Can I Sue A Trucking Company For Letting A Driver Operate While Fatigued?
Yes, trucking companies can be held liable for accidents if they encourage drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, fail to monitor logbooks, neglect to enforce rest breaks, or use compensation models that reward speed over safety.
Under California law, employers may be vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employees while on duty.
The Trucking Company May Face Liability for Fatigued Drivers
It is not just the truck driver who can be held accountable for accidents caused by fatigued driving. Trucking companies can also be liable if they:
- Encourage or coerce drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits
- Fail to monitor logbooks or ELDs for violations
- Neglect to enforce mandatory rest breaks
- Use compensation models that reward faster deliveries over safety
- Hire drivers with known histories of HOS violations or fatigue-related crashes
California employers are held to high standards under CACI No. 3700’s respondeat superior laws, which can make them vicariously liable for the negligent acts of employees while on duty. If a company’s practices knowingly put fatigued drivers on the road, they may also face direct liability for negligent supervision or training.
Establishing Negligence
Establishing fatigue in a truck accident case is rarely straightforward. Black box data after a truck accident can be a critical piece of evidence, but it is just one part of a thorough investigation. A skilled truck accident lawyer will also examine ELD records, GPS data, and company policies to uncover signs of negligence.
Other ways a truck accident lawyer can build a strong case include:
- Obtaining cell phone records and dashcam footage
- Deposing trucking company employees about their internal policies and practices
- Working with accident reconstruction experts and sleep scientists
- Building a compelling narrative that connects fatigue to the cause of the crash
- Negotiating assertively with insurers or taking the case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered
Have More Questions About Suing a Trucking Company for an Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a trucking accident, contact Curtis Legal Group today to set up a Free Consultation. We can answer your questions directly about how to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries, lost wages and other damages.