Truck Accidents: Unrealistic Schedules
West Palm Beach, Florida
When trucking companies implement tight or unrealistic schedules, drivers may disregard speed limits and other rules of the road so that they can meet these outrageous deadlines. The massive size of a truck, combined with excessive speeds can be a deadly combination.
Have you or a family member been injured in a truck accident? If so, it is important that you contact a trustworthy truck accident attorney today.
Truck driver responsibility
Keep in mind that truck drivers are generally not erratic drivers. Because their livelihood depends on safe driving and obeying the law, most truckers are responsible drivers who are some of the country’s most experienced drivers. The massive weight of their vehicle holds them responsible for taking extra precautions to avoid accidents with motor vehicles and other drivers.
A violation or accident can cause a truck driver to lose his or her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and force them to search for another career. It is the trucking and shipping companies who set these unrealistic schedules that drivers must meet if they want to keep their jobs.
Why accept an unrealistic schedule?
The trucking business is a very competitive one. Trucking companies can set unrealistic delivery times, because they know that if one driver turns the schedule down, another one will accept it. While some drivers have the flexibility to refuse a load, others do not. Even though a truck driver may acknowledge that a schedule is unrealistic, they can not afford to turn down the pay. Accepting a load, however, can lead to a serious accident, in which a driver can lose more than an attractive paycheck.
Consequences of unrealistic schedules
- Driver fatigue: An impractical schedule can require a truck driver to continue driving through the night, when he or she needs a rest. The pressure to deliver freight on time can lead to truck driver fatigue, which is estimated to contribute to at least 40 percent of truck accidents. Even when truck drivers try to rest while on the road, attempting to sleep on an irregular schedule may not allow truckers get quality sleep. Some drives may spend their “rest” time loading or unloading, which can make them more fatigued.
- Excessive speeds: In an effort to make these unrealistic schedules, some drivers try to make up for resting or “lost” time by driving faster. Driving at a dangerously high speed can increase the likelihood of a serious accident.
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- Stimulants: Truck drivers who suffer from exhausting may start using stimulants like methamphetamine and ephedrine to stay awake. Illegal stimulants, even legal ones can cause:
- Reckless driving
- Confusion
- Delayed reaction time
- Paranoia
- Poor judgment
If you have been injured in a truck accident and you live in the West Palm Beach, Florida area, or you have been involved in a truck accident in this area, please contact the Florida personal injury office of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. Our experienced attorneys can answer your questions and evaluate your case free of charge. Please call today.
OFFICE LOCATION: 2090 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 402
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
1-800-GOLD-LAW
Call Toll Free 1-800-GOLD-LAW (465-3529)
The reader’s understanding of the information on this website about personal injury law does not constitute a formal legal relationship with the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. Please do not assume this content to be formal legal advice. If you would like to know if you have a valid personal injury case, please contact a attorney in Palm Beach County at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. today for a complimentary consultation regarding personal injury law in Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Port St. Lucie and Palm Beach County, Florida.