In busy coastal cities like San Diego, traffic and deadlines often clash. Thousands of people spend a long time driving for their job needs. Look at rideshare workers, delivery drivers, or salespeople, for example. This looks productive, for sure, but there are hidden risks, too.
These people spend a long time on the roads every day, and cope with targets, stress, and traffic issues.
When their employers set unrealistic schedules or overlook the need for rest and fatigue, the results can be negative. Such car crash victims will need the assistance and guidance of veteran lawyers.
The Link between Unsafe Driving and Work Pressure
You should not think all car crashes are caused by reckless drivers. Even the weather or road conditions are not always at fault. A section of the collisions is the result of extreme workplace pressure. Here’s why:
- When a delivery guy or food delivery partner keeps on driving to meet targets for hours, fatigue sets in. There are employers who set really unrealistic targets, especially for the gig workers. This fatigue affects diving focus, leading to the risk of collisions.
- When gig workers or delivery persons try to meet such tough deadlines and targets, they tend to speed up. While people blame drivers after a road mishap, the root cause is often the pressure from their employers.
How do Veteran Lawyers Prove Employer Liability in Such Cases?
Holding an employer liable for a road accident is not easy. These companies or employers try to hold the affected driver responsible for the crash. However, look for a skilled car accident lawyer near me who can see beyond the surface-level stuff!
A legal practitioner investigating such accident cases will look into the following aspects:
- Records showing back-to-back trips without breaks
- Scheduling practices that require excessive time
- Internal memos or instructions putting pressure on workers
Apart from these, such attorneys will also check the GPS or electronic logging devices used in the company’s cars carefully. They will also interact with fellow drivers and workers to find information about usual work patterns.
A Look at the Existing Legal Framework on Working Hours
In California, there are clearly defined labor rules and federal regulations. These are there to ensure car drivers do not develop fatigue easily. The FMCSA regulations mention the maximum allowed duration for truck drivers. California labor law has provisions for breaks and rest periods for employees, too.
When employers deviate from these legal standards, and their guilt is proved, they can be sued.
Why Employer Negligence Matters?
For accident victims, proving employer negligence is important as this can help increase the compensation amount. The victims/ drivers can get the coverage offered by the employer’s larger commercial policy. This means better medical bill coverage and long-term disability compensation. Expert lawyers can also use the emotional trauma angle in such cases.
Summing it up
Top car accident lawyers use multiple methods to find out the role of the employer behind car crashes involving drivers and gig workers. They use digital evidence like GPS and CCTV clips as well as witness statements and cop reports to make their cases solid.
