The last thing you should have to worry about when you are on the roadway is that you will be harmed due to the careless or negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company. However, the team at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. knows that a shortage of truck drivers can increase the risk of truck accidents occurring. Here, our Philadelphia truck accident attorneys want to discuss why this is the case.
The shortage of commercial truck drivers is more than just a problem for getting packages or goods delivered on time. According to Safety + Health, a shortage of truck drivers is a top concern of those within the trucking industry. Another primary concern is hours of service requirements. These two issues are commonly linked together.
As more and more people choose against becoming commercial truck drivers, this is putting tremendous pressure on drivers that are already trained and on the roadway. These drivers are responsible for hauling goods all over the United States, and they are often pressured to make deliveries under strict deadlines. Drivers can face incredible pressure from trucking companies and operators to drive more hours than they should or while fatigued.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says that truckers are allowed to drive 11 hours a day after having ten consecutive hours off duty. Drivers are also required to take breaks during this driving period. Truckers may drive only 60 hours in a 7 day period or 70 hours in an 8 day period. A workweek will be reset after the driver has taken 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
If, due to a driver shortage, truckers are pressured by owners or operators to drive additional hours, skip break periods, or to operate while they are fatigued, there is a higher likelihood of a serious accident occurring. Fatigued drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds could crash and cause serious injuries. It is not uncommon for our truck accident lawyers in Philadelphia to help clients who have sustained the following:
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident caused by the negligence of a trucking company or truck driver, contact an attorney today. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we have vast experience handling these cases, and we will work to secure any compensation you are entitled to. This can include:
When you need a Philadelphia truck accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.