How Long Hours With Little Pay Can Lead To Truck Accidents

Driving trucks over the road is one of the most grueling jobs there is. From the outside, it might look like the person gets to sit down all day and travel to fun destinations. In reality, it’s a job that requires concentrated attention and lends toward ailments such as sore muscles, depression, and fatigue.

Truck drivers not only have to deal with difficult working conditions but many of them are also underpaid. According to research, overworked and underpaid truck drivers are a recipe for disaster on the road.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF UNDERPAID TRUCK DRIVERS?

Although the pay for truck drivers varies from company to company, one aspect of the job that remains widely the same is that truck drivers are required to pay for their own expenses. Such expenses include their truck lease, maintenance, and gas, among many other things. These costs add up quickly and, for some drivers, their take-home pay for a typical weeks’ work is minimal. Low wages and high expenses mean truck drivers need to work extra hours to make ends meet at home. For some drivers, this means driving 20 or more hours per day.

WHAT ARE FEDERAL REGULATIONS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS TAKING BREAKS?

Due to the high rate of truck driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety has enforced driving regulations to reduce the number of drowsy driving-related accidents. According to the rules, a property-carrying truck driver is only permitted to drive for 11 hours before they must take a 10-hour break. If a truck driver does not abide by the regulations, they can face fines and other penalties. Although many drivers might think they’re doing themselves a favor by breaking the regulations, doing so poses a threat to others’ safety.

WHY FATIGUED, OVERWORKED, AND UNDERPAID TRUCK DRIVERS CAUSE ACCIDENTS

Accidents caused by tired truck drivers are dangerously high. Statistics show that 13% of truck accidents are directly related to drowsy-driving and can cause deaths in many instances. The most important fact to realize about tired-driving accidents is they could be prevented. Big companies that force unfair conditions on their drivers create a culture where driving while tired is acceptable and even encouraged. In some situations, it feels like truck drivers have no choice but to get on the road when they’re still in desperate need of sleep.

HIRE A COMPETENT TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY ON YOUR BEHALF

In any trucking accident, one of the most important things you can do afterward is to investigate their logbooks for evidence of regulation violations. Driving beyond the regulated hours is a cause for major concern and can help your case for punitive damages.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck, the trucking company might be the one to blame. Any time a person is driving for business purposes, their employer can be held liable. At McCullough & Leboff, PA we’re experienced in auto accidents and personal injury cases. Our attorneys have more than 48 years of combined legal experience and understand what it takes to win you the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, call or contact us online today. We’re here and ready to work on your behalf.