If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident – and suspect that fatigue played a role – we understand how overwhelming this moment might feel. You’re not just dealing with physical pain or car damage. You’re navigating the emotional shock, medical bills and the uncertainty of what comes next.
At Los Justicieros, we are experienced trucking accident attorneys in Los Angeles. We’ve been representing clients since 2012, and our lead attorney, Payton Kashani, has been recognized among the top 10% of personal injury attorneys in the U.S. Our firm is one of the fastest-growing in the nation, and we’ve built a 98% success rate by taking on cases we know we can win.
We offer free consultations – so you never pay anything unless we win.
Common Causes of Fatigue-Related Trucking Accident
Fatigue-related trucking accidents – also referred to as drowsy driving by truckers, tired truck driver crashes, or long-haul driver exhaustion – is one of the most common and dangerous causes of commercial vehicle accidents. That’s why both federal and state authorities have created Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to prevent it.
In Los Angeles, truck drivers must follow both federal and state HOS laws. Federal rules allow up to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off-duty. State rules for intrastate drivers extend that to 12 hours but still require breaks. You can see a full list of regulations here.
Violation of HOS regulations is one of the most common causes of driver fatigue trucking accidents in California. It’s not always the driver’s fault – sometimes, trucking companies place unrealistic demands on their employees.Other common causes of trucking accidents from driver fatigue include:
- Unrealistic Delivery Schedules: Tight deadlines mean drivers push themselves beyond safe limits, skipping rest breaks to meet delivery windows.
- Medical Conditions: Sleep apnea and other undiagnosed conditions lead to poor sleep quality, even when drivers appear to rest according to the rules.
- Night Driving and Irregular Shifts: Driving during early morning hours or working rotating shifts disrupts sleep cycles and leads to high fatigue levels.
- Stimulant Use and Microsleeps: Some drivers rely on caffeine or other substances to stay awake—but these only mask fatigue and can lead to sudden moments of unconsciousness at the wheel.
- Lack of Adequate Rest Stops: In certain areas of California, truckers struggle to find safe and accessible places to rest, forcing them to drive longer than they should.
How To Start a Lawsuit
Failing to take action after a truck accident can leave you without the justice or compensation you deserve. Trucking companies, and their insurers, often have experienced legal teams that are trained to protect their interests. If you don’t have strong legal representation, they may try to dismiss your case or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement.
At Los Justicieros, we level the playing field.
First of all, you should know that, in 2023, motor vehicle personal injury cases made up just over 40,000 filings in California – compared to 732,000 civil cases overall. So your case won’t get buried. In fact, motor vehicle cases have a clearance rate nearly double that of other personal injury claims. That means your case is more likely to move quickly and reach resolution.
Secondly, at Los Justicieros we operate on a no-win-no-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we win. The legal costs are covered by the trucking company as part of your settlement or judgment.
Here’s how you get started:
- Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
- Talk through your experience so we can explain what to expect and determine the strength of your case.
- We’ll help gather evidence – from accident reports and medical bills to driver logs and company records.
- We build and present your case, seeking a fair settlement that covers your medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma.
Sometimes, the trucking company or their insurer refuses. In that case, we take your case to court – and fight until you get the result you deserve.
