Lancaster Drowsy Truck Driver Accident Lawyer

Drowsy truck driving accidents are not only dangerous but also complex to navigate from a legal standpoint. Questions quickly arise about whether the driver was operating within federal regulations governing a truck driver’s hours of service limitations, including whether the driver’s logs were tampered with. If the trucker did exceed allowable limits, was this done at the direction of the trucking company, or with their encouragement or tacit approval? Additionally, how do you go about proving that the truck driver was indeed fatigued and that drowsy driving was the reason for the crash? Darlene Trevino is a seasoned Antelope Valley truck accident attorney who knows how to investigate a truck crash, determine its cause, and pursue compensation from the liable parties and their insurers. Trevino Law Firm is the law firm you want when you or a loved one has been hurt in a tractor-trailer crash on SR 14 or the Pearblossom Highway. Contact our experienced Lancaster drowsy truck driver accident lawyer today.

Laws Governing Drowsy Truck Driving in Lancaster

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) lay down rules for hours-of-service to mitigate driver fatigue. Infringements of these laws can create legal consequences for trucking companies and pave the way for victims to seek compensation. Roadside inspections of driver logs and post-accident inspections routinely find that truckers have driven outside the maximum timeframes allowed by law. Even truckers who stay within the legal limits are susceptible to fatigue. The hours-of-service rules in the FMCSRs allow truckers to drive for 11 hours and be on duty for 14 hours after ten hours off duty, and they can extend those times by two hours if they encounter adverse driving conditions. Tractor-trailer drivers can also lawfully drive for 60 or 70 hours over seven or eight straight days after taking off as little as 34 hours (less than a day and a half). It’s no wonder the danger of drowsy driving truck accidents is so prevalent.

The repercussions of a drowsy-driving truck accident can be devastating, often involving multiple vehicles and leading to severe, life-changing injuries. In the best of circumstances, a loaded-down 18-wheeler needs about 525 feet of distance to come to a stop when moving at highway speeds (by comparison, a football field is only 300 feet long). A drowsy driver’s delayed response time and hindered decision-making only contribute to the likelihood and gravity of these accidents.

How Trevino Law Firm Sets Itself Apart in Lancaster Truck Accident Claims

• Expertise in Insurance Negotiations – Darlene Trevino has a proven track record in negotiating favorable terms with insurance providers and opposing lawyers. This experience is invaluable in seeking an amicable resolution to your case.
• Client-Centered Approach – Unlike larger personal injury law firms, at Trevino Law Firm each client receives the attention and care they deserve. You are not just a case file; you are an individual with unique needs and concerns.
• Bilingual Team – As language should not be a hindrance in accessing quality legal services, our staff is proficient in both English and Spanish. We are fully equipped to serve Lancaster’s diverse community.

Immediate Actions to Take After a Drowsy Truck Driver Accident

1. Medical Assessment: Don’t hesitate to call for medical help or accept any treatment offered at the scene, including a ride to the hospital. Follow up with your physician within a day or two for a complete examination to make sure you don’t have any hidden injuries. This is important for your health as well as your insurance claim.
2. Official Reporting: Contact local law enforcement to document the accident formally. Reporting is required in a crash causing injury or property damage, and official documentation can help speed the process of getting justice and compensation.
3. Evidence Gathering: Photographs, video clips, and eyewitness accounts can strengthen your case. If your injuries don’t prevent it, try to collect this information at the scene.
4. Insurance Notification: Inform your insurance company about the accident but avoid making any recorded statements or signing any papers until you have spoken with a lawyer.
5. Legal Consultation: Reach out to Trevino Law Firm to assess your case and start the process of pursuing a claim.

Contact Trevino Law Firm Today

For a personalized consultation on your drowsy truck driving accident case in Lancaster, contact Trevino Law Firm today. With us, you are not a statistic but a community member in need of justice. Let us help you find it. Call 661-526-5012 for a free consultation. There’s no fee until we are successful in recovering compensation for you.