Truck accidents in Burbank are often devastating, and one of the leading causes is truck driver fatigue. When a commercial driver becomes physically or mentally exhausted, their ability to operate a large vehicle safely is impaired, putting everyone on the road at risk.
This issue has been compared to drunk driving in terms of the danger it creates. At Glotzer & Leib, we have seen the severe outcomes of fatigue-related truck crashes and help victims pursue justice.
Fatigue is more than feeling tired after a long day; it is the physical and mental exhaustion that reduces judgment, slows reflexes, and affects concentration. Truck driver fatigue happens when exhaustion interferes with a driver’s alertness, judgment, and reaction time, making a collision far more likely. Extended driving hours, disrupted sleep schedules, overnight hauls, and heavy workloads are some of the most common reasons this occurs. Signs of fatigue include drifting between lanes, yawning repeatedly, or delayed responses, and its effects can mirror the impairment caused by drunk driving.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, fatigue may result from inadequate sleep, extended work shifts, or strenuous activity that prevents the driver from maintaining safe driving practices. In urban areas like Burbank, where freeways such as the I-5 and the 134 connect heavy commercial traffic, the risks of fatigued drivers on crowded routes increase substantially.
Truck drivers face intense schedules and pressure to meet deadlines. Some common causes of fatigue include insufficient sleep, overnight hauls that conflict with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, irregular rest breaks, and working consecutive long days on the road. Lifestyle habits, such as a poor diet or lack of exercise, can also contribute to exhaustion. Trucking companies often encourage practices that worsen fatigue, including pushing drivers to exceed safe driving hours.
Local congestion in Burbank can also worsen fatigue. Long delays on freeways or stop-and-go traffic on streets near the Hollywood Burbank Airport can extend already demanding shifts, forcing drivers to stay behind the wheel even longer.
At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.
When truck drivers reach the point of exhaustion, the outcome on the road can be devastating. A drowsy driver may roll past a stop sign without noticing, react too slowly to brake in time, or start drifting across lanes. Because of commercial trucks’ sheer size and weight, even a small mistake can trigger a chain reaction, sometimes leading to pileups and catastrophic wrecks. Victims are left facing life-changing injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple fractures. Beyond the physical harm, families often find themselves burdened with steep medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of recovery.
In Burbank, the risks are even greater. Busy streets like Victory Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard carry heavy trucks and commuter traffic daily. On these crowded routes, one lapse caused by fatigue can instantly turn into a serious accident affecting multiple people simultaneously.
Motorists in Burbank should be aware of visible red flags that indicate a truck driver may be fatigued. Common signs include difficulty keeping eyes open, yawning continuously, slower reactions, and weaving within a lane.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, frequent blinking, daydreaming, trouble remembering the last few miles, missing exits, or hitting rumble strips are all signs of dangerous drowsiness. Recognizing these behaviors can help other drivers stay alert and avoid potential collisions.
Both federal and California laws regulate how long truck drivers can remain on the road without rest. Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a driver can operate and mandate mandatory rest periods. These rules are designed to reduce fatigue-related accidents. However, violations still occur when trucking companies or drivers disregard these requirements to increase profits or meet tight deadlines. When violations lead to accidents, they can be crucial in proving liability.
For Burbank cases, evidence of logbook violations, electronic logging device records, or testimony from other drivers may reveal whether fatigue laws were broken.
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While regulations set the framework, personal responsibility and employer practices are equally important. Drivers can prevent fatigue by:
Employers can help by:
These measures protect not only truckers but also the community they drive through.
Local rest areas near Burbank’s freeways or safe parking locations help drivers recharge. Advocacy for more rest facilities in Southern California continues, as many drivers struggle to find safe and convenient places to stop.
Fatigue-related truck accidents in Burbank can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with long recovery periods, medical bills, and emotional suffering. At Glotzer & Leib, we help injured individuals and families seek compensation after these tragic collisions. You do not have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone.
Call us today at 747-241-8288 or visit our office at 1023 N Hollywood Way, Suite 202, Burbank, CA 91505 to learn how we can help you move forward.
Joshua W. Glotzer is a Super Lawyers-recognized personal injury attorney and Managing Partner at Glotzer & Leib, LLP. With over 25 years of experience and multiple seven-figure recoveries, he handles complex cases involving car accidents, slip and falls, and elder abuse. Known for his personalized, results-driven approach, Glotzer ensures every client receives the skilled representation they deserve.
“Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.
His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”
“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
“Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”
“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
“I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”
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