  • Suspension
  • Connections
  • Lighting
  • Powertrain

Preventative maintenance can go a long way in saving lives. Truck accidents can quickly become mass casualty events. There is no way for a regular passenger vehicle to withstand an impact with a large commercial truck. Most of the deaths in truck crashes are occupants of passenger vehicles.

What Are Your Options?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident that was caused by driver negligence or truck failure, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At the Simpson Law Group, our knowledgeable and experienced team will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for all of your crash-related expenses. This can include:

  • Compensation for your medical bills
  • Recovery of lost income and benefits
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Punitive damages

When you need a San Diego truck accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 619-236-9696 for a free consultation.

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